Erase vista install windows xp

Joined May 19, Messages Joined Jun 22, Messages 1. It says that you cannot replace a newer operating system with a older one. I have tried several times.

What am I missing? Joined Apr 19, Messages Have you tried partitioning your drive and installing a dual boot operating system? Joined Jun 26, Messages 1. I had the similiar problem installing XP on a gateway laptop, the error message I got was that windows could not find the hard drives.

Is there a work around for this? Joined Jul 17, Messages 1. Well I did that, I put in my XP disc. Booted off it, went through the blue screen. I did two things: First, I hit 'enter' to continue set up, and a screen came up saying it can't detect a hard disk driver. Than, I went through again and hit 'R', and it showed the same thing.

So where do I go from here? Joined Jul 20, Messages 2. In short, NO, you will not be able to do that so easily as some people would believe.

The reason for this analysis, is that I have experienced this and if your laptop came with Vista and uses only Vista drivers for the hardware, then you will not be revert your machine to XP as we all wish we could. There are some companies though like Dell that are able to do so with some of their laptops. Joined Jul 26, Messages 1.

If you don't know your way around the command prompts, then you'd better stay away from this one or ask for help. But otherwise, there is nothing stopping you from manually removing Windows Vista and replace it with the previous Windows platform you had installed. But be advised, the process does require a "steady hand" as it is laborious and full of meanders. Microsoft has yet to automate the removal of Windows Vista and there are no signs that point to this feature with the first service pack for the operating system.

The only prerequisite for the uninstallation of Vista to work is the existence of the Windows. Press any key on the computer before Windows Vista loads to boot from the installation disc. Follow the onscreen instructions to begin the installation. Accept the End User License Agreement when prompted. Highlight the C: drive containing Windows Vista when prompted to select an installation destination. Press "D" to delete the partition and then "L" to confirm.

Press "C" to create a new partition from the unallocated drive space. Select the NTFS file system. To save time, remember to activate Windows first. When updating your computer, you will need a high-speed Internet connection, and several reboots will be required as Service Pack 3 and other updates are installed; after each reboot, you should run Windows Update again until there are no more updates.

Put back your files and software. Download and install any drivers you need that you have not already installed. Get the software programs you want and reinstall them, and put back your pictures, documents, and other files you saved. For the most part, yes. Just make sure your Computer has Windows XP drivers before downgrading. Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

Consult a computer-savvy friend to explain things to you that you don't understand. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Because you're giving up an important security feature called User Account Control UAC by downgrading, consider setting up a separate, "limited" user account for most uses including surfing the web, and install Secunia PSI and check it regularly to make sure that your software remains updated with the latest security fixes.

Unpatched software can lead to your computer becoming infected with malware, which is used to attack other computers, steal private information such as credit card and social security numbers, or extortion such as holding your files for ransom, without you even knowing it. Look on the disc. In general, if you bought the CD before , it will not include the service pack and you will need to download the latest Service Pack 3 before downgrading and install it immediately after installing Windows XP.

If you bought the CD before , it probably doesn't even include Service Pack 1, which is the oldest version that will work, and you should find a newer Windows XP disc. Ask your computer manufacturer for a XP Professional disc if it is not included, or borrow one from a friend whose computer came with the operating system. The representative will walk you through the steps or he may direct you to your computer manufacturer.

If you have a powerful PC an a larger drive i. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Using a Windows XP install CD that came with your old computer not purchased separately at retail will not work.

The OEM product key from the manufacturer is tied to that computer and will not activate or validate your new computer's Windows XP installation. Also, if you are still using your old computer, do not use the Windows XP product key from that computer, as this is illegal.

Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1. I have seen one intresting thing about Vista. Only Software testers love Vista, because they need laptop to listen music. So Vista is like mobile OS. It should be used for Cell Phones not computers. This is first time Microsoft removed multi threading and multi tasking from their OS. Vista is not Multi threading or multi tasking. It is a hanger.

Can you share your certificate of authenticity with someone else. Like if i use it to replace vista, can i give it ot my sister to replace vista on her computer? Windows Explorer keeps shutting down and restarting. It is impossible to do any windows functions because of this problem. This includes shutting off the computer and worse, reinstalling Windows.

It seems that the hard drive must be removed, reformatted and then Windows reinstalled. I blame this on Vista Service pack 1. I would like to replace Vista with XP. Thanks for the tips above. Any other help would be appreciated. It uses lots of memory with way too many features for my purpose that I never use. I prefer the good old XP program which is easy to navigate.

Very useful…a million thanks!! My computer is running more quickly and doing what it is supposed to do. Internet is faster too. The only problem I had was with the drivers for my Acer Aspire. But I found a lovely tech. The desktop alone with the sidebar disabled takes up more than 1gb ram.

I am sick and tired of vista already and m thinking on the lines of my trusted xp-pro sp2 or the new windows 7 beta. I am not sure about the compatibility with the NS series. I was advised not to go in for vista by a couple of friends but any expert opinion would be greatly appreciated. Good luck. I followed your steps using the boot from CD. Chuck: Hi. Please check the bottom of the original article to see if that information will help you resolve the blue screen error.

I also found that Windows 98 limits my capabilities to use software and sometimes hardware. Any thoughts are appreciated as to whether I should upgrade or just purchase another computer? The laptop is faster compared to the Vista.