HELP :( Vista back to XP

Choca · 13-02-2007, 02:51 PM

Hi Guys,

I just bought a laptop pre-loaded with vista but I have bought the laptop purely to run on audio programs that does not support vista so I need to go back to XP

Does anyone know what I need to do?? Its a ASUS PRO31J??

Any help would be great,

Cheers

XR Rob · 13-02-2007, 02:56 PM

I'll start with the obvious question: do you have a copy of XP (either OEM or retail), which isn't loaded on any other machine, which you will be able to "roll back" to?

holmsy · 13-02-2007, 02:59 PM

i would suggest in the intrest of your money. take the laptop back and say this wont support the programs i need. try and get ya money back and get one with xp. otherwise to do it legally. you need to purchase a copy of xp and install that. or go to a computer shop and have them install it.

sgt_doofey · 13-02-2007, 03:42 PM

Start -> Run -> cmd

c:\> Format C: /u /q /s

**Polyal** · 13-02-2007, 03:45 PM

ok I know what format does, but what are the bits after it?

+1 for formatting, easiest and quickest way.

sgt_doofey · 13-02-2007, 03:47 PM

/u = unconditional = no restore
/q = quick
/s = system = copy system files to enable PC to boot of this drive.

I doubt it would work as I believe that Windows stopped this with XP, maybe even Windows 98.

sgt_doofey · 13-02-2007, 03:49 PM

Actually, one way to do it would be to get a Linux Live disk (one that boots in to Linux straight from CD such as Ubuntu). Once Linux starts up, fire up a command prompt/shell and type in fdisk /dev/hda
Delete the primary partition off the disk. Shut down and then boot from Windows XP disk and install.
Might have to create a new NTFS partition when you are using fdisk though. Make sure it's bootable though!

charles_wif_xf · 13-02-2007, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

/u = unconditional = no restore
/q = quick
/s = system = copy system files to enable PC to boot of this drive.

I doubt it would work as I believe that Windows stopped this with XP, maybe even Windows 98.

You can't use unconditional and quick at the same time!!!

:

Seriously, go back to where you bought the laptop from and