Vista - Can I install XP over Vista?

I recently was given a laptop with Vista on it. I prefer to have XP on it
like my pc. Is there a problem with installing it on top of Vista?

You will need to do a clean install. Have all drivers and
laptop-specific software for XP ready before you do this. You should
probably check with the laptop mftr. if this is a new computer as to
whether or not doing this will void your warranty.

http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html - Clean Install How-To
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...alling_Windows -
What you will need on-hand

Malke
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User

Your easiest option is to do a clean install of Windows XP, assuming, you
have a full retail copy of XP rather than an upgrade. If you visit this link
on my website it will guide you through the installation of XP
http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how...windows_xp.htm

Just make sure you have any drivers that may be need by XP for any
peripherals you have, i.e., printer, modem, SATA drives etc. Also, if you
have used Vista and created any documents etc remember to back these up just
in case you need them in XP.

Also, as Malke has already pointed out, if the machine is still under
warranty, check witht he manufacturer to see if changing the operating
system will invalidate the warranty.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

There is no way to downgrade. You need to do a clean installation of XP.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User

Ken, Perry, all...

If I may, yes one can install XP in a system to replace Vista and yes
it does need to be a clean install. But one also has to take into
consideration the following and this is based on some work I had done
this past week.

While one can do the clean install with any version of XP, it is best
if the PC in question is a later model and that the copy of XP be SP2.
One can do this with SP1a but this will cause all sorts of problems,
Not the least of which is that there may not be a recognition of some
of the basic devices [this is especially true if one has 2 wireless
controllers on same]. This is what I went through with a Compaq
Presario laptop and I had to run the installation twice so that items
beyond the mouse and basic video drivers could be seen.

Speaking of the drivers, there is something else to consider. VIsta
drivers can run under XP SP2. Yes you read that one right, it can be
done. Using the above referenced Presario as an example, the last
revision of the drivers from the mfgr, in this case HP/Compaq will run
and there are no problems with them. Video, Direct-X, Audio....they
all work. In some cases, you may need to contact the company and ask
them for a listing of where they keep some even MORE RECENTLY updated
drivers uploaded. [In the case of the Presario V6310us, they are now
up on the 'buried from the general public' FTP site and I can send
that listing to anyone who has a similar issue with this system]. Once
you have those, you will be good to go.

By the by, this is not to put down MS, but Vista in its current
incarnation still has major issues that more than likely be remediated
when a new service pack is released and the higher-ups commit a public
mea culpa about the conflicts. Plus, the version of SP2 of XP that is
out now is the most stable and is a good alternative if someone wants
to utilize same.

RheaPDX

I would appreciate it very much if someone could tell me what files and drivers I must have in order to downgrade my Compaq Presario V6310US laptop to XP pro. I have tried doing a clean install of XP pro, but then I have a bunch of yellow question marks in device drivers, I would appreciate any help anyone could give me as to where I can find drivers that will work- and do the drivers have to be installed in any specific order? Thanks for you consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Meeko

Meeko <guest@xxxxxx-email.com> wrote:


All you had to do was go to the HP/Compac site and do a simple search
for your drivers.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...oduct=3370426#

Richie Hardwick

Download and run SIW..

http://www.gtopala.com/

Make a note of the motherboard, video card, network card, modem, sound card
types, names, designations.

These are the XP drivers you will be looking for..

--
Mike Hall - MVP

On Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:06:55 -0500, "Rick Rogers" <rick@xxxxxx>
wrote:


Although it is a good idea to install the Intel INF installer FIRST.

Donald L McDaniel
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