Re: downgrade vista to xp HELP !!!

Tillpott wrote:
Hi

would someone please give me step by step instructions on how to downgrade a new HP desktop from vista to xp?

I am blonde but capable ... lol ... and I can follow instructions . . . lol

thanks in advance




It's your computer, so the choice is, ultimately, yours. (Although it would have been a lot simpler to have just purchased the computer with WinXP installed, to start with.)

However, there could be a couple possible adverse repercussions of which you should be aware. First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work properly. Consult the computer's manufacturer about the availability of device drivers. Secondly, removing an OEM-installed operating system and replacing it with another will almost invariably void any and all support agreements and, sometimes, even the warranty. You would, at the very least, have to re-install Vista before getting any support from the manufacturer. Again, consult the computer's manufacturer for specifics. Thirdly, there may be the additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP license for this new computer.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then, assuming you were successful in obtaining WinXP-specific device drivers so that the computer can be made to work with WinXP, the backed up data can be restored and applications (those that are WinXP-compatible, that is) re-installed.


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows operating systems
    ... First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work properly. ... After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Dump Vista and downgrade to XP?
    ... Why not just obtain the Vista-specific device drivers from the printer's manufacturer and install them? ... First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work properly. ... After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.installation_setup)
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    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Windows VistaWindows XP
    ... And you've determined beyond all doubt that these problems are caused by the Vista OS, and not -- as is much more likely -- by defective/sub-standard hardware or incompatible applications or device drivers. ... After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Downgrading VISTA to XP Pro
    ... Is it something a novice can do, or does the downgrade have to be done by a pro? ... First and foremost, if the specific computer model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse components work properly. ... After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)