Bob said:
I recently purchased a new HP computer that had Vista as an operating system.
The next day I was on this site and discovered Vista doesn't have Outlook
Express.
No, but it has Windows Mail, which is only a little different from OE;
it's just a bit more "dumbed-down."
I immediately returned the unopen box.
That's a bit of an over-reaction.
Does anyone know if you can
purchase Outlook Express separately and install it on a Vista computer.
No, that's not possible.
Better yet, where can I buy Windows XP in a box, and can XP be installed over
a Vista operating system?
You might be able to find a copy of WinXP somewhere like flea markets,
computer fairs, or on-line auction sites. Of course, via those avenues,
you'd have no way of knowing whether or not you were getting a
legitimate license until it's too late. You might try a couple of the
more reputable sites, like Amazon.com, to see if they have any copies of
WinXP left.
As for installing it "over" Vista, that's technically impossible. It
might be possible, though, to remove the Vista and replace it with WinXP.
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, in rare cases, possibly 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.
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.
I do not want a Vista operating system. My son
has it on his lap top and all he does is have trouble.
So, you're basing your assessment of Vista upon the sub-par quality of
your son's laptop and/or your son's lack of technical ability?
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot
