Downsizing from Windows 7 to XP Pro
in [Help and Support]
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From: Twayne on 3 Apr 2010 20:46 In news:%2338zSY10KHA.4204(a)TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl, bj <bjones44(a)bellatlantic.net> typed: >>> "Dennis" <Dennis(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in >>> message >>> news:DD6828DB-5D46-45AB-9F9F-6A21B5B32E60(a)microsoft.com... >>>> I recently bought a laptop it has Windows 7 on it I dont >>>> like it. when I put in the XP disc it said compatibility >>>> issues. What do I need to do to get rid of Win 7 and put >>>> on XP Pro? > >> "Richard in AZ" <me(a)mailinator.com> wrote in message >> news:e8ahs7t0KHA.4168(a)TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >>> Find someone with a laptop that has Windows XP Pro on it >>> and give that person your Laptop and $50 and you would be >>> ahead of the game. > > "SC Tom" <sc(a)tom.net> wrote in message > news:eWT1VT00KHA.4412(a)TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> >> Best solution yet!! >> -- > > I guess that if I ever pry my XP machines (one Home, one > Pro) out of my hands I will have no trouble finding them > good home(s). Maybe I'll do that instead of upgrading. :-) > > Actually, I hated Vista so much I *did* give that machine > to a non-profit & got me a new "downgraded to XP" laptop. > (I still have the unopened Vista disks that came along with > it!) bj Same here. Hang onto them though; MS may just come up with a way to finally make XP unusable since Vista and win7(Vista+) have been such turds. Already, things like office7 won't handle old versioned Office files without some hoops. They hate backwards compatability. HTH, Twayne`
From: LVTravel on 4 Apr 2010 00:08 "Twayne" <nobody(a)spamcop.net> wrote in message news:OTPKJ#40KHA.4548(a)TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > In news:eqsfrft0KHA.3652(a)TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl, > LVTravel <noone(a)none.com> typed: >> "Dennis" <Dennis(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message >> news:DD6828DB-5D46-45AB-9F9F-6A21B5B32E60(a)microsoft.com... >>> I recently bought a laptop it has Windows 7 on it I dont >>> like it. when I put >>> in the XP disc it said compatibility issues. What do I >>> need to do to get rid >>> of Win 7 and put on XP Pro? >> >> You may not be able to. First have you gone to the >> manufacturer's web site and downloaded all the XP drivers >> for your computer model, including but not limited to: >> motherboard, audio, video and network? If not do so before >> trying to install XP. Can't find the drivers. Try the >> component manufacturer's web site. Still can't find, you >> can't install XP on the computer. > > Mobo drivers for sure, along with anything else needed for the chipset. > But if the audio video and network are cards, then the drivers are already > present if they're needed. Plus XP probably has drivers that would work > until getting around to the other installs. XP's disk won't have drivers for 2009-10 hardware. Where would the "drivers are already present if they're needed" be located if not on the XP disk and as stated I really don't think new hardware's drivers would be on a disk that is more than 6 years older than the current hardware. I have a USB wireless network card that was sold after Vista came out that doesn't have XP drivers available for it from the manufacturer How would that particular device ever be used with XP if it was an installed device in the OP's new computer? >> >> 2nd. You will need to boot from the Windows XP disk and >> remove the partition that Windows 7 is installed onto and >> then repartition, format and install XP. > > Well, a multi-boot is often possible. But one does want to start right > from scratch, deleting and recreating the partitions. XP will allow you to > do up to 4 IIRC, which should be fine. The OP says he wants information to "need to do to get rid of Win 7" so my comment is correct. Doesn't want Win 7 so a dual boot is not what the OP wants. > A newer computer >> will have a SATA drive interface and XP does not. > > XP certainly does, since SP2, have the fixin's for SATA. My nearly ten > year old Gateway in fact had the controller and connectors for 2 sata > drives. No muss, no fuss; indicate which one you want to be the boot > drive, and go. The only downside I came across was that I had to assign my > own drive letters; they weren't automatically assigned. But it's a simple > job with Drive Management, which is native to XP. Maybe SP 2 does have SATA drivers (SP3 certainly does) but who knows what SP of XP the person has. If the OP tries to install using XP Gold or SP1 on a SATA drive the install will fail unless he puts the bios for the drive controller in IDE mode (now granted it is not called that in the bios.) > >> Therefore you either need to have the XP SATA drivers on a >> floppy disk and press F6 during the boot process or turn >> the SATA controller to it's "IDE" mode in the computer's >> bios to be able to install XP on the computer. > > I missed that. Where did the need for IDE mode come up? I didn't see it > mentioned and it's not an issue. > > You have to >> totally strip the boot partition on the hard drive to >> "downgrade" and then install XP from scratch. > > "Strip the hard drive" and installing XP from scratch INCLUDES, and starts > with, the deletion and re-creation of partitions if you wish to do so. > TAkes only seconds to do the partition work, and then wait for the formats > to be done. No problem at all. >> Exactly what I said. You just used more words. >> 3rd. If this is an OEM disk that you have from another >> computer by licensing rules you would not be permitted to >> install the operating system on any other computer than the >> first it was installed onto. > > The disks have nothing to do with anything. As long as you have the same > version disk, ANY disk can be used. What matters is the COA code - THAT > is what's registered and kept track of at MS. You can borrow any like OS > disk to get things going as long as you use your own key. They know the > computer by its contents and no other way. OK, you were really getting picky here. When the OP is installing XP he needs a disk. Who cares where he gets it from. Yes it is the license that can't be transferred with an OEM license. > > If retail it can't be >> currently installed onto any other computer. > > A retail OS disk can be moved to any other computer you wish to use it on. > It's what distunguishes OEM from Retail, in fact. It does not however have > anything to do with the fact that you cannot install the OS in more than > one instance on more than one computer, including with Virtual machines. > That's true no matter what and always has been. Again, I said the exact same thing but in a lot fewer words. > > If a branded >> disk (Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.) it is an OEM and it is also >> probably bios locked to the original computer it was >> installed onto. > > Actually, not necessarily, but it's becoming more common. I currently have 4 computers that have bios locked XP installation disks. The oldest is a Dell 8500 that was first created when Windows ME came out. I have recently found out that the XP OEM disk that Dell sent me for that computer is bios locked to that computer as I recently tried to use that disk on a Sony computer. Didn't work but the OEM Sony disk did. Same SP level. Therefore, bios locked CDs have been common in the past. They are not necessarily "becoming more common." > That's negligible compared to the problem of activation with the correct > COA. It doesn't care; if it's even the same computer but too many things > have been changed, you might have some hoops to jump thru to get it > activated. The algorithm they use is rather complex and AFAIK anyway, > still unknown in public. I agree with that statement except who cares about the preceding paragraph. It isn't pertinent to the point that with a bios locked disk the OP would not be able to use it anyway. > > Please, get your facts right before posting things such as this. You may > have meant well, but there were a lot of misleading things in your post. > > HTH, > > Twayne` > Seems like you were very misleading in your post, going off half cocked and with the facts given by the OP I was right on in my comments on "What do I need to do to get rid of Win 7 and put on XP Pro?"
From: Twayne on 4 Apr 2010 12:04 In news:%23ssmtx60KHA.5996(a)TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl, LVTravel <noone(a)none.com> typed: > "Twayne" <nobody(a)spamcop.net> wrote in message > news:OTPKJ#40KHA.4548(a)TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> In news:eqsfrft0KHA.3652(a)TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl, >> LVTravel <noone(a)none.com> typed: >>> "Dennis" <Dennis(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in >>> message >>> news:DD6828DB-5D46-45AB-9F9F-6A21B5B32E60(a)microsoft.com... >>>> I recently bought a laptop it has Windows 7 on it I dont >>>> like it. when I put >>>> in the XP disc it said compatibility issues. What do I >>>> need to do to get rid >>>> of Win 7 and put on XP Pro? >>> >>> You may not be able to. First have you gone to the >>> manufacturer's web site and downloaded all the XP drivers >>> for your computer model, including but not limited to: >>> motherboard, audio, video and network? If not do so >>> before trying to install XP. Can't find the drivers. Try >>> the component manufacturer's web site. Still can't >>> find, you can't install XP on the computer. >> >> Mobo drivers for sure, along with anything else needed for >> the chipset. But if the audio video and network are cards, >> then the drivers are already present if they're needed. >> Plus XP probably has drivers that would work until getting >> around to the other installs. > > XP's disk won't have drivers for 2009-10 hardware. Where > would the "drivers are already present if they're needed" You need to reread the previous para. XP/SP3 (or even 2) has drivers for a LOT of objects, and simply being dated 09/10(1/4 of anyway) doesn't mean by any means that drivers aren't with XP. It is true I should have said "may have" the drivers needed, but I corrected that in the following sentence. > be located if not on the XP disk and as stated I really > don't think new hardware's drivers would be on a disk that > is more than 6 years older than the current hardware. XP is XP and SP is SP; many drivers will still apply and if not the cards may well have drivers available. If not, you get them from the mfr's site; is that too complex for you? Regardless I'd probably get a new set of drivers for them anyway. The only drivers that really matter are going to be the ones for the motherboard; chipset etc.. I haven't yet seen mainline audio, video et al cards that would only run on 10. It's just not in their best interests. I > have a USB wireless network card that was sold after Vista > came out that doesn't have XP drivers available for it from > the manufacturer How would that particular device ever be > used with XP if it was an installed device in the OP's new > computer? The exception that proves the rule. YOu're out to be a picky bass turd so that's how you're being treated. > >>> >>> 2nd. You will need to boot from the Windows XP disk and >>> remove the partition that Windows 7 is installed onto and >>> then repartition, format and install XP. >> >> Well, a multi-boot is often possible. But one does want to >> start right from scratch, deleting and recreating the >> partitions. XP will allow you to do up to 4 IIRC, which >> should be fine. > > The OP says he wants information to "need to do to get rid > of Win 7" so my comment is correct. Doesn't want Win 7 so > a dual boot is not what the OP wants. Yeah, it's sure crude to provide full information, isn't it? It might well be a way for the OP to do an XP install without putting his whole machine out of commision for the duration of figuring out the install. Rather than assisting anything you seem more bent of being negative and leaving out anything that might be a beneficial piece of information. > > >> A newer computer >>> will have a SATA drive interface and XP does not. >> >> XP certainly does, since SP2, have the fixin's for SATA. >> My nearly ten year old Gateway in fact had the controller >> and connectors for 2 sata drives. No muss, no fuss; >> indicate which one you want to be the boot drive, and go. >> The only downside I came across was that I had to assign >> my own drive letters; they weren't automatically assigned. >> But it's a simple job with Drive Management, which is >> native to XP. > > Maybe SP 2 does have SATA drivers (SP3 certainly does) SP2 does have them. In fact, I went back and checked and one of my SP1 XP machines had SATA connectors on the mobo. And the manual explains how to install a SATA device and even has links to learn more about SATA. but > who knows what SP of XP the person has. "One" asks if it's relevant. I'd be willing to bet he's at SP2 minimum, best case SP3. SP1 versions are a real mess of updates these days and such machines are seldom found. I find a lot more win98 machines than I do XP SP1 machines. Remember how quickly SP1 came out? If the OP tries to > install using XP Gold or SP1 on a SATA drive the install > will fail unless he puts the bios for the drive controller > in IDE mode (now granted it is not called that in the > bios.) Actually, it is called that, on my machine at least, and in the SATA docs that accompanied the drives. But I suspect it doesn't mean what you think it does. > >> >>> Therefore you either need to have the XP SATA drivers on a >>> floppy disk and press F6 during the boot process or turn >>> the SATA controller to it's "IDE" mode in the computer's >>> bios to be able to install XP on the computer. But that's a load of hogwash in its scope and breadth. >> >> I missed that. Where did the need for IDE mode come up? I >> didn't see it mentioned and it's not an issue. >> >> You have to >>> totally strip the boot partition on the hard drive to >>> "downgrade" and then install XP from scratch. As you have todo for a clean install of ANY operating system, in fact. >> >> "Strip the hard drive" and installing XP from scratch >> INCLUDES, and starts with, the deletion and re-creation of >> partitions if you wish to do so. TAkes only seconds to do >> the partition work, and then wait for the formats to be >> done. No problem at all. >>> > > Exactly what I said. You just used more words. Not at all. Who knows what you mean by "strip"? There is no need to "strip" anything; you just go ahead and boot from the XP media, assuming you have it and it's not a media machine, in which case you need a specific partitioning disk first. > >>> 3rd. If this is an OEM disk that you have from another >>> computer by licensing rules you would not be permitted to >>> install the operating system on any other computer than >>> the first it was installed onto. >> >> The disks have nothing to do with anything. As long as you >> have the same version disk, ANY disk can be used. What >> matters is the COA code - THAT is what's registered and >> kept track of at MS. You can borrow any like OS disk to >> get things going as long as you use your own key. They >> know the computer by its contents and no other way. > > OK, you were really getting picky here. When the OP is > installing XP he needs a disk. Who cares where he gets it > from. Yes it is the license that can't be transferred with > an OEM license. Because if you try to use a Pro for a Home installation, it will fail to activate unless you have a pirated code to use. And if you try to use a Home for Home install, the same thing happens; no activation possible. >> >> If retail it can't be >>> currently installed onto any other computer. >> >> A retail OS disk can be moved to any other computer you >> wish to use it on. It's what distunguishes OEM from >> Retail, in fact. It does not however have anything to do >> with the fact that you cannot install the OS in more than >> one instance on more than one computer, including with >> Virtual machines. That's true no matter what and always >> has been. > > Again, I said the exact same thing but in a lot fewer words. NO, you said it "can't be currently installed onto any other computer", whatever that means. > >> >> If a branded >>> disk (Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.) it is an OEM and it is also >>> probably bios locked to the original computer it was >>> installed onto. >> >> Actually, not necessarily, but it's becoming more common. > > I currently have 4 computers that have bios locked XP > installation disks. The oldest is a Dell 8500 that was > first created when Windows ME came out. I have recently > found out that the XP OEM disk that Dell sent me for that > computer is bios locked to that computer as I recently > tried to use that disk on a Sony computer. Didn't work but > the OEM Sony disk did. Same SP level. Therefore, bios > locked CDs have been common in the past. They are not > necessarily "becoming more common." But they arent necessarily locked. My last three Gateways all came with OEM disk sets, but when those machines went belly up, I used the XP install disk to do a clean install to another computer. So I had to make a 5 minute phone call, big deal. Never had a single problem. Those machines are still running. I also have two win98 machines running well. Up to date, stable and all updates saved to DVDs. In process of the same with XP although I don't trust them to not issue a final SP4 when all is done and said. But I"m at SP3 so it's not that much data, really. > > >> That's negligible compared to the problem of activation >> with the correct COA. It doesn't care; if it's even the >> same computer but too many things have been changed, you >> might have some hoops to jump thru to get it activated. The >> algorithm they use is rather complex and AFAIK anyway, >> still unknown in public. > > I agree with that statement except who cares about the > preceding paragraph. It isn't pertinent to the point that > with a bios locked disk the OP would not be able to use it > anyway. But not all of them are "locked" as you describe. If it's an actual XP install disk, then it's not locked at all. The XP and win7 disks that came with this machine I'm typing on are legitimate, unbastardized disks, too. I did a quick compare of it and my previous XP disk and they are identical with the exception that the latest one has SP3 on it. Usually it's the Activation" that locks the computers, not the disk. Buy a machine from one of the popular outlets like Tiger and see what you get; they're legit XP OEM disks. I have a