Down grade to Windows XP?

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Guest

Just checking to see what I would have to do to down grade to windows xp?
What is the simplest way.
 
One alternate approach is to keep Vista, but if you own a copy of XP
download and install MS Virtual PC. You can then create a VP Machine
that runs inside of Vista. ( Ample memory is a requirement ).
On downgrading, certain Vista versions do carry Downgrade rights but
this is usually restricted to Business, Ultimate SKUs.
As to actually doing a downgrade, you'll have to take the PC back to a
"Bare Metal" state and do disk prep and a full, fresh install of XP. If the
machine is an OEM, best to contact them and see what ( if any ) help is
available. Be sure to check for XP driver availability and if a downgrade
voids your factory warranty.
 
robg6_07 said:
Just checking to see what I would have to do to down grade to
windows xp? What is the simplest way.
Click to expand...

Backup all your files and data that you wish to keep to CD or a
separate partition of your HD or flash drive or ???

Then boot on your XP CD, format the Vista partition and install XP.
There is no downgrade path that I know of.

You don't give much in the way of details. If you have a new computer
that came with Vista installed, you'll have to make sure you have
drivers for all the hardware associated with the computer and if you
don't have a copy of XP you'll have to buy one.
 
This is the method I used --- so I know it works.

Boot up your computer into Windows XP.
Ensure you have the Vista DVD inserted -- but don't let it state installing.
Inside XP, goto "Start" and "Run" and type cmd then type in
"e:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 c: /force" (without quotes, and replacing e:
with the drive letter of your Vista DVD), after it's finished -- remove the
Vista DVD.
Restart computer and it boots right into XP, no Vista boot loader menu.

Now you can remove two files (Boot.BAK & Bootsect.BAK) on your XP drive's
root folder (C:) and format the partition/drive where you had Vista
installed.

Use your partition software to merge your partitions together if ness., now
you have returned your computer to its previous state, without Vista and
without the new bootloader.

----------That should have done it---------------

Worse case scenario if the above didn't work and you can't get back into XP
( Not likely ) but if not.

Boot to your XP repair console and copy these two files:

copy e:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy e:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\

Then type:

fixboot
fixmbr

Remove CD and restart --- finished.

===============================
 
You are assuming that he is dual booting and already has XP installed on a
separate partition. I see nothing to indicate that.
 
Just checking to see what I would have to do to down grade to windows xp?
What is the simplest way.
Click to expand...

If you gave more details it would help. Is this a new computer, laptop?
Have you checked with the computer OEM for XP drivers, XP compatibility and
support if you install XP?
 
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