Community Newsletter: Q&A: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how?
- 5/3/07 3:36 PM
Micro Office 2003?
by spadell - 5/4/07 11:02 PM In reply to: Office 2007 vs OpenOffice 2.x by john3347I've been afraid to install it (really don't know how, I'm a Newbie) was told by Best Buy that it would be compatible, but I have grave doubts, nothing that came with it has been.
So what are my odds that it would be with a Hp m7750n Vista Home Prem.?
ShellP
Office 2003 vs. Office 2007
by Vagabundus I - 5/6/07 4:03 PM In reply to: Micro Office 2003? by spadellOffice 2003 is the version that has been around for several years. You should have no special problems with that version.
The version with kinks still in it is the new Office 2007 version. To my knowledge (which is not that deep, I fear) it is not likely you would even have many problems with the 2007 version.
Most of the concerns raised here have to do with the major changes from Office 2003 to 2007, especially in the new interface (2007 is a major rewrite of the 2003 and earlier versions)and with the 2007's use of a brand new format.
Your version should not have these problems. Almost everyone will be able to read the documents you create with Office 2003.
Hope this helps.
(PS: I would add my small voice in support of the notion that it would be a smart move to switch to the free OpenOffice suite, or for those wanting to have a major corporation backing their software, the StarOffice version from Sun Microsystems.
Last time I looked, StarOffice was being sold in a box at CompUSA--for $70 rather than the $500 or so that you need to pay for Microsoft's version. )
Academic software
by DH950 - 4/28/07 12:35 AM In reply to: No by MarkFlax
If you have a student who needs software, there are several sources of acedemic software you can find by doing a google type search on the phrase ACEDEMIC SOFTWARE. Using CNET's compare prices with that phrase, pops up 5 sponsored links. Prices for the same software can vary quite a bit between vendors. When available, I've found that schools that offer the needed software are usually the least expensive. I used 2 sources to outfit my son's computer.
This also usually available for part-time college students, check each site's conditions.
Be prepared to submit a copy of a current student ID or recent report card. I had one request a copy of the birth certificate to accompany the report card, which I sent with DOB and other reusable info for ID theft blacked out. It was accepted.
There are even acdemic version of various operating systems.
Free Option
by irlandes - 4/28/07 7:20 PM In reply to: obtaining new prduct key numbers for microsoft by kls75kls75, go to openoffice.org and download a FREE copy of Open Office 2.x for Windows. It is free, and unless you are a heavy duty user (such as very complex macros) it will open, modify, and save the same files as MS OFFICE. Free for download. No licensing worries.
dealing with MS
by Borsia - 4/28/07 5:03 PM In reply to: What to do about your new system - XP vs. Vista by 1stRepentActually I have always had very good experiances dealing with MS. I doubt that you will have any problems so long as you make it clear that you aren't trying to use your single issue license on 2 computers.
As I understand the original question you have only 1 box and want to revert back to XP and are not wanting to run multiple boxes on a single License. There shouldn't be any problems. BUT you will need to have an XP disc. If it was an OEM XP box upgraded to Vista then you will have to buy the XP disc.
Vista Problems
by michaelsharp - 4/20/07 8:36 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Franklin,
Before you give up on Vista try going to the websites of the programs and peripherals you're having the issues with. A good many of them now have downloads to solve the incompatibility problems. Also the Microsoft website is a good source of "patches".
Vista is a powerhouse of an operating system once you get these annoying little problems solved.
Place the vista on hold for now
by aussieGus - 4/20/07 8:46 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You don't have to purchase another Windows... You have the rights to your old one. Just load it into the new computer. They haven't worked out all the bugs yet in Vista so hold onto it for awhile. Probably after Chrismas reinstall it then go to downloads for it... This will take out most of the bugs you are experiencing...
Hope this helps...
JO
I want vista out of my PC
by Tcko - 4/27/07 4:32 PM In reply to: Place the vista on hold for now by aussieGusMy advice is forget about vista, I believe Gates overstepped the boundary this time and it was totally intentional....new OP....new software = moolah.
And another reason to not use it.....Vista was designed by Gates AND the Government....hard telling what is hidden in it, if you know what I mean.....I think we are watched by big brother enough already...my suggestion is look into Linux open source...it gets better everyday and even adobe is working on programs to run on Linux.
That's what I'll be using soon
I want vista out of my pc
by Arthur1591 - 4/27/07 11:50 PM In reply to: I want vista out of my PC by TckoYour right it looks like windows 98, all over agen, when I frist starde hade a small hard drive very little mb no video card, would not let me install all softwer I want to very little games ony realarcade. Hard to find your way around windows,could not downloads thins I want to, Now I have it 160 hard drive 2mb ati graphics and so on, can run this some time can download that, now its like starding all over agen.
