Replacing Vista with XP-Pro

[Guest]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning. 2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

 

[Richard in AZ]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning. 2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

As your last sentence signifies, I would recommend that you don't try it.
First, the older Dell XP software is OEM software and cannot legally* be transferred on another
machine.
Second, XP on the new machine will require a lot of tweaking to get the hardware drivers (software)
working.
If you really plan to change, you will need someone with a lot of computer expertise to help you.
A good repair shop (not the big box stores) may be able to get your Vista problems solved, or get
you into XP.
However changing to a legal XP is going to cost you. $100 to $199 just for the XP program plus
labor.

*others will dispute the "legal", but you did agree to use the XP only on the machine it was sold
on.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, the old Dell Windows XP Reinstallation CD will only
work with the original Dell computer it originally came with.
It is BIOS-locked to the motherboard and your new Dell
has a completely different motherboard BIOS.

You would be far better off reinstalling Windows Vista
according to the procedure recommended by Dell's
User's Guide that shipped with your new Dell computer.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning. 2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

 

[Guest]

Thank you for your reply. However, would not reinstalling Windows Vista give
me the same problems? I started having these problems almost immeadiately, so
I don't think it has to do with any software I have installed.

 

[Charlie Tame]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning. 2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

Your old restore disk is very unlikely to work, you will need to obtain
an XP Pro retail CD. "If" you decide to go ahead and try this my
suggestion would be to either remove the present hard drive and try this
with a new drive (Thus keeping your present system intact) or get
Acronis True Image or similar and clone the drive.

Your reboot problem may well be caused by drivers, either motherboard or
video card. Go back and check the Dell website to see if there are new
ones, the tech you spoke with may have missed something.

Time.Windows.Com was acting up for me too for a while, you can use
another time server. I would try and resolve the reboot problem with
drivers, if necessary having Dell check things for you / with you as you
work on it.

I tend to agree about Vista and if you can get a retail XP that's fine,
but you have to do something to make sure you can restore Vista and the
second disk option is a little more expensive but if you don't mind
taking the case apart is what I'd do.

 

[Guest]

I've had Dell check my computer twice (remotely). They supposedly updated the
drivers, but I don't know for sure. They came to the decision that it was
'software related'. I've also tried all the different time server options but
I am getting an error message about it trying to sync with the different
sites. This isn't a big issue with me (the reboot problem is), its just
frustrating. You would think with modern technolgy as advanced as it is, a
machine would be able to keep the correct time.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

On the Dell Support web site, they have a BIOS update
marked as "urgent". I would recommend that you download
and install this BIOS update:
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...g=&SystemID=INS_PNT_1501&hidos=WW1&hidlang=en

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

---------------------------------------------------------------

:

Thank you for your reply. However, would not reinstalling Windows Vista give
me the same problems? I started having these problems almost immeadiately, so
I don't think it has to do with any software I have installed.

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista
Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots
without warning. 2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic
Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There
conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the
Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron
that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I
would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the
old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able
to guess.

Have you asked anyone from Dell about the possibility of
returning your Inspiron and getting a replacement? The Inspiron
1501 is one of the laptops that Dell is still offering with
Windows XP Professional.

Shop Microsoft Windows XP PCs
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/winxp_inspnnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[mayayana]

You might find this link interesting:

http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2007/09/24/downgrade-your-vista-to-xp/

The gist of it is that you have a right, by license,
to "downgrade", but it could be awkward to achieve
if Dell doesn't offer a CD. However, the article says
that you can use any XP CD you can get your hands
on, then call MS to get an activation code. (But note
that an old OEM CD probably won't work. A disk image
of that system might, or you can apparently just
borrow a full version CD from someone else legally.)

 

[PvdG42]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning.
2.
Computer clock will not keep correct time. The Automatic Update time
program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related. (I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro
on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to
go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore
CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.
I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

All the problems you cite could be hardware/firmware related(except the
Windows Mail issue, which you say was solved). Have you *thoroughly* tested
the memory using a program such as Memtest 86 or similar?
On the web update for time, have you tried to connect to a different server?
There should be alternatives in the drop-down list.
Another responder pointed you to an "urgent" BIOS update. This is different
from drivers you mention in another post.
Frankly, I find the Dell tech support decision that "it's software related"
suspect pending memory testing and the BIOS update.
BTW, as it is Dell's responsibility to provide support for the OEM OS they
(Dell) sold you, what have they offered to do to put it right?

I'm mentioning all this because one of my students bought a Dell laptop with
Vista (DNR model) that had all sorts of issues which Dell tech support was
fobbing off on Vista until I helped the student with some comparison stats
and logical arguments. He was then able to escalate his problems beyond
first-tier support and got Dell to *replace* the faulty laptop under
warranty.

 

[Guest]

Supposedly the first time I contacted Dell, they upgraded my Bios and ran
some tests on it. I thought they had cured the problem but it has still
crashed on me a number of times, always without warning.
As far as the time problem, yes, I have tried all the time servers that the
drop down box listed. All with the same error message. I should probably
contact Dell again while the warrenty is still in effect.
Thanks to all for your suggestions and concern.

 

[Richard Urban]

Why not recommend the Memory Diagnostics built into Vista? It is in
Administration Tools.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recently purchased a Dell Inspiron 1501 with Vista Business. I've had a
number of frustrating problems since. 1. System reboots without warning.

Mostly likely a hardware issue, possibly thermally-induced.


2.

Computer clock will not keep correct time.

Clearly a hardware issue. Replace the motherboard.

The Automatic Update time program
fails. 3. Windows mail highjacked my out box.
Dell has tried to handle these issues without success. There conclusion is
it is software related.

.... and wrong, for the most part.

(I was able to locate a fix for the Windows Mail.)
The other issues are ongoing.
I have a restore CD that came with an older Dell Inspiron that had XP-Pro on
it. (I never had ANY problems with XP-Pro.) I'm thinking I would like to go
back to that OS.
My question- Is it possible, feasable, safe to try to use the old restore CD
and replace this infernal Vista OS.

No, no, no!

First of all, you need to force Dell to honor their warranty and fix
your computer. Any and all problems you're having, whether hardware or
software related, are the responsibility of the OEM to fix. Don't whuss
out and let Dell slide out of its contractual obligations to you.

Secondly, that old Recovery CD won't work on your new computer.
Period. To start, it'll have been BIOS-locked to the original
computer's motherboard to prevent precisely the sort of software piracy
you're contemplating. (OEM licenses are *permanently* bound to the
first computer on which they're installed, and not legitimately
transferable under any circumstances.) It will also lack any of the
necessary device drivers to run the newer computer.

I, personally am not too computer savvy, as you might be able to guess.

If you want, you can replace Vista with WinXP. You'll have to either
see if Dell will make the exchange, or purchase an additional WinXP license.

If you elect to do so, however, 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 will be the additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP license
for this new computer.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[PvdG42]

Why not recommend the Memory Diagnostics built into Vista? It is in
Administration Tools.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User
(For email, remove the obvious from my address)

'Cause I'm an old guy and used to my old and trusted tools
I've never tried the built in diagnostics, but I will no that you've pointed
them out.
Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Well, thanks very much for considering this issue. However, I never thought
of myself as a pirate! Wow. My thinking was this- Since I bought a Dell about
5 years ago (with xp-pro), and since I paid a lot of money for it, and since
it has died- I figured I should be able to do with it what I want. I now
realize that is not true- legally.
By the way, The reason I didn't choose XP as my operating system on this
computer (which I had as an option), was that Dell was going to charge me
over $200.00 MORE than if I submissively gave in to the "Vista Experience".
Now, why do you suppose it should cost more for an older (and evidently more
reliable) OS?

 

[Rojo Habe]

If you've had these problems out of the box from day one, i.e. before you
installed any of your own software, I'd suggest that you do have a hardware
fault. If there were problems with the image Dell are shipping with their
machines I'm sure they'd know about it by now. Of course, as soon as you
make any changes this logic no longer applies.

The thing to do is to restore it to its original condition using the
recovery CD that came with it (after first making sure you have backup
copies of any files you need to keep). Leave it in this state for a few
days; don't even let Window Update do its thing. If the problems persist
then you almost certainly have a hardware fault. Your biggest problem then
will be to convince Dell of this, but telling them that you've restored it
to its original out-of-the-box state will help.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Well, thanks very much for considering this issue. However, I never thought
of myself as a pirate!

Well, you certainly may not have deliberately intended to be such, but,
when all is said and done, that is what it all boils down to, in the end.

Wow. My thinking was this- Since I bought a Dell about
5 years ago (with xp-pro), and since I paid a lot of money for it, ....

.... not if you have a much cheaper, non-transferable OEM license, you
didn't pay a lot of money for the OS.

.... and since
it has died- I figured I should be able to do with it what I want. I now
realize that is not true- legally.

Entirely too many people have thought exactly the same way, so
Microsoft had to institute Product Activation to help curb casual
software piracy. Unfortunately, almost no one reads the EULA that makes
this all very clear. I can't help wondering if these same people also
sign credit card contracts, mortgage contracts, insurance policies, et
al, without reading them; if so, they're letting themselves in for a
world of hurt.

By the way, The reason I didn't choose XP as my operating system on this
computer (which I had as an option), was that Dell was going to charge me
over $200.00 MORE than if I submissively gave in to the "Vista Experience".
Now, why do you suppose it should cost more for an older (and evidently more
reliable) OS?

I wouldn't have expected the price difference to be that great, but it
makes sense that there is such a cost. After all, it'll have cost Dell
additional money (or hire someone else) to develop WinXP-specific
device drivers for the computer's much newer components.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Why not recommend the Memory Diagnostics built into Vista? It is in
Administration Tools.

Ther obvious answer would be that if the OS installation is suspect,
none of its built-in utilities are to be fully trusted. I'd certainly
always use diagnostic utilities that run outside the ailing OS, just as
a normal precaution against skewed results.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



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

 

[Guest]

Ok. I repent, with sackcloth and ashes.
However, my frustration as a consumer remains.

 

[Not Me]

Don't feel too bad, many of us don't find Vista to be an upgrade.
I don't have any hardware or driver issues with the machine I built just for
Vista; I just don't like the way it works.
They put XP in a blender, added a few little pieces of eye candy, turned it
on HIGH and let it run for 5 years.
When they poured it into the DVD molds, out popped Vista.
I'm not inpressed with the looks, the rearranging, or the useability.
What they call improved security is just a pain in my rear end.
In my opinion, MS missed their foot and shot themselves in the head with
Vista.
So far, it's cost someone 40 new computer sales and MS 40 license sales.
I refuse to pay extra to get XP on new systems and refuse to inflict Vista
on my users.
So I have spent the time & effort to learn an alternative OS and have
implemented it on older machines instead of buying new systems with Vista
installed.
It's no harder to learn than Vista and it is free. 40 down and only 200 more
to go...