valanderson45 said:
Hi, I have a laptop that had Windows Vista on it when I got it. It is a new
computer. It is the new smaller version, and I can upgrade to the full
version if I want, but I want to totally remove it and use Windows XP
instead. I tried just installing windows XP but it say that I can't becuse I
have a new windows program.
You cannot downgrade to an older OS from within Vista (or from any
other operating system that I've ever heard of, for that matter). You'd
have to perform a clean installation, formatting the hard drive first.
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 the backed up data can be restored and applications (Those
that are WinXP-compatible, that is) re-installed.
There could be a couple possible adverse repercussions, however, 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 will be the
additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP license for this new
computer.
You should return the computer to the seller and exchange it for
one with WinXP, if possible.
--
Bruce Chambers
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