I want vista out
by Arthur1591 - 4/28/07 12:03 AM In reply to: I want vista out of my PC by TckoSome one call me a vista racis that hurt.
You do NOT have the right to move an OEM XP copy
by enovikoff - 4/27/07 5:02 PM In reply to: Place the vista on hold for now by aussieGusI've read the EULA: you do not have the right to move a copy of XP that came with a piece of hardware to a different piece of hardware. This may not stop you from being *able* to do it, but Microsoft specifically had you agree not to. I've run into this more than once when I replaced a motherboard in my home-built machine and XP failed to reinstall. Each time, I've ignored and worked around it, since the EULA assumes that you are trading one store-bought computer for another. However, don't expect XP to "go willingly" from one piece of hardware to another (like, if you move the C: drive) unless you reinstall it.
should i replace my computer
by frank klatt - 4/20/07 8:47 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT REPLACING MY COMPUTER MANY TIMES WHEN IT GIVES ME TROUBLE. MY PC IS OLD BUT I HAVE HAD IT REBUILT WHEN IT GETS LOADED WITH GARBAGE I USE A PROGRAM CALLED REGISTRY HELPER AND IT CLEANS UP ALL IN VALID ENTRIES YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT THE FULL PROGRAM COSTS $50.00 BUT IT PAYS FOR ITSELF IN NO TIME. I SET IT TO CLEAN UP EVERY DAY BUT I STILL GO INTO IT AT NIGHT AND FIND GARBAGE
faklatt@yahoo.ca
Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP
by Watzman - 5/3/07 3:34 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Franklin,
Well, your question (which I’ve seen several times now in a number of contexts) raises quite a few issues, and not all of them are technical ... in some cases, there are some legal and even “moral” issues as well. In responding, there’s a question with all of the responders face, which is whether to discuss options that might be physically possible but not legal. I’m going to take the approach of disclosing what is possible. I’ll leave the legal and moral issues to the attorneys and your conscience.
Also, before going further, some people who get a new PC with Vista are reverting back to XP because they simply don’t like Vista, or can’t get something to work. So, before going to the heart of your problem, let me offer two suggestions to those people, although this is not your situation, and your reasons for wanting to go back to XP are far from cosmetic. But, for those who think that they don’t like Vista, or can’t get it to network properly with their other machines (especially XP machines), let me make these two suggestions:
1. Before giving up on Vista, right click the Vista start button and select the “Classic” start menu (which will also give you the “Classic” desktop). Vista will become DRAMATICALLY more friendly and more like what you are used to. You will still have (if you had it before) access to “Aero (Glass)” and all of the other Vista “eye candy”. But the system will behave much more “XP-like” (and, indeed, even “Windows 98-like” ... I actually recommend this for XP as well, which also as a “classic mode” that is turned off by default). By the way, if you don’t like it, it’s a simple mouse click to go back as well.
2. If you can’t get Vista networking working, especially if you can’t get your XP computers to see drives, files or folders on your Vista system:
a. first, read the Microsoft document at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx
b. Even after reading this and using it’s recommendations and procedures, you may find that sharing still doesn't work unless you turn off all security (passwords). In many cases, this is caused by a "feature" that exists in both XP and Vista involving zero-length passwords. XP Pro, Media Center and Vista will not allow network access to network computers that have zero-length passwords. You may see the computer, but will get a "you do not have permission ...." message if you actually try to access it.
To fix this:
Start / run / gpedit.msc (start the group policy editor)
Open the tree:
Computer configuration / Windows Settings / Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options
Find the item:
Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console login only
If this item is enabled, you will not be able to logon to other computers on the network that have blank (zero-length) passwords. IT IS ENABLED BY DEFAULT
Change it to disabled
This will fix a ton of network access problems on many home networks where no user account passwords are implemented
3. Some things that seem not to install under Vista on a first attempt can be installed if you use a “compatibility mode”, and/or if you set the installation program and/or the installed .exe program to “run as administrator”. For example, HP says that the software for the model 5470C and 5490C scanners is not and will never be Vista compatible (literally, their answer is “buy a new scanner”). But, in fact I was able to get it installed and working at least seemingly perfectly simply by setting the scanner software’s .exe file to “run as administrator” after it was installed.
4. The availability and quality of Vista drivers will improve over time. The tuner on my ATI “All-in-Wonder 2006” Card does not currently work under Vista, but ATI has indicated that they do expect it to be supported at a later time, although that point may still be a number of months in the future. HP has made similar comments about some models of printers, scanners and multi-function devices which currently either have no drivers or only partially functional “interim” drivers (while, at the same time, both ATI and HP as well as other firms will also tell you that many older products simply will never have Vista drivers (for example, my HP 5470C scanner .... but sometimes, the XP drivers can be made to work under Vista anyway)).
