How can I downgrade to XP?

[Gaeko]

Hi,

I bought a laptop that is integrated with Vista. :(

Is there a way to downgrade such laptop into XP?

Is it going to be complicated than I expected?

I am asking this question, because there is a notice in the manual,
which says, "CUATION: This laptop is integrated with Vista. We are not
responsible for any problems that is caused by installing other OS."

It says something like this. (Translated into Enlgish by me.)

If I buy a proper XP CD, is it possible to do so by myself?
What are the things that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance,
and thanks for listening to a novice's question.

[Eice]

Downgrading isn't really a problem: it's just the same reformat-install procedure. The problem is that your model might ship with hardware that don't have drivers for XP, Google might or might not help with this.

At any rate I really don't recommend downgrading to XP. Either give the Windows 7 RC a whirl, or try out a Linux distro (Ubuntu, PCLinuxOS, OpenSUSE).

[ASpace]

Most likely the laptop has a hidden partition that contains the OS (a.k.a Windows Vista) and that can be used by the user to restore the machine and the OS to its factory/default settings.

Generally there will be no problem to downgrade to Windows XP if you really want to do it . Just make sure that the manufacturerer/vendor supports the drivers for Win XP on their web-site . Most likely they will .

Download them and copy them on a removable media . Buy a XP CD and perform standart complete reinstall/format procedure , install the desired OS.

Note that if the so called hidden partition is deleted (the one that contains information about Windows Vista) , you will no longer be able to use Vista unless you install it yourself with your own DVD (just like XP) .

By the way , why don't you like Vista ?

ASpace

[Gaeko]

Thanks all.

-{ Quote: " Either give the Windows 7 RC a whirl" }-

There will be no problems in upgrading Vista into Windows 7?

-{ Quote: "By the way , why don't you like Vista ?" }-

It might be the effect of the media, but I am also encountering some
compatibility problems myself. Which also made me agree to the phrase
"Vista=Disastrous" Quite excessive. :o

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "There will be no problems in upgrading Vista into Windows 7?" }-
"No problems" is a bit strong, but I'd wager you're less likely to run into problems than trying to downgrade to XP.

-{ Quote: "It might be the effect of the media" }-
Ah yes, the media... ::)

-{ Quote: "but I am also encountering some compatibility problems myself." }-
Any specifics?

Fixing those might turn out to be less of a job than changing your OS.

[Gaeko]

@ Eice,

It is some problems with the ActiveX, which I have to encounter every day
in my country. :(

IMHO, XP was the most stable OS I ever used.

Please, can you cast a vote in,Which are the best OSs made by MS? (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=1472537#post1472537)

Thanks in advance.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "It is some problems with the ActiveX, which I have to encounter every day
in my country. :(" }-
Again, being more specific would be a big help - assuming you're interested in getting help about the problem, that is.

[Gaeko]

-{ Quote: "Again, being more specific would be a big help - assuming you're interested in getting help about the problem, that is." }-

Hi,
Hmmm.. how can I explain.
In several KOREAN sites, the ActiveX won't run.
The online banking sites in Korea, installs at least 5 or more ActiveX,
and if any of the installation fails, then I can't do any online bankings.
I'm not so sure what the problem is, so I can't be more specific.
But one thing for sure is that it may not be problems with Vista,
but the problem is in our country. >:(
We can't surf the web without IE. :(

BTW, I found out that there is another notice, which is...

"Please be aware that if you install other OS such as Windows 2000 Pro., Windows 98, Linux, Windows XP, some softwares won't operate."

I guess I'll have to stay with Vista, and hope Windows 7 is a stable OS as XP.:-\

Thanks in advance.

[lodore]

well in that case its not microsoft's fault its the fault of the bank not working with eiether the version of IE your using or not working with vista.
I think you should contact your bank and explain the situation.
you shouldnt have to fork out money just to get one or two websites working.

what version of IE do you use?

cant belive in this day and age companies make people use IE and install 5 activex controls just to get internet banking to work.
it should work with all browsers.

[Gaeko]

-{ Quote: "well in that case its not microsoft's fault its the fault of the bank not working with eiether the version of IE your using or not working with vista.
I think you should contact your bank and explain the situation.
you shouldnt have to fork out money just to get one or two websites working.

what version of IE do you use?

cant belive in this day and age companies make people use IE and install 5 activex controls just to get internet banking to work.
it should work with all browsers." }-

Yes! You got my point! ;)
In Korea, everyone who knows how to browsers other than IE ::)
thinks that the web surfing environment in Korea is a disaster.
We need a large reform here in Korea.
I like Opera and FF, but I can't use it. How sad. >:(

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Hi,
Hmmm.. how can I explain.
In several KOREAN sites, the ActiveX won't run.
The online banking sites in Korea, installs at least 5 or more ActiveX,
and if any of the installation fails, then I can't do any online bankings.
I'm not so sure what the problem is, so I can't be more specific.
But one thing for sure is that it may not be problems with Vista,
but the problem is in our country. >:(
We can't surf the web without IE. :(" }-
Gaeko,

I'm assuming you're running either IE7 or IE8 on Vista with UAC turned on. Try this:


Open IE, go to "Tools", "Internet Options", "Security"
Choose "Trusted Sites", and untick the "Enable Protected Mode" checkbox at the bottom
Now click on the "Sites" button, and add your bank's web address to the list.


Protected Mode denies unsigned ActiveX installation by default. The steps above disable Protected Mode for your bank's website. Hope it helps.

[Gaeko]

-{ Quote: "Gaeko,

I'm assuming you're running either IE7 or IE8 on Vista with UAC turned on. Try this:


Open IE, go to "Tools", "Internet Options", "Security"
Choose "Trusted Sites", and untick the "Enable Protected Mode" checkbox at the bottom
Now click on the "Sites" button, and add your bank's web address to the list.


Protected Mode denies unsigned ActiveX installation by default. The steps above disable Protected Mode for your bank's website. Hope it helps." }-

@ Eice
Thanks. I'll give it a shot.
Off topic. What do you think of Windows Vista? ;D

Regards
Gaeko

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "@ Eice
Off topic. What do you think of Windows Vista? ;D" }-
Best version of Windows to date, barring Windows 7. Unless your hardware specs are lacking or you can't afford to buy it, no reason to stick with XP.

[Gaeko]

-{ Quote: "Best version of Windows to date, barring Windows 7. Unless your hardware specs are lacking or you can't afford to buy it, no reason to stick with XP." }-

@ Eice,

Alright. I guess I'll have to stick with Vista till my laptop breaks down. :-\

Thanks.

[Eice]

-{ Quote: "Alright. I guess I'll have to stick with Vista till my laptop breaks down. :-\" }-
Well, it was just an opinion from a random stranger across the Internet. No need to take it as gospel.

[Gaeko]

-{ Quote: "Well, it was just an opinion from a random stranger across the Internet. No need to take it as gospel." }-

@ Eice,

Even a help from a random stranger across the Internet is really helpful for a helpless novice like me. ;)

Thanks!

[dbknox]

-{ Quote: "Best version of Windows to date, barring Windows 7. Unless your hardware specs are lacking or you can't afford to buy it, no reason to stick with XP." }-
I agree, I loved XP and was upset that I could only buy a new computer with Vista, I was going to reformat and install XP, but thought I would give Vista a try for a while and now I am happy I did. Windows 7 looks like it could be a topper. I will stay with Vista until they quit supporting it. Money ( or lack of it) would be the reason why I stay with it.