12 replies to this topic

[Roulette]

I have a desktop with XP, and I've become very accustomed to it. I've just been given a Toshiba laptop with Vista. Can I downgrade the Vista to XP without too much trouble? If so, how?

I do have an XP Home Edition disk with the product key, but I don't have a Vista disk.

[JohnT]

The only way I can see it being done is by a clean install, and if that disk is already been used for the other computer, No way will you be able to activate it again for two machines.

[PeggyB]

Here is my thoughts on Vista. My daughter has Vista and I tried to do a clean install of Windows XP. Vista wouldn't let me. It's like they made it so that your stuck with it. If someone knows a way to achieve this I'm all ears.

[Broni]

The main question would be, why?
Then, as John said, you need valid key and ALL XP drivers.
Why would you want to go through all those troubles?

[GRS]

Roulette, on 02 November 2009 - 10:26 PM, said:

I have a desktop with XP, and I've become very accustomed to it. I've just been given a Toshiba laptop with Vista. Can I downgrade the Vista to XP without too much trouble? If so, how?

I do have an XP Home Edition disk with the product key, but I don't have a Vista disk.

Suggestion: Buy a second hard drive( http://www.tigerdire...5484&CatId=2676) 30 dollars, that way if it doesn't work out just put the other drive back in, As far as drivers go if you give the model I may be able to help if this is what you want.

[Roulette]

Thanks for the quick replies. You told me exactly what I need to know. Obviously, this is more trouble than it's worth, so I'll stick with the Vista and try to live with it.

[Smokey]

Roulette, Just follow the (clean install) instructions HERE. It will delete Vista and prep you for a clean install. Make sure that your copy of XP Home is a retail copy. If it's a oem copy it will only work on that oem manufacturers computer.

Peggy, this will work for you also, just boot to the xp disk and delete the Vista partition.

[PeggyB]

Thanks Smokey, will give it a try when I have Cheryl computer back up and running.
Smokey, that "Here" link sends me to this..........

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[Smokey]

PeggyB, on 04 November 2009 - 02:37 AM, said:

Smokey, that "Here" link sends me to this..........

Sorry, The link is fixed now....

[PeggyB]

Thanks......got it.

[Roulette]

Thanks, Smokey. I had to buy a copy of XP Home last winter when I found that the new tax software would no longer work with 98. So, this copy of XP will work OK even though I installed it on my desktop?

[Smokey]

Roulette, on 05 November 2009 - 12:51 AM, said:

Thanks, Smokey. I had to buy a copy of XP Home last winter when I found that the new tax software would no longer work with 98. So, this copy of XP will work OK even though I installed it on my desktop?

Roulette,

If you install that copy of XP Home on another computer while it's still installed on your desktop, your desktop will be deactivated within 30 days but there is a work around.

Once your desktop is deactivated just choose to reactivate over the phone. When you call to reactivate your desktop you won't be talking to anyone, you will be listening to a robot. The robot will have to type in all the numbers and letters that you see on the "over the phone" activation page. The robot in turn will give you a new product code to type in. It all takes about 5 minutes and you can take your time if you are a slow typist.

[Roulette]

Thanks, Smokey. I'm always amazed how you guys find out about these things.