friend that has bought & built three of them that way. > > >> >> Please, get your facts right before posting things such as >> this. You may have meant well, but there were a lot of >> misleading things in your post. HTH, >> >> Twayne` >> > Seems like you were very misleading in your post, going off > half cocked and with the facts given by the OP I was right > on in my comments on "What do I need to do to get rid of > Win 7 and put on XP Pro?" You were pretty half-fast and neglected several points plus made vague references to things. I simply added some more facts, useful or not to the OP I don't know, and could not care less that you let your nose get out of joint. Many of your sweeping statements only made it seem less likely the OP could downgrade and you completely left out many things that could have put a more positive spin on the distinct possibilities. Oh, did I forget to mention, I have done the "downgrade" to two win7 machines and four Vista machines? Yes, I did the homework first. We lucked out; but then I know to look first for the chipset drivers and go from there, not just give it a sweeping mass of why it can't or shouldn't be tried. Now, since we're so off topic and in the way of the OP and any actual help he may be able to get, I'm done conversing with you over this silliness. HTH, Twayne`
From: "db" databaseben at hotmail dot on 4 Apr 2010 16:03 this has been one of my foremost criticisms' of microsoft for not including former desktop themes with their newer o.s. in any case, as a possible solution for you, you may want to shop around for third party programs that can change a modern windows desktop theme with an older style theme while leaving the current o.s./system in tact. I think you can start at a website called windows blinds. by the way, before trying out or applying any third party programs like themes be sure to make a system restore point before hand.. -- db·´¯`·...¸><)))º> DatabaseBen, Retired Professional - Systems Analyst - Database Developer - Accountancy - Veteran of the Armed Forces - Microsoft Partner - @hotmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~"share the nirvana" - dbZen > > "Dennis" <Dennis(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:DD6828DB-5D46-45AB-9F9F-6A21B5B32E60(a)microsoft.com... > I recently bought a laptop it has Windows 7 on it I dont like it. when I put > in the XP disc it said compatibility issues. What do I need to do to get rid > of Win 7 and put on XP Pro?
From: WhitePaw on 12 Apr 2010 10:33
LVTravel its very evident you have no clue what your talking about so please quit giving bad advice. I am a pc tech of 17 years, and I have done plenty of xp sp1 installs with sata. my own computers have sata, and I use a sp1 disk every time to reinstall. Granted there basic ones, but that is common for lots of hardware, and they work. Fact is SATA is not the issue at all of him not being able to install, sounds to me the compatibility issue came up when he/she tried to put the disk in WITH windows 7 running already instead of booting from it. If he boots from disk, clears the old partition, and does a clean install he/she is fine. On a side note I too had windows 7 from beta, rc, and now full windows 7 pro, and after giving a throw chance before making my mind up I too went back to xp. "LVTravel" wrote: > > > "Twayne" <nobody(a)spamcop.net> wrote in message > news:OTPKJ#40KHA.4548(a)TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > > In news:eqsfrft0KHA.3652(a)TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl, > > LVTravel <noone(a)none.com> typed: > >> "Dennis" <Dennis(a)discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message > >> news:DD6828DB-5D46-45AB-9F9F-6A21B5B32E60(a)microsoft.com... > >>> I recently bought a laptop it has Windows 7 on it I dont > >>> like it. when I put > >>> in the XP disc it said compatibility issues. What do I > >>> need to do to get rid > >>> of Win 7 and put on XP Pro? > >> > >> You may not be able to. First have you gone to the > >> manufacturer's web site and downloaded all the XP drivers > >> for your computer model, including but not limited to: > >> motherboard, audio, video and network? If not do so before > >> trying to install XP. Can't find the drivers. Try the > >> component manufacturer's web site. Still can't find, you > >> can't install XP on the computer. > > > > Mobo drivers for sure, along with anything else needed for the chipset. > > But if the audio video and network are cards, then the drivers are already > > present if they're needed. Plus XP probably has drivers that would work > > until getting around to the other installs. > > XP's disk won't have drivers for 2009-10 hardware. Where would the > "drivers are already present if they're needed" be located if not on the XP > disk and as stated I really don't think new hardware's drivers would be on a > disk that is more than 6 years older than the current hardware. I have a > USB wireless network card that was sold after Vista came out that doesn't > have XP drivers available for it from the manufacturer How would that > particular device ever be used with XP if it was an installed device in the > OP's