Windows Vista forum: Returning to Windows XP Pro - Goodbye VISTA

Attn: Grif Thomas


Hello, everyone.


I have a DV6000z HP Pavilion CTO Notebook which came with VISTA.

It is a replacement from my previous DV5222nr notebook that HP couldnt physically repair because it was phased out. The only good news of their replacing the notebook is that it is now a more current model, at the moment, and that originally, prior to the VISTA release, it was sold as VISTA compatible with Windows XP pre-installed. I left my DV5222nr in HPs possession for 3 months, applying no pressure to HP for completing repairs (1 item was back ordered, most likely the chassis itself) because I knew what the resulting decision would be - Replacement. I avoided VISTA for over 3 months but finally folded.

I didnt so much mind the physical replacement of my notebook as much as I did the loss of Windows XP. I have had this notebook (DV6000z) since September this year (Shipped 08/30/2007) and even after hearing all the horror stories and complaints about VISTA, I decided that I would give VISTA a fair shake. I like the appearance and actually have no issues with the system itself aside the fact that it is slow to load, respond, and locks up from time to time. My researching online has found a few reviews of the VISTA SP1 beta - In beta form, it apparently shows little to no improvement worth mentioning - Not exactly the type of reviews to provide hope of a smoother system any time soon.

It is time to return to Windows XP.

Up until I found the topic downgrading from vista to xp on C-NET, I thought I was going to simply use my old DV5222nr recovery disc set to reload XP Home (I prefer XP Pro but). For the last week, I have been researching the web about reverting to Windows XP and came across the forum topic which you (Grif Thomas) participated in - Quite in depth. I applaud your patience in answering the same questions repetitively while remaining composed. I am posting this new thread because (somewhere) in the 22 page topic, it was suggested that new questions be asked in a new thread. I am hoping to receive your help with my own personal questions on the task of loading Windows XP to a system currently running VISTA.

My knowledge of computers is self-taught since 1997 and I have come a long way from having somebody else initially connect all those wires behind the computer to fixing, modding, building, and even repairing system operating issues. The actual understanding of programming however is still beyond my grasp. I am quick to learn, and not phased by a challenge. I wont even blink about swapping VISTA for Windows XP - But I will be certain of what steps are necessary to do so prior to doing anything, in order to deceive Murphy's Law.

Enough about the reasoning and how I came to be here though. My questions are simple (for you or anyone else holding the knowledge) to answer. I would sincerely appreciate any further help you choose to provide in response to this new (beaten) topic.


Current System Specs:

HP DV6000z Pavilion Notebook
Genuine Windows VISTA Home Premium (32bit)
AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core TL-58
15.4 WXGA Bright View Widescreen (1280x800)
1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
2 x 1GB DDR2 (SO-DIMM) Kingston Memory in the mail
NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 w/ Prod Ports
HP Imprint Finish + Microphone + Webcam
802.11b/g WLAN
80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Uprgraded to 250GB 5400RPM Samsung Hard Drive already
Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/DL Support
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery




I am unfamiliar with operating system differences in terms of 32 bit versus 64 bit. As stated above - I realize I need to purchase a new Windows XP Pro SP2 disc - But dont know which one. Being that I have the AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual Core Processor, Im really uncertain - This my first multi-core processor and my first AMD. I have also seen SP2B ? ((( 1 ))) Which version is the appropriate choice of Windows XP Pro?

From reading the topic (all 22 pages, 318 replies), I have copied all the relevant replies to a spreadsheet for quicker reference. The order of this task is not in question or hard to understand. VISTA Recover Discs were made immediately upon receiving my notebook. Wiping my hard drive is a common task (I do so as maintenance approximately every 8 months), but I will be certain to follow your suggestions, and program recommendation of DBAN v1.06 (You stated it runs quicker on dual core systems) - I already have it downloaded in preparation.

The SATA support issue which so many people are experiencing will be addressed if necessary - I do understand your comment of turning it off doesnt effect performance noticeably. The seemingly appropriate drivers are already downloaded for the XP (generic) installation - I may need to download different (XPx64) drivers however, dependant on your response above regarding the proper OS choice. Loading the drivers will be a new experience for me personally - But Im sure it will be obvious as to when and how once the time comes.

I am currently making copies of all the current driver details for VISTA, which brings another question to light. I noticed while doing so that my 6TO4 Adapter Device is flagged, and marked as This device cannot start. (Code 10). I did a bit of web searching and found that many people have this issue. I simply wanted to know what it was, the device, in "kindergarten terms". ALL of the explanations left me scratching my head, not understanding what was provided. I understood however, that it is something related to internet protocol - Something well over my level of understanding. Either way - My whole reason for bringing this issue up isnt to ask for a solution.

The solution found for this device being flagged was to disable it, being that VISTA uses another, newer (?) form of internet protocol. In the offered solution, it was stated to open the Device Manager, click on VIEW, and Show hidden devices. If I am to document the drivers which VISTA uses prior to wiping the hard drive; ((( 2 ))) How far in depth should I be digging ? By revealing the hidden devices, the list seemingly doubles in size. Also, ((( 3 ))) what exactly should I be documenting of the driver information ? The obvious answer is the driver versions and names, true - But the information window which shows after double clicking the device provides numerous tabs, number dependant on the device. In reply 182 of 318, you state write down all the devices and driver providers, dates, and numbers for each device listed - I simply want to be certain before clearing VISTA from the hard drive.



I thank you for your time and further patience in answering the questions above. These are the only questions I have currently and upon being addressed, I should be able to return to the OS which I am most comfortable with.


Thanks !!!



Troy B

Fort Hood, Texas