Vista back to XP (But can I go back)

[Carbon_Fibre]

Hi

My sister's laptop runs Vista (OEM - purchased 2008 from Hifi corp). I'd like to format it and load Windows XP SP2.

I'm worried about the following:
1. Will XP have all the drivers needed?
2. What happens if I want to go back to Vista? What's the best way? Make a back-up of the current Vista setup?

Thanks

 

[Dave_Nau]

Without the laptop make/model, nobody here can answer that question. Contact the manufacturer.

My experience with a 2 year old laptop is to rather upgrade it to Windows 7 - again after confirming with the manufacturer that it will work. The performance is way better than either XP or Vista .

 

[mass09]

1. Probably not, XP might not see the hard drive during installation. Best is to get the SATA drivers and use nLite to slipstream them into the XP installation, can also slipstream service pack 3. Once installed you might struggle getting all drivers, but most should be easily obtainable. Just check the manufacturers' website...

2. Easiest thing will be to make an Image of your current setup with Norton Ghost, and if something goes wrong the XP installation you can just restore your Vista image.

 

[Carbon_Fibre]

Thanks for the reply. I don't really want to go to Windows 7. I would prefer she run something fast, has to be Windows cos she needs Outlook 2007.

 

[Carbon_Fibre]

1. Probably not, XP might not see the hard drive during installation. Best is to get the SATA drivers and use nLite to slipstream them into the XP installation, can also slipstream service pack 3. Once installed you might struggle getting all drivers, but most should be easily obtainable. Just check the manufacturers' website...

2. Easiest thing will be to make an Image of your current setup with Norton Ghost, and if something goes wrong the XP installation you can just restore your Vista image.

I'll try that. Thanks

 

[mass09]

Good luck

 

[ITCynic]

What I do before downgrading a Vista pre-installed laptop to XP.

1. Check the manufactures website for ALL the drivers needed and download them first. (in case the download links are dead or files are corrupt) (M/B Chipset, Audio, Video, Touchpad, modem, HDD drivers etc)

2. Troll the internet to see what other user experiences are in regard of install issues and drivers/functionality. (If you Google with the make and model you will find those sites)

3. Clone the existing installation ie Acronis, Ghost. etc (in case you want to go back to Vista or XP not being able to be installed)

4. Break the seal on the XP Software

5. Trash the laptop software installation.

6. Install new OS.

PS Steps 1,2,3 are interchangeable

 

[kingrob]

Thanks for the reply. I don't really want to go to Windows 7. I would prefer she run something fast, has to be Windows cos she needs Outlook 2007.

If her laptop was running Vista, I can guarantee you that it will fly with Windows 7....and Windows 7 will install most/all the drivers for you. Go grab a copy of Windows 7 Home.

 

[Moogle666]

Firstly all new laptops, have got a recovery disc creator, image creator / recovery from a hidden partition on the hard drive, Usually you create your recovery disc for Vista, and do a Recovery disc for Applications, and Drivers, Once done you can safely format the machine, check the manufacturers site for all the drivers for xp, and if its supported by xp first, but i also agree if it ran vista, don't downgrade rather go up to windows seven, You should be able to use the same disc you created with drivers for vista, that's if windows seven needs them which i highly doubt

 

[Asha'man X]

XP SP2 is end of life in July, Microsoft will no longer release patches for it. I'm presuming that you would give your sister a fully patched laptop before letting her go on the net, so there is going to be a huge download queue. Seriously, get a copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, the perfomance is as good as XP, the laptop will be far more secure, and your life will be a lot easier. Don't look back, look forward.

 

[mass09]

Yeah Win 7 killed XP. Test it out.

 

[unskinnybob]

Get Win7. You won't be disappointed.