How can I remove Vista and Install XP?

[Guest]

I need some help...fast. I have a new laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705) that came
with Vista. I am sure Vista will be great one day but for now, I want/need
XP. Dell mailed me a copy of XP and now I need to change my operating
system. There is no data on the computer that I want to keep. I have no
spare cash to pay someone to do it for me...or I would. Someone please help
this newly relocated girl get her computer up and running. Thanks,

Jenn

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Each OEM does it a little differently since they have their own custom
media.
Check your manual for installation of Windows XP.
Typically you insert the DVD, reboot the computer and follow the
prompts.

You can also check with the Dell newsgroup:
alt.sys-pc-clone.dell
Possibly available through your ISPs news server.

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

I need some help...fast. I have a new laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705)
that came with Vista. I am sure Vista will be great one day but for
now, I want/need XP. Dell mailed me a copy of XP and now I need to
change my operating system. There is no data on the computer that I
want to keep. I have no spare cash to pay someone to do it for
me...or I would. Someone please help this newly relocated girl get
her computer up and running. Thanks,

Jenn

How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348/en-us

How to install or upgrade to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

The Dell CD may work differently so check your documentation of the Dell
site.

 

[Guest]

Thanks. I should have added that I have tried to do that but, Vista keeps
blocking me. I get the following message:

This program is blocked due to compatibility issues...
Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the CD.

 

[xfile]

Hi,

In addition to others' suggestions, you have at least two alternatives,

(1) Contact Dell support for detailed instructions:
http://support.dell.com/support/top.../en/contact_us_options?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~tab=1

(2) Refer to the following Dell's articles:

(a) Pre-reinstallation check list:
http://support.dell.com/support/top...cument?docid=294E3FA53CCF4792E040A68F5B28205C

(b) Installation Guide in PDF format:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/software/oswinxp/en/index.htm

Select "Installation Guide (Dell OptiPlex, Dell Precision)" and read
"Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" section. Note: Even it's for the said
models but it's pretty much the same for most models. And for Dell models,
you should be able to get into system setup mode by pressing F2 during boot
time.

For preparations, I assume your resource CD is for Vista, so you need to
download drivers for XP. You can do that from here:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen

For driver installation, I'd suggest to install only LAN driver after OS
installation (so you could be online) and then run Windows Update before
installing other drivers and applications. I now do so because I notice
Windows Update will provide certain requirements for subsquent driver or
application installation (in some but not all cases).

Finally, you don't have to activate Windows until you feel the system is in
a stable state.

In addition to this newsgroup, you could contact Dell support and/or visit
their forums (e.g. for XP:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board?board.id=sw_winxp) for
specific questions related to Dell's models.

 

[xfile]

This program is blocked due to compatibility issues...

Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the CD.

You need to perform a "clean" install, so use Clean Install Windows XP
(http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html) provided by
GreenieLeBrun or use "Reinstalling Microsoft Windows XP" section of the help
file I provided which is for a clean install.

 

[Lang Murphy]

Thanks. I should have added that I have tried to do that but, Vista keeps
blocking me. I get the following message:

This program is blocked due to compatibility issues...
Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is
newer than the version on the CD.

Sounds like you're trying to run the XP install from within Vista. I should
think that you need to actually boot your PC from the Dell XP CD. On most
Dell's, when you reboot the PC, you need to hit F12 to get to the boot menu.
If the boot menu lists CD/DVD drive, select that and hit Enter. Then you may
have to "hit any key" if you're prompted to do so. If the boot menu does not
show a CD/DVD drive as a boot device, you'll have to go into the BIOS setup
(which should be an available option at the bottom of the boot menu) to
enable booting from the CD/DVD device.

If none of this makes sense to you... then you need to get back on the horn
with Dell and have them walk you through it.

Good luck!

Lang

 

[Peter Foldes]

jenn

You need to put in the XP CD in the CD\DVD ROM and shut off the computer while the CD is in the computer. Then open your computer with the XP CD in there and follow the prompts.

--
Peter

Please Reply to Newsgroup for the benefit of others
Requests for assistance by email can not and will not be acknowledged.

 

[HeyBub]

I need some help...fast. I have a new laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705)
that came with Vista. I am sure Vista will be great one day but for
now, I want/need XP. Dell mailed me a copy of XP and now I need to
change my operating system. There is no data on the computer that I
want to keep. I have no spare cash to pay someone to do it for
me...or I would. Someone please help this newly relocated girl get
her computer up and running. Thanks,

Find a 12-year old male...

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I need some help...fast. I have a new laptop (Dell Inspiron E1705) that came
with Vista. I am sure Vista will be great one day but for now, I want/need
XP. Dell mailed me a copy of XP and now I need to change my operating
system. There is no data on the computer that I want to keep. I have no
spare cash to pay someone to do it for me...or I would. Someone please help
this newly relocated girl get her computer up and running. Thanks,

Jenn

Simply follow the instructions that Dell provided along with their CD.


--

Bruce Chambers

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