help downgrading a Dell Inspiron w/ Vista to XP Pro

[Niteowl]

hi all,

just got a new Inspiron 1525 preinstalled with Vista Home... and I need to
install XP Pro

however when using the Dell Reinstallation Disk for XP Pro SP2 (from
previous purchases), it is not detecting the Hard Drive.

I have looked around and found the setting in the BIOS set to AHCI under
SATA operation.. there is an option to change to ATA, but I'm getting a
warning and I just want to make sure I won't do any permanent damage.
Warning says changing this "may prevent your operating system from booting
or requrie a resinall." which would seem to be okay since that's what I'm
doing...

It also had me disable the "Flash Cache Module" before being able to change
this setting.

Am I on the right track??

Dell would not give me any tech support saying they could only help me with
the original O/S that came with the unit...

I'm using this computer as a template for imaging about 25 more just like
it.

BTW, I used my Acronis Boot Disk v11 to make a backup image of the Vista
before I started trying to install XP, and it detected all the drives just
fine. ??

Any wisdom is welcome,

thanks,
niteowl

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

just got a new Inspiron 1525 preinstalled with Vista Home... and I need to

install XP Pro

however when using the Dell Reinstallation Disk for XP Pro SP2 (from
previous purchases), it is not detecting the Hard Drive.

I have looked around and found the setting in the BIOS set to AHCI under
SATA operation.. there is an option to change to ATA, but I'm getting a
warning and I just want to make sure I won't do any permanent damage.
Warning says changing this "may prevent your operating system from booting
or requrie a resinall." which would seem to be okay since that's what I'm
doing...

It also had me disable the "Flash Cache Module" before being able to change
this setting.

Am I on the right track??

Dell would not give me any tech support saying they could only help me with
the original O/S that came with the unit...

I'm using this computer as a template for imaging about 25 more just like
it.

BTW, I used my Acronis Boot Disk v11 to make a backup image of the Vista
before I started trying to install XP, and it detected all the drives just
fine. ??

You will not be able to install it in AHCI, XP does not support it.
"ATA" will work just as fast and is there for the fact that XP never
supported SATA (AHCI). If you're going to do a clean install, go grab
NLite, the full SP3 file, and make yourself a slipstremed SP3 CD.
Also, grab the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility as well.
You will need it.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was 10/23/2008 2:37 PM, and on a whim, Thee Chicago
Wolf pounded out on the keyboard:

You will not be able to install it in AHCI, XP does not support it.
"ATA" will work just as fast and is there for the fact that XP never
supported SATA (AHCI). If you're going to do a clean install, go grab
NLite, the full SP3 file, and make yourself a slipstremed SP3 CD.
Also, grab the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility as well.
You will need it.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

I've installed new hard drives on at least a dozen Dell laptops in the
last month that were all SATA (Insirons & Latitudes). I used a plain XP
CD ss w/SP3. I was surprised nothing was needed, as many workstations
with SATA required drivers at the beginning of the install.

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

hi all,

just got a new Inspiron 1525 preinstalled with Vista Home... and I need to
install XP Pro

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.

however when using the Dell Reinstallation Disk for XP Pro SP2 (from
previous purchases), it is not detecting the Hard Drive.

This would *NOT* be a legitimate use of this disk; that OEM license is
permanently bound to the original Dell computer with which it was
purchased. OEM licenses are not transferable, under any circumstances.

I have looked around and found the setting in the BIOS set to AHCI under
SATA operation.. there is an option to change to ATA, but I'm getting a
warning and I just want to make sure I won't do any permanent damage.
Warning says changing this "may prevent your operating system from booting
or requrie a resinall." which would seem to be okay since that's what I'm
doing...

It also had me disable the "Flash Cache Module" before being able to change
this setting.

Am I on the right track??

No, not really. You'll first need to obtain a legitimate WinXP license
to install.

Dell would not give me any tech support saying they could only help me with
the original O/S that came with the unit...

Naturally.

I'm using this computer as a template for imaging about 25 more just like
it.

BTW, I used my Acronis Boot Disk v11 to make a backup image of the Vista
before I started trying to install XP, and it detected all the drives just
fine. ??

Any wisdom is welcome,

Either learn to use Vista, or purchase the 25 computers with the
correct OS installed, to start with.



--

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

 

[Niteowl]

The date and time was 10/23/2008 2:37 PM, and on a whim, Thee Chicago Wolf
pounded out on the keyboard:


I've installed new hard drives on at least a dozen Dell laptops in the
last month that were all SATA (Insirons & Latitudes). I used a plain XP
CD ss w/SP3. I was surprised nothing was needed, as many workstations
with SATA required drivers at the beginning of the install.

Changing the BIOS for SATA control from AHCI to ATA made it possible to
install XP. Dell tech support supplied me with the XP drivers that I
needed.

I am still showing something in the Device Manager listed as: "Base System"
and the references are:
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4BF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0843&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4AF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0852&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4CF0

I googled for it to see what hardware it was referencing, but no joy.

I also sent an email request to Dell but haven't heard back yet, but it
seems to me someone posted something here a while back where I could plug
these references into in order to search to find out what piece of hardware
this is referring to.

thanks for the help and info.


niteowl

 

[Niteowl]

Niteowl wrote:

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.

the XP support files are on the Dell site and they provided me a list of the
ones I needed.

