Reformat Vista and Install new XP Pro

[Jeep7955]

Last week set up a new JNCS computer with Asus P5E MB, X38 Chipset, Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 45nm CPU, 3.16Ghz, 4GB DDR2-667, CL5 memory, with Vista 64-bit Ultimate Edition. Quickly discovered that my older Adobe programs would not perform normally, as well as some lesser programs. Not overwhelmed with Vista either! All my programs are running satisfactorily in XP Pro on a second machine. Would like to reformat the Vista drive and install a new copy of XP Pro on that drive. I've read of many problems with this procedure but a few say all should go well.

Would appreciate comment, etc., as to (1) the feasibility of going ahead as outlined, (2) procedures for installing XP Pro, and (3) whether the issue of drivers can become a problem. Shouldn't XP find needed drivers just as Vista did?

 

[linney]

Is your Ultimate 64-bit updated to SP1, SP1 fixes a lot of compatibility problems?

What about something like Virtual PC 64-bit, before you start the painful task of installing XP 64-bit?

Virtual PC 2007 (64-bit)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en&tm

What about a dual boot Vista/XP?

How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide

http://apcmag.com/5485/dualbooting_vista_and_xp

You could also look at VistaProBoot.

http://www.vistabootpro.org/

Some clues and past stories here.

How to install Windows XP over Vista
faq779-6713

How to restore a computer to a previous Windows installation after you install Windows Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933168/en-us#appliesto

Downgrading from Vista to XP
thread1583-1350480

Using DBAN
thread1583-1373898

XP Drivers for a Gateway w/Vista?
thread779-1329243: XP Drivers for a Gateway w/Vista?

How can I install Win XP Pro SP2 on a Vista Pre-installed PC ?
thread779-1373663

Vista OS to xp pro OS?
thread779-1375858

Need help looking for XP drivers for Gateway MT6834b
thread779-1426529

 

[Jeep7955]

linney:
Have looked over all your citations, the most appealing one is your initial suggestion regarding:

Virtual PC 2007 (64-bit)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&displaylang=en&tm

Have you experimented with this feature? As mentioned, all of my programs, including the troublesome ones in Vista, run normally in XP Pro. Would Virtual PC 2007 run these programs in Vista with the same degree of overall performance and control that I now have using XP Pro--no compromises at all? Thanks again.

 

[PRPhx]

Jeep,
You might want to install Virtual PC 2007 as suggested. Then install both the 32 bit ver. of vista and Xp Pro. Try them both. Also have you tried to running your problem software in compatibility mode? Take a look here:

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-compatibility-mode/

Also do a google search for vista adobe. Adobe has said they plan on releasing free downloads to fix problems with their software and Vista. You might also check adobe's website.

 

[wolluf]

Assuming you can get XP drivers for your hardware (and the Asus site certainly has them for mobo), installing XP is just the usual exercise - boot from XP install CD, use the partitioning tools to remove all existing partitions (won't work if you don't do this), create new partition for XP & let it finish as normal.

Virtual PC is ok - no USB support, and sound/graphics can be limited - but basically you would need to try your apps to see if ok - but in your position, I'd just go with an XP install (less hassle, as you know it would all work).

 

[linney]

Only testing with Virtual PC will answer your questions as to what the outcome would be. I have many virtual machines installed into Vista, but most are just for research reasons rather than full production in a business sense. You may even chase around for products like Vmware

http://www.vmware.com/

which offer USB support which is missing from Microsoft's version.

 

[SimonDavies]

I have found that certainly native Acrobat 8 won't work correctly upon initial install, however with subsequent updates it does. You may want to check that Adobe haven't released new updates for your products by now.

SimonD.

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.