Install XP Pro on Laptop with Vista

[H. Druss]

Hi All
I just bought a used Dell Vostro 1000 laptop with Vista.
I own a copy of XP Pro
I would like to remove Vista and all data on the laptop, perhaps reformat
the hard drive and install XP Pro.
Any suggestions on the procedure?
Thanks
Harold

 

[John Barnett MVP]

The procedure, assuming you have a retail copy of XP Pro, is simple enough;
the problem is whether or not XP has the correct drivers for your current
hardware; if it doesn't then you are going to get some problems. I would
suggest that you contact Dell to check that you can actually 'downgrade' to
XP Pro and that Dell have the relevant drivers for XP and your machine.

My desktop is 2 years old now and it came with Vista Premium. On the day I
got the PC I had problems whereby at every boot Vista needed re-installing
(turned out to be a hard disk problem); however, because I had a retail copy
of XP Pro I formatted the drive and installed XP Pro instead - sadly there
were hardware incompatibilities and no XP drivers were available. In the end
the machine had to go back to the store and be replaced.

Although I still do run XP Pro I run it as a Virtual machine using VMware
Workstation software.

This link from my website will give you an illustrated view of how to
install Windows XP, but, as I've said, make sure there are XP drivers
available for all your hardware before proceeding:
http://www.winuser.co.uk/windows_xp_faq/85_how_do_i_install_windows_xp.html


--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://www.winuser.co.uk
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[H. Druss]

Hi John
Thanks for the information. I'm glad I asked first and didn't just reformat
and install XP Pro.
I never thought of an issue with drivers.
I contact Dell as you suggested.
Thanks
Harold

 

[John Barnett MVP]

You're Welcome, Harold.

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://www.winuser.co.uk
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Hi All
I just bought a used Dell Vostro 1000 laptop with Vista.
I own a copy of XP Pro
I would like to remove Vista and all data on the laptop, perhaps reformat
the hard drive and install XP Pro.
Any suggestions on the procedure?
Thanks
Harold

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, in rare cases, possibly 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 will 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.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


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~ Denis Diderot

 

[Randem]

If you want to install XP on that Laptop visit
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...mID=VOS_N_1000&hidos=WLH&hidlang=en&TabIndex=

Get the drivers before you start. Put them on a usb drive or CD then install
XP. Mind you, after installing XP and you need help, if you call dell
support they will not help you because your warranty is for Vista...

--
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Your Installation Specialist
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Disk Read Error Press Ctl+Alt+Del to Restart
http://www.randem.com/discus/messages/9402/9406.html?1236319938

 

[Daave]

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 Dell Vostro 100 laptop was designed for *both* Vista and XP.

OP: Please see this page:

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...mID=VOS_N_1000&hidos=WLH&hidlang=en&TabIndex=

Secondly, removing an
OEM-installed operating system and replacing it with another will
almost invariably void any and all support agreements and, in rare
cases, possibly 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.

In order to cover all your bases, it would be wise to image the hard
drive. That way if there is a hardware issue (e.g., the screen becomes
extremely dim), you can just restore the Vista image. Or better yet,
purchase a new hard drive and install XP on *that*. Then if the need
ever arose, simply put the original drive (the one with Vista) back in.