XP Question 1

[NickCat11]

Hello all,

I recently saw the post about someone having a problem installing XP on a system that came with Vista. I need to buy another computer and obviously all they come with now is Vista. I want to do a fresh install with XP Pro. Am I going to have any problems with this? Have they made Vista specific hardware that will prevent me from doing this? Thanks in advance.

Nick

 

[gpalmer711]

There are some hardware components that the manufacturers have not bothered to make XP drivers for.

If you have an operating system that you can install on this machine already then you could buy a system without any operating system or get a local shop to custom build one for you.

The problem that you are mentioning with the Gateway machine is quite a rare on, generally there are XP drivers available if not on the PC manufacturers site they will be on the individual component manufacturers site.

If you are especially concerned about this ask the company that you are looked to buy this PC from for a full spec sheet which should allow you to check there are XP drivers before buying.

Greg Palmer
Freeware Utilities for Windows Administrators.

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[captainPlus]

Hi NickCat11,

I want to tell the story of my computer about this "Vista" issue. I've purchased a Toshiba A100-599 notebook which is titled as "Windows Vista" (not Vista-Ready or Vista-Compatible). I have to use XP Pro because of my job. I formatted the machine and installed Windows XP on it. Installation went fine but NONE of my devices are recognized by WinXP and there was no driver for Windows XP neither in provided driver CD nor in the driver partition built in machine. So I went to Toshiba website and searched for my machine. Unfortunately there were no Windows XP drivers listed for my computer model (just Vista drivers).
So I called Toshiba support to ask this issue. They said: "this computer is a 'Vista' machine and you can not install WinXP on it". When I say I have to use Windows XP and I'll return the computer to the store, they've escalated the issue to their manager. A few minutes later I've taken a call from Toshiba. After a few minute talk, they've e-mailed me the "reserved" Windows XP driver links for my computer (they title these drivers as 'reserved' not me).

So I suggest you to pay attention on logo on the machine. If it says "Windows Vista" you may live problems like me. If you've a good alternative marked as "Vista-Compatible" prefer it. But if there is no good alternative, you've to force the computer vendor for Windows XP drivers...

Regards,
ali

 

[firewolfrl]

I have a recommendation. If you get a Tower get a second harddrive and install the Windows XP on the second drive...You have to make sure the Vista drive is disconnected when you do this...

You would also need a Boot manager so you can boot either to the Windows XP or the Vista...I have used Vista and XP in this way...I use XOSL

http://www.ranish.com/part/xosl.htm

Here are some info links

http://lifehacker.com/software/top/...lboot-windows-xp-and-windows-vista-179906.php

laptops you need a laptop that can boot a USB external drive