Richard said:
I want to get rid of vista and install xp pro on my computer. I
purchased a full install version of xp.
Xp won't install over a newer version.
No, of course not. I don't know of any OS that can be replaced by an
older version without first being eliminating. There is no such thing
as an in-place downgrade.
I can't fdisk with vista.
Again, no, of course not. FDisk is an old MS-DOS utility that is
neither available or needed in either WinXP or Vista. All legitimate
WinXP installation CDs are bootable and have the capability of deleting,
creating, and formatting partitions.
I
can't figure out how to delete the primary partition and completely
clean my hard drive.
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.
All advice will be appreciated.
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, sometimes, 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 may be the additional cost
involved in purchasing a WinXP license for this new computer. (An OEM
CD and license from some previous computer will not do, for legal and
usually technical reasons.)
--
Bruce Chambers
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killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
