format ?

[JG]

We bought a new machine with Vista on it.
However Our Engineering software will not
run on Vista and we really don't like Vista
either (too restrictive).
We would like to just install our XP cd to
the new machine but we cannot figure a way
to do it. Vista will not let me format the drive.
and the XP Cd does nothing on boot, it goes
right back to Vista.
We have not tried the partition dual boot yet
since we really want all the hard drive space
we can get for large Cad files. Can anyone
tell us a rootkit boot program that will allow
us to format the Vista drive so as to allow an
XP installation?

 

[Gordon]

We would like to just install our XP cd to
the new machine but we cannot figure a way
to do it. Vista will not let me format the drive.
and the XP Cd does nothing on boot, it goes
right back to Vista.

You need to tell the machine to boot from the CD on start-up - it won't do
it automatically. Typically you need to hit one of the F keys when you
switch on that will bring up a boot menu. Consult your manual on which key
to hit...

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

We bought a new machine with Vista on it.
However Our Engineering software will not
run on Vista and we really don't like Vista
either (too restrictive).
We would like to just install our XP cd to
the new machine but we cannot figure a way
to do it. Vista will not let me format the drive.

If you do it correctly, Vista isn't involved when you do it. You can't
format a drive from within the operating system; that's like cutting
down the tree that you're sitting in.

Just boot from the Windows XP CD (change the BIOS boot order if
necessary to accomplish this) and follow the prompts for a clean
installation (delete the existing partition by pressing "D" when
prompted, then create a new one).

You can find detailed instructions here:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

or here
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how_do_i_install_windows_xp.htm

or here http://windowsxp.mvps.org/XPClean.htm

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

Also bear in mind that it may not be possible for XP to run on this
machine. You will probably need XP drivers for components within the
machine (especially if it's a laptop) and they may not be available.
Check with the manufacturer to be sure.

 

[JG]

If you do it correctly, Vista isn't involved when you do it. You can't

format a drive from within the operating system; that's like cutting
down the tree that you're sitting in.
Just boot from the Windows XP CD (change the BIOS boot order if
necessary to accomplish this) and follow the .........................

Thanks very much for the information I try that.
Basically I was referring to how I've typed format c:
at the command prompt every since dos to XP and it has
has always formatted drive c. Then when I rebooted with
the OS cd in the cd drive it would then boot from it, since
C drive no longer had anything on it.

 

[Gordon]

Thanks very much for the information I try that.
Basically I was referring to how I've typed format c:
at the command prompt every since dos to XP and it has
has always formatted drive c. Then when I rebooted with
the OS cd in the cd drive it would then boot from it, since
C drive no longer had anything on it.

I'll bet you don't really mean that you did that with XP - AFAIK you can't
because XP doesn't run on DOS.....

 

[Lord Fauntleroy]

If you do it correctly, Vista isn't involved when you do it. You can't
format a drive from within the operating system; that's like cutting
down the tree that you're sitting in.

I thought you could cut down the tree you're sitting in. It just isn't a
very smart idea

 

[Gordon]

I thought you could cut down the tree you're sitting in. It just isn't a
very smart idea

Oh I don't know. Couldn't we encourage Frank to do it?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

What you really should do is return the new computer for a refund,
then purchase a Dell PC which can be ordered with Windows XP already
installed.

See: http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostrodt?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience

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

We bought a new machine with Vista on it.
However Our Engineering software will not
run on Vista and we really don't like Vista
either (too restrictive).
We would like to just install our XP cd to
the new machine but we cannot figure a way
to do it. Vista will not let me format the drive.
and the XP Cd does nothing on boot, it goes
right back to Vista.
We have not tried the partition dual boot yet
since we really want all the hard drive space
we can get for large Cad files. Can anyone
tell us a rootkit boot program that will allow
us to format the Vista drive so as to allow an
XP installation?

 

[JG]

Thanks we may do that.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks very much for the information I try that.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

Basically I was referring to how I've typed format c:
at the command prompt every since dos to XP and it has
has always formatted drive c.

If that command prompt is stand-alone, from a DOS boot, that's fine.
If it's a command prompt within Windows, it will not work.

Be sure to read the last part of my previous message. Have you
ascertained that XP will run on this machine for sure?

 

[roraniel]

You need to make sure there are XP drivers for your hardware. The computer
manufacturer should have that info

 

[Bruce Chambers]

We bought a new machine with Vista on it.
However Our Engineering software will not
run on Vista and we really don't like Vista
either (too restrictive).

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.

We would like to just install our XP cd to
the new machine but we cannot figure a way
to do it. Vista will not let me format the drive.
and the XP Cd does nothing on boot, it goes
right back to Vista.

It may very well be that WinXP doesn't include drivers to support your
specific IDE or SATA controller. Try this:

Very early in the boot process, just after having booted from the
WinXP CD, the screen will display the words to the effect: "Setup is
examining your system." Press <F6> when this happens, and have the
*manufacturer's* WinXP-specific drivers for your IDE/SATA controller
available on a floppy disk.

We have not tried the partition dual boot yet
since we really want all the hard drive space
we can get for large Cad files. Can anyone
tell us a rootkit boot program that will allow
us to format the Vista drive so as to allow an
XP installation?

All you need is a WinXP Installation CD and possibly a floppy disk with
the proper SATA drivers.


--

Bruce Chambers

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