Now, on to your problem: How to install Windows XP on a system that came with Vista.
First, you need a copy of XP. To be legal, and to be certain of activating and passing all WGA tests, this needs to be either an “OEM Copy” bought new for this machine (never previously installed on any other computer), or a retail copy (full product, not upgrade) that either was never installed on any other computer, or that at least is not currently installed on any other computer.
You specifically asked “Can I use the system recovery disk from my old XP computer to replace Vista with XP on my new computer?”; the answer is that you can’t do it legally. But in some cases it may be physically possible if you don’t care about the legalities, particularly if the two computers were made by the same OEM (e.g. Dell, for example). Also, SOME Vista licenses, but not all of them, actually allow the Vista license to be “downgraded” and used to make XP installation legal, but even in these cases, they do not (and will not) supply either the XP install media or the XP product key. And, finally, most computer technicians would know how to use an “upgrade” copy of XP, although in the situation that you describe, it would NOT be legal under the terms of the license agreement.
But, all that said, the first task at hand is to obtain a suitable copy of Windows XP that will allow installation, activation and passing all “WGA” tests. And now that Vista has replaced XP in stores and at many computer dealers, that in and of itself is becoming increasingly difficult, unfortunately.
The next task is to find all of the necessary suitable drivers for XP. This is usually possible, but can be difficult, and it’s most difficult with a notebook computer. [As an example of this, in 2003 I needed to install Windows 98 on a Toshiba 1415, which had never been supported by Toshiba for Windows 98. I did manage to find all of the necessary drivers, but the effort required was tremendous, taking almost 100 hours of research, downloading and testing.] Fortunately, at this time, I don’t believe that there are any major chips (e.g. CPU chipsets, video, audio, LAN, etc.) for which XP drivers actually do not exist, but finding the “right” compatible drivers can be very difficult, since they may well not be conveniently available from the computer’s manufacturer, and the chip maker’s “generic” drivers don’t always work, especially when the chip is installed in a laptop. The best case is a model which, while now supplied with Vista, was at one time offered with XP. In those cases, the necessary drivers are probably on the manufacturer’s web site, and you might even be able to find a source of an XP OEM install CD (you will still need a valid license and product key). In the worst case, expect to do a lot of research, downloading and experimenting. It helps a lot to do this on a spare “scrap” hard drive, indeed I’d recommend that you remove the drive that came with your machine (your “Vista” drive), save it, and get a new drive for the XP installation. Also, do not connect to the internet and do not even attempt to activate Windows (XP) until you have the entire configuration fully working. You may end up installing Windows on a “trial” basis a dozen or more times while experimenting and attempting to find all of the necessary pieces and get the all integrated correctly. You definitely do not want to hit the Microsoft activation servers each of those times, as they will almost certainly come to the conclusion that you are trying to “pirate” windows and will ultimately deny activation to your product key. Don’t activate Windows until everything is working to your satisfaction.
The drivers that you will typically need, and the order in which you will need them, are:
-An “F6 Driver” for Windows installation (MAYBE, but not in all cases)(get this from the motherboard manufacturer if needed)
-CPU Chipset
-SATA and/or RAID driver (possibly required if the hard drive is not conventional IDE)
-Video
-Audio
-LAN
-External peripherals (printer, scanner, webcam, etc.)
How difficult installing XP becomes is hard to say and will vary on a model-by-model basis, but at this time, my guess is that all of the necessary drivers are generally available in almost all cases. Consequently, it will generally become a matter of getting a copy of Windows and then of tracking down the necessary drivers.
I hope that this is helpful,
Sincerely,
Barry Watzman
Message was edited by: admin
Typo correction .....
by Watzman - 4/27/07 4:01 PM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanThere were a few typos in my response. Most were grammatical and obvious, but this one is significant. I typed:
"And, finally, most computer technicians would know how to use an “upgrade” copy of XP, although in the situation that you describe, it would be legal under the terms of the license agreement."
But that should read:
"And, finally, most computer technicians would know how to use an “upgrade” copy of XP, although in the situation that you describe, it would ***NOT*** be legal under the terms of the license agreement."
How do I set the program to 'run as administrator'?
by Quick Learner - 4/27/07 11:47 PM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanDear Watzman,
It was a delight to read such a helpful reply to the Vista problem. I'm sure you're swamped with queries about the points you've raised, but I do hope you'll take a moment to anwer my question, as I too am having that scanner difficulty.
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