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.

we went over this prior to purchase, my hardware warranty is still in
effect.

Thirdly, there may be the additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP
license for this new computer.

yes there was.

This would *NOT* be a legitimate use of this disk; that OEM license is
permanently bound to the original Dell computer with which it was
purchased. OEM licenses are not transferable, under any circumstances.

I am compliant with all licensing from Dell.. I have volume licensing, and
have added the required licenses.

Either learn to use Vista, or purchase the 25 computers with the correct
OS installed, to start with.

Dell didn't offer XP pre-installed but does offer XP drivers and support
files.... so, I'll use the operating system "I" want to use, thank you very
much.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was 10/23/2008 7:17 PM, and on a whim, Niteowl pounded
out on the keyboard:

Changing the BIOS for SATA control from AHCI to ATA made it possible to
install XP. Dell tech support supplied me with the XP drivers that I
needed.

I am still showing something in the Device Manager listed as: "Base System"
and the references are:
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4BF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0843&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4AF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0852&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4CF0

I googled for it to see what hardware it was referencing, but no joy.

I also sent an email request to Dell but haven't heard back yet, but it
seems to me someone posted something here a while back where I could plug
these references into in order to search to find out what piece of hardware
this is referring to.

thanks for the help and info.


niteowl

Hi Niteowl,

I didn't make any BIOS changes for these laptops. I was surprised XP
even recognized the disks. No additional drivers needed.

--
Terry R.

***Reply Note***
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

 

[Paul]

Changing the BIOS for SATA control from AHCI to ATA made it possible to
install XP. Dell tech support supplied me with the XP drivers that I
needed.

I am still showing something in the Device Manager listed as: "Base System"
and the references are:
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4BF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0843&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4AF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0852&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4CF0

I googled for it to see what hardware it was referencing, but no joy.

I also sent an email request to Dell but haven't heard back yet, but it
seems to me someone posted something here a while back where I could plug
these references into in order to search to find out what piece of hardware
this is referring to.

thanks for the help and info.


niteowl

Device identification.

http://pciids.sourceforge.net/pci.ids

The following is copied from an older version I have on disk.
This list is informally maintained, as the official list is
secret. There is a similar usb.ids list, for USB devices.
New entries are constantly being added.

Ven Dev (Subsys)

1180 Ricoh Co Ltd
0592 R5C592 Memory Stick Bus Host Adapter
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
1043 1967 V6800V
144d c018 X20 IV
0843 R5C843 MMC Host Controller
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
0852 xD-Picture Card Controller
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
1043 1967 V6800V

Since the Presario entry stands out in that list, I tried
there first.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=228&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3250970#

"Ricoh 5-in-1 Card Reader Driver"
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33413.exe

When you execute that, it dumps to C:\swsetup\SP33413
and the folders are suggestive all three items will
get installed.

HTH,
Paul

 

[Niteowl]

Device identification.

http://pciids.sourceforge.net/pci.ids

The following is copied from an older version I have on disk.
This list is informally maintained, as the official list is
secret. There is a similar usb.ids list, for USB devices.
New entries are constantly being added.

Ven Dev (Subsys)

1180 Ricoh Co Ltd
0592 R5C592 Memory Stick Bus Host Adapter
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
1043 1967 V6800V
144d c018 X20 IV
0843 R5C843 MMC Host Controller
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
0852 xD-Picture Card Controller
103c 30b7 Presario V6133CL
1043 1967 V6800V

Since the Presario entry stands out in that list, I tried
there first.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=228&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3250970#

"Ricoh 5-in-1 Card Reader Driver"
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33001-33500/sp33413.exe

When you execute that, it dumps to C:\swsetup\SP33413
and the folders are suggestive all three items will
get installed.

HTH,
Paul

thanks Paul,

It was the Ricoh drivers, thanks, all drivers now installed and the Device
Manager is showing everything installed.


niteowl

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

Changing the BIOS for SATA control from AHCI to ATA made it possible to

install XP. Dell tech support supplied me with the XP drivers that I
needed.

I am still showing something in the Device Manager listed as: "Base System"
and the references are:
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0592&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4BF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0843&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4AF0
PCI\VEN_1180&DEV_0852&SUBSYS_022F1028&REV_12\4&28D6DE3B&0&4CF0

I googled for it to see what hardware it was referencing, but no joy.

I also sent an email request to Dell but haven't heard back yet, but it
seems to me someone posted something here a while back where I could plug
these references into in order to search to find out what piece of hardware
this is referring to.

thanks for the help and info.

You'll probably need the Intel Chipset drivers to be installed now.
Find them here:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/fil...XP+Professional&lang=eng&strOSs=44&submit=Go!

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

I've installed new hard drives on at least a dozen Dell laptops in the

last month that were all SATA (Insirons & Latitudes). I used a plain XP
CD ss w/SP3. I was surprised nothing was needed, as many workstations
with SATA required drivers at the beginning of the install.

I didn't say it couldn't be done. On some Dells, you do have to use
the ATA mode when installing or XP won't recognize the disk. Newer
Dells can have ACHI mode on and install XP successfully. Depends on
the BIOS capabilities.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Niteowl]

You'll probably need the Intel Chipset drivers to be installed now.
Find them here:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/fil...XP+Professional&lang=eng&strOSs=44&submit=Go!

- Thee Chicago Wolf

Thanks, it's done now... working great!

take care and thanks for the info

niteowl