Downgrading VISTA to XP Pro

[Bugsy]

I am thinking about purchasing a new computer with VISTA installed and an
option to downgrade to Windows XP Pro.

Has anyone had actual experience doing this? If so, are there any problems
to be anticipated? Is it something a novice can do, or does the downgrade
have to be done by a pro?

Any other thoughts about using this route to get XP on a new computer?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[p]

I am thinking about purchasing a new computer with VISTA installed and an
option to downgrade to Windows XP Pro.

Has anyone had actual experience doing this? If so, are there any problems
to be anticipated? Is it something a novice can do, or does the downgrade
have to be done by a pro?

Any other thoughts about using this route to get XP on a new computer?

Thanks for any advice.

Usually, the computer is delivered with XP and the Vista DVD is
delivered as well but not installed.

P

 

[R. McCarty]

If at all possible, buy a machine with XP factory installed. With each new
product line it's getting more difficult to find XP drivers for newer
peripherals.
Even though XP will have support through 2014 keep in mind that a PC has
a 4-6 year life span. It's not so much an issue today, but over time you'll
find both software and hardware that is supported ONLY for Vista and it's
2010 successor - Windows 7.

Specifically on new hardware the on-board Sound chip ( SigmaTel & others )
can be difficult to find fully working XP drivers.

You could do the roll-back yourself but it's better to get the machine
pre-loaded with XP.

 

[philo]

Usually, the computer is delivered with XP and the Vista DVD is
delivered as well but not installed.

P

No that is not the usual case...


What I'd do is first give Vista a try...it may work out perfectly fine.

If not...be sure to check that XP drivers are avail before wiping out Vista
and installing XP

 

[Dan]

My situation may be more unusual but if you really like working with
computers then build your own machine and configure it the way that you want.
That is what I did with my computer which has a Falcon Northwest case that
originally came with Windows 98 Second Edition and since then everything is
new but the case and the 3.5 inch floppy drive.

I still enjoy using Windows 98 Second Edition for older gaming that XP will
not run and using XP Professional as my primary system and also playing
around with Ubuntu Linux on my tri-boot computer with 2 hard drives and of
course one is with Fat32 and the other with NTFS. Windows Vista Home Premium
is on a Toshiba Laptop that I have and it has great security features that
are needed for the military and perhaps others and a cool Aero interface and
some other good features but it is not compelling enough for me to use all
the time except on a Laptop when I am traveling and need greater security.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

The downgrade will be fully supported by the machine manufacturer who should
be able to assist you, Bugsy.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I am thinking about purchasing a new computer with VISTA installed and an
option to downgrade to Windows XP Pro.

Has anyone had actual experience doing this? If so, are there any problems
to be anticipated? Is it something a novice can do, or does the downgrade
have to be done by a pro?

Any other thoughts about using this route to get XP on a new computer?

Thanks for any advice.

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.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Bill in Co.]

Don't. Buy a new computer with Win XP Pro, while you still can get one.
Otherwise you're most likely just asking for trouble.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

[...said Bill in Co. who only & begrudingly moved to WinXP less than 2 years
ago and who thought WinXP was nothing but trouble when he did so. <wink>]

 

[Bill in Co.]

I'm still using Windows XP *Home*, NOT Pro!
I had/have no use for Pro (but maybe he does - or maybe he can't even get it
anymore without Pro these days).

I will have to concede this point though. I have indeed found it to be
more robust and stable than Win9x was.

However, I still have that annoying initial delay after bootup when first
opening or instantiating Windows Explorer (i.e., a 10 second or so delay for
all the little folder icons to finally settle down so I can use Explorer
(and I always use the Details view) Don't have that problem with third
party ones like XYplorer, however.

And I'd have to give up some control, and reluctantly "sign it over" to XP,
carte blanche. (PCR would hate that)

[...said Bill in Co. who only & begrudingly moved to WinXP less than 2
years
ago and who thought WinXP was nothing but trouble when he did so. <wink>]

Don't. Buy a new computer with Win XP Pro, while you still can get one.
Otherwise you're most likely just asking for trouble.