Community Newsletter: Q&A: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how?
- 5/3/07 3:36 PM
Vista HP
by no5 - 4/28/07 12:28 AM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanMany thanks for that "Change to Classic Start menu"- Terrific.
R G Wynne
Ireland
Franklin s.
by BurnJW - 4/28/07 12:32 AM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanI have had this very same problem, what I did was to re install Windows XP Pro full version.
When it asks you if you want to FORMAT your HDD click on the format icon on your screen, I did have a slight problem getting Microsoft to activate my program once more but eventually they copnsented to activateing my computer again.
Regards from Mr. B. Warnock.
Don't drink the MS kool-aid
by markhammons - 4/28/07 7:50 AM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanI still find it remarkable how willing the public has become to jump through the software vendors’ hoops. Call India, download this new driver, hack this registry key, it’s a hardware problem - call the hardware tech support line, etc...
My advise - Dump Vista and find a hacked copy of XP (since you own a Windows license - albeit Vista). When will the buying public insist software vendors stop releasing their software before it is ready? We would never accept being told to upgrade our TV because the DVD we just rented makes it crash!
Vista is NOT ready for prime time (give it another year) and the buying public should not be used to work out the final kinks. Don't buy systems that only ship with Vista. Haven’t you noticed, after 5 years, that XP patches still come out every Tuesday?
Don't drink the MS kool-aid
by Rumpleproofskin - 4/28/07 4:23 PM In reply to: Don't drink the MS kool-aid by markhammonsbetter still, dump the PC and buy a Mac
Kool-aid of a different flavor.
by Hellion DarkLord - 4/29/07 11:06 PM In reply to: Don't drink the MS kool-aid by markhammonsHow about trying some FREE flavored kool-aid!
Ubuntu
Not only is it free, it is also well documented and supported by a large and growing community of people who really know what they are talking about because they helped build the software.
This isn't for everybody and, like everything else, isn't perfect. If you have a d-link internal wireless network card the networking tools don't behave properly for instance. That is caused by the lack of supported drivers for that card. There is a really simple fix for it. Just download and install Automatix2 and look under drivers for an app that lets you use windows drivers.
I wouldn't try using this OS if you have a Volari V3 video card because the x-server breaks. For some reason the Volari XT works fine. One other major drawback. Once the system is installed on a hard drive that also contains MS Windows it is very difficult to "uninstall" Ubuntu without loosing data on the windows system.
Windows and Ubuntu will co-mingle nicely otherwise.
Ubuntu will do some things better than Windows and will even run windows programs. Though configuring windows programs in Ubuntu can be a daunting process; once the programs are configured, they will most likely run very nicely. (If they can be run at all.... I'm Sure that Microsoft programmers loose sleep because Ubuntu users can run Windows software.)
I play games like DooM III on my Ubuntu box every day. ID has made software available that will run DooM III even better on Ubuntu than on XP Home.
For info on the Desktop version look at:
http://www.ubuntu.com/products/whatisubuntu/desktopedition
For more info about Ubuntu and the African company behind it look at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(Linux_distribution)
I hope you will find it interesting. For new users I would recommend installing the Ubuntu and using it along side Windows until they are comfortable using Ubuntu. It's like learning another language. (well, it would be if you could learn another language for free.)
I didn't have the money for a Windows operating system and started using Ubuntu because it was free. I'd built a computer on my own and then found that I'd used all my money for hardware and didn't have anything left for an OS. After installing and using Ubuntu for about a year I procured a copy of Windows and installed it and one month later Went right back to Ubuntu. (Malware sux.)
MY two cents.
HD
Not a Vista Problem
by seanjerome - 5/1/07 10:49 AM In reply to: Don't drink the MS kool-aid by markhammonsSoftware writers have had plenty of time to make their code compatible with the increased security features of the Vista operating system. A few did a good job updating, many, like HP, did not.
To blame the Ford or GM because leaded gas no longer works in your car would have been stupid, yet that's like what many of you are saying.
LOL! I love this answer!
by LaJan7 - 5/1/07 10:00 PM In reply to: Don't drink the MS kool-aid by markhammonsBut the example you used is remarkably rotten since the "Powers That Be" ARE forcing us to switch from standard broadcast receivers in our TV's to High Definition receivers. However your basic premise is painfully obvious and even more painfully true. The problem is that the public is too thirsty to resist the Kool-Aid to avoid dying from dehydration. Gates is a very smart jerk. He knows we're stuck with whatever he does to us because he OWNS the US government by supplying all the computer software and hardware the country runs on. Ever wonder why that antitrust suit went away?
Vista wasn't ready for ANY time, much less Prime Time. As a musician, it has now forced the change to Apple's systems just to keep music programs running. The compatibility option is useless for us because it doesn't make our programs work with the only hardware that works with Vista's graphics.
Microsoft really showed its arrogance and distain for the public with this farce but they own most of the cards most of us need and cheerfully said, "go fish". I'd love 30 minutes to chat with Billy-Boy and ask about his motivation for mandating migration to Vista. I doubt he will be able to keep a straight face when he says, "It's actually quite good, a stellar achievement, and cutting edge computing". Never before I have felt quite this cheated AND unable to do a damned thing about it but walk away.
aye aye
by Masyanlah - 5/2/07 1:28 AM In reply to: Don't drink the MS kool-aid by markhammonsuse your brains not just wallets geeks!!!!!!!!!
Password Correct Solution re Vista System to XP
by mlp2500 - 4/28/07 7:53 AM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanGpedit sounded like a great fixer, BUT, I cannot get to the file..I get the message "Windows cannot find gpedit.msc". What am I missing?
One of the biggest problems in my experience
by carl2005 - 4/28/07 12:01 PM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanIf you purchased a new computer with windows vista pre-installed AND if you have a SATA hard drive - then you would need to be very careful, unless you are a 'around the block a few times kind geek', you need to be careful.
Well first off, a SATA drive is a newer type of hard drive that is popular on desktops and laptops since the last 2 years. SATA or Serial ATA is different from ATA (same as PATA or Parallel ATA). You may have one without even knowing it - so check out your hardware spec. SATA is great technology, but in this particular context - downgrading from Vista to XP, it can be a painful 'appendage stuck on your backend' !
So what if you have a SATA drive and you want to get rid off that Vista and want to reinstall XP.
Before you go in and put that XP installation CD and wipe out that semblance of a connection to the internet - do the following :
- First locate the hardware installation CD that came with your computer - and make sure you find the drivers for SATA for XP.
- If you cannot locate the SATA drivers on the installation CD, go to the manufacturers website and download it. And if this fails, call their customer service and weep your heart out!
- Next burn those drivers on a CD (you still have that vista don't you), AND if you have been wise enough to keep that USB floppy drive handy, copy it onto that, and copy it onto a flash drive for added peace of mind.
- When you re-install XP,you will be prompted for additional drivers, this is the moment of truth that we have been waiting for. Well put that CD in.. and wait.. wait.. If you did everything right (and rememebered to pray!). Your SATA hard drive will be recognized -- hooray. If its not, the XP installation will come back and say "No hard-drive found!!!" - so you know you did something wrong.
- If you are really geeky!, you can create a new windows-xp CD with your SATA drivers built-in - search for "Slipstreaming XP" on your favorite search engine.
And above all, Good luck.. !!!
Regards
TJ..
http://www.gosmallbiz.org
Reset my computer to original state
by glyates - 5/14/07 10:05 PM In reply to: Answer for Franklin S: Downgrading a new Vista system to XP by WatzmanI am one of the many new computer owners with vista problems. Dell has agreed to take the system back. It is an Inspiron 1505 notebook. How can I clean everything off of it and return it to its original state as when I received it? I am removing programs one at a time. But I need to know how to make sure I get everything cleaned off and ready to send back.
They are picking it up tomorrow. I need help tonight!
Thanks,
George
glyates@verizon.net
New copy
by santuccie - 4/20/07 8:57 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The restore media for your old system is very unlikely to work on your new one. It is a proprietary operating system, built for one machine and one machine only.
If you want to be legal (recommended), and entitle yourself to optional as well as critical security updates, and many other freebies offered exclusively to owners of genuine Windows operating systems, you will need to buy yourself a new copy.
Here's one site that will sell you a legitimate copy for a good price. The link I've provided is for XP Home: http://www.ztechsoftware.com/servlet/the-61/Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home/Detail
Before installing XP, contact your vendor and ask them for device drivers that would support XP on your machine. Also, if you don't already have restore media for your Vista OS, make sure you use the restore media creator that should have come with your unit before replacing it with XP. Good luck!
VISTA
by mario50 - 4/20/07 9:10 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
YOU HAVE TO USE A NEW COPY OF WIN XP , FORMAT VISTA , REINSTALL XP AND SEND BECK VISTA TO THE MANIFACTURES REMEMBER YOU ARE JUST THE LEASER OF THE SOFTWARE, (THIS IS MICROSOF POLICY READ THE EULA)AND ASK BACK THE MONEY ,I GOT WINDOWS VISTA ULTIMATE IT WORKS FINE BUT I GOT EINDOWS ONE CARE TOO ,IT CAVE ME HEADEK I BEEN AT THE PHONE WITH MICROSOFT FOR TIME AND THEY WAS NO ABLE TO REPAIR IT ,I GOT ANOTHER ANTIVIRUS ,THAT WORKS FINE, AND SEND BACK WINDOWS LIVE ONE CARE TO COMPUSA ,AFTER SOME DISCUSION ,AND AFTER I PROVED WITH THE MICROSOF EULA THAT I AM JUST THE LKEASER (MICROSOF HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE YOU UNISTALL THEM SOFTWARE ANY TIME THEY BEKIVE YOU ARE NOT USING IT AS IN THE EULA, AND IF IT DOESEN.T WORKS FINE FOR YOU THAT Y WILL GET BACK AND REFOUND0 SDO I BEEN FULLY REFOUNDED BY COMPUSA
YOU HAVE RIGHT ,FEW,BUT YOU HAVE, MICROSOGT OVER PROPTECTED HER SELF BUT FOR LUCK WE CAN PROTECT OWR
WINDOW VISTA BASIC IS JUST A SMALL UPGRADE OF WIN XP NOTHING ELSE AND THEY LET YOU PAY IT DUBLE
TRY AND GOOD LUCK
Compatibility Solutions
by KingPrinciple - 4/20/07 9:11 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First and foremost, I'd recommend checking your peripherals manufacturers website for Windows Vista Drivers. I'd also recommend running the programs on Vista by using the Compatibility mode feature located in Properties. If niether of these solutions work for you then I'd make the recommendation of purchasing Windows XP Service Pack 2.
Vista Incompatibility
by joerog55 - 4/20/07 9:19 PM In reply to: I want Vista out of my PC and XP back in, but how? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Install Virtual PC and Windows XP (and/or other OSs) and have the best of both worlds!
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