new computer? > > >> > >> 2nd. You will need to boot from the Windows XP disk and > >> remove the partition that Windows 7 is installed onto and > >> then repartition, format and install XP. > > > > Well, a multi-boot is often possible. But one does want to start right > > from scratch, deleting and recreating the partitions. XP will allow you to > > do up to 4 IIRC, which should be fine. > > The OP says he wants information to "need to do to get rid of Win 7" so my > comment is correct. Doesn't want Win 7 so a dual boot is not what the OP > wants. > > > > A newer computer > >> will have a SATA drive interface and XP does not. > > > > XP certainly does, since SP2, have the fixin's for SATA. My nearly ten > > year old Gateway in fact had the controller and connectors for 2 sata > > drives. No muss, no fuss; indicate which one you want to be the boot > > drive, and go. The only downside I came across was that I had to assign my > > own drive letters; they weren't automatically assigned. But it's a simple > > job with Drive Management, which is native to XP. > > Maybe SP 2 does have SATA drivers (SP3 certainly does) but who knows what SP > of XP the person has. If the OP tries to install using XP Gold or SP1 on a > SATA drive the install will fail unless he puts the bios for the drive > controller in IDE mode (now granted it is not called that in the bios.) > > > > >> Therefore you either need to have the XP SATA drivers on a > >> floppy disk and press F6 during the boot process or turn > >> the SATA controller to it's "IDE" mode in the computer's > >> bios to be able to install XP on the computer. > > > > I missed that. Where did the need for IDE mode come up? I didn't see it > > mentioned and it's not an issue. > > > > You have to > >> totally strip the boot partition on the hard drive to > >> "downgrade" and then install XP from scratch. > > > > "Strip the hard drive" and installing XP from scratch INCLUDES, and starts > > with, the deletion and re-creation of partitions if you wish to do so. > > TAkes only seconds to do the partition work, and then wait for the formats > > to be done. No problem at all. > >> > > Exactly what I said. You just used more words. > > >> 3rd. If this is an OEM disk that you have from another > >> computer by licensing rules you would not be permitted to > >> install the operating system on any other computer than the > >> first it was installed onto. > > > > The disks have nothing to do with anything. As long as you have the same > > version disk, ANY disk can be used. What matters is the COA code - THAT > > is what's registered and kept track of at MS. You can borrow any like OS > > disk to get things going as long as you use your own key. They know the > > computer by its contents and no other way. > > OK, you were really getting picky here. When the OP is installing XP he > needs a disk. Who cares where he gets it from. Yes it is the license that > can't be transferred with an OEM license. > > > > If retail it can't be > >> currently installed onto any other computer. > > > > A retail OS disk can be moved to any other computer you wish to use it on. > > It's what distunguishes OEM from Retail, in fact. It does not however have > > anything to do with the fact that you cannot install the OS in more than > > one instance on more than one computer, including with Virtual machines. > > That's true no matter what and always has been. > > Again, I said the exact same thing but in a lot fewer words. > > > > > If a branded > >> disk (Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.) it is an OEM and it is also > >> probably bios locked to the original computer it was > >> installed onto. > > > > Actually, not necessarily, but it's becoming more common. > > I currently have 4 computers that have bios locked XP installation disks. > The oldest is a Dell 8500 that was first created when Windows ME came out. > I have recently found out that the XP OEM disk that Dell sent me for that > computer is bios locked to that computer as I recently tried to use that > disk on a Sony computer. Didn't work but the OEM Sony disk did. Same SP > level. Therefore, bios locked CDs have been common in the past. They are > not necessarily "becoming more common." > > > > That's negligible compared to the problem of activation with the correct > > COA. It doesn't care; if it's even the same computer but too many things > > have been changed, you might have some hoops to jump thru to get it > > activated. The algorithm they use is rather complex and AFAIK anyway, > > still unknown in public. > > I agree with that statement except who cares about the preceding paragraph. > It isn't pertinent to the point that with a bios locked disk the OP would > not be able to use it anyway. > > > > > > Please, get your facts right before posting things such as this. You may > > have meant well, but there were a lot of misleading things in your post. > > > > HTH, > > > > Twayne` > > > Seems like you were very misleading in your post, going off half cocked and > with the facts given by the OP I was right on in my comments on "What do I > need to do to get rid of Win 7 and put on XP Pro?" > > . > |