Installing XP Pro SP2

S

sunshine5

n00b
Joined
Dec 10, 2009
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Currenly I have a laptop that came with Vista and I would like to remove Vista and install Windows XP Pro SP2, which I have the CD. I was told that I could not use XP on the system because it is older than Vista and that I would get some message saying I have a higher version currently installed and would not let me. Is this true?

I was just going to boot to the CD and format and install?
 
You'll need to clean the vista partitions from the hard disk and recreate them while at XP setup.

Why SP2 and not SP3 instead? (google slipstream service pack)

Make sure all the hardware is supported under XP.
 
You are saying delete partition (C) and then recreate it?
My CD only has SP2, I can get SP3 from windows update.
This is a Dell Vostro 1000. How would I find out if hardware is supported under XP.

Hmm not sure what google slopstream service pack is.
 
Yeah delete the partition and recreate it. Take all the files off that you want to keep, don't forget emails, bookmarks, etc.
 
sunshine5 said:
You are saying delete partition (C) and then recreate it?
My CD only has SP2, I can get SP3 from windows update.
This is a Dell Vostro 1000. How would I find out if hardware is supported under XP.

Hmm not sure what google slipstream service pack is.
Click to expand...

Slipstreaming the disk combines the service pack 3 into the rest, so you would never have to download the SP3 from Microsoft updates again. It's convenient, but not necessary.

Looks like the drivers for XP are easily available from Dell :
Vostro XP Drivers
It wouldn't have killed you to look first.
 
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When I slip streamed SP3 it downgraded WMP and IE to the last versions. So I just used SP2 on mine was easier to install SP3 vs new IE and WMP.
 
I downgraded my laptop from Vista to XP when I first got it. The two things I ran into were

1) I had to slipstream sata controller/drivers into a new disc

2) Finding drivers for all the laptop hardware
 
I did go to the website and look but couldnt not find them. I also used the chat session for Dell; which was a pain since the warranty was up, but they told me it did not support XP. I clicked on your link and a quick dialog box pops up quickly and goes away. Can you give me the link again please.
 
Yes if you boot to the XP CD you can wipe out Vista and reinstall it. Are you using a genuine Dell CD? Do you have your XP COA key?
 
No Dell CD. I bought a copy of XP Pro and yes have the key code. Dells XP CD would be the same as if I bought it off the shelf correct?
 
sunshine5 said:
No Dell CD. I bought a copy of XP Pro and yes have the key code. Dells XP CD would be the same as if I bought it off the shelf correct?
Click to expand...
No, the Dell XP CD is OEM. Off the shelf is Retail. A Retail key will not work with OEM disc, OEM key won't work with Retail disc. From what I understand, this only holds true for XP though. Vista/7 all keys work with all media (don't quote me on that though).
 
No, the Dell XP CD is OEM. Off the shelf is Retail. A Retail key will not work with OEM disc, OEM key won't work with Retail disc. From what I understand, this only holds true for XP though. Vista/7 all keys work with all media (don't quote me on that though).

Let me see if I understand.
You are saying that I cannot format with the XP CD because I did purchase it from Del? I have the key with the XP I bought it is Authentic.
 
Ok beyond trying to help you install an outdated OS, I guess I will be the first to ask why you want to install it?

BigDogChris is saying that if the XP disc came from Dell it would be considered an OEM disc which has it's own valid product key and is NOT compatible with an XP disc purchased from somewhere like newegg and is labeled as a RETAIL version. Product keys are not interchangeable. If it is an OEM disc it needs an OEM style product key. If it is RETAIL it needs a retail product key.
 
Your saying XP Pro is outdated because Windows 7 was released? I called Microsoft and they told me that XP Pro is still supported until 2010; however need SP3.

The Vostro 1000 I bought for my son came with Vista and has been a pain since we have had it. Dell has replaced the motherboard twice and now the screen went out so we have to hook it up to the TV. I have formatted the system 3 times and add the most memory the motherboard could handle because it is so slow. He needs something to do his homework on that works fairly good. XP Pro has always been good and stable for me. Basically I cannot afford to purchase another computer for him and I already had the copy of XP.
 
The OS is not causing the repeat hardware failures. Sounds like you simply have a lemon laptop. As for being slow, many people bash vista because it was often placed on inadequate hardware. I, like many others, ran it for a couple years without issue.

Unfortunately I don't think loading XP is going to be the answer to your problems. Sounds like that laptop is just cursed no matter what you do to it.
 
Stock laptop hard drives are slow as crap. Combine that with vista's superfetch and you've got a painfully crippled machine.

Get a 7200rpm hard drive or a cheap ssd and toss on the xp that you have.
 
sunshine5 said:
I did go to the website and look but couldnt not find them. I also used the chat session for Dell; which was a pain since the warranty was up, but they told me it did not support XP. I clicked on your link and a quick dialog box pops up quickly and goes away. Can you give me the link again please.
Click to expand...
All I did was go to the support page, and search by model. At the OS dropdown selection, I choose XP.
 
sunshine5 said:
Let me see if I understand.
You are saying that I cannot format with the XP CD because I did purchase it from Del? I have the key with the XP I bought it is Authentic.
Click to expand...
No I'm saying there are two types of licenses for XP. OEM and Retail. You can not buy a off the shelf (retail) XP and use an OEM license code. The point I'm trying to make is if you are installing XP again, if you use the code on the bottom of the laptop (oem) then you need to use an OEM disc. If it only has a Vista license and you want to reinstall XP you will need to either buy a retail or OEM version of XP which will come with the COA license key and the appropriate media to install it.
 
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