How-To De-Install XP (and go back to Win2000)

[Rick Wong]

I recently upgraded an older laptop from Win2000 to XP,
using the 'Upgrade Option' on the Install Disk. Machine
now runs 'slow-as-a-dog'; while it is within SPEC, PIII
MMx, 256mbRAM, etc.

Anyways, I would like to 'revert back' to Win2000
Professional - and I have the Install Disks. I attempt
to use the Disks and it tells me that "The version that
you are trying to install is older than the current
version, therefore setup will be disabled" (or something
close to that.

Can Someone Please help or send me a reference link?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Instead of reverting back to Windows 2000, you may wish to
try the following suggestions. Otherwise, you'll have to reformat
your hard drive before reinstalling Windows 2000. Did you visit
the support website of the manufacturer of your laptop and download
all the recommended Windows XP drivers?

How to Set Performance Options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;308417&Product=winxp

Afterward, perform the following in this order:

Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310312&Product=winxp

How to Perform Disk Error Checking in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315265&Product=winxp

HOW TO: Analyze and Defragment a Disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;305781&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I recently upgraded an older laptop from Win2000 to XP,
| using the 'Upgrade Option' on the Install Disk. Machine
| now runs 'slow-as-a-dog'; while it is within SPEC, PIII
| MMx, 256mbRAM, etc.
|
| Anyways, I would like to 'revert back' to Win2000
| Professional - and I have the Install Disks. I attempt
| to use the Disks and it tells me that "The version that
| you are trying to install is older than the current
| version, therefore setup will be disabled" (or something
| close to that.
|
| Can Someone Please help or send me a reference link?
| Thanks in advance.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

There is no "rollback" to Win2K.

To replace WinXP with an earlier OS, you'll have to boot from the
appropriate boot disk, format the hard drive, and install. There is
no supported downgrade path or technique.

Simply boot from the Win2K installation CD. You'll be offered the
opportunity to delete, create, and/or format the system partition 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.)


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Jerry]

The 'upgrade' to XP should have resulted in there being an option in
Add/Remove software to unistall XP and go back to your previous operating
system.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

No, the uninstall option becomes available only if the upgrade is
from Win98/Me, the OP elected to backup the old system files, and
didn't subsequently convert the partition to NTFS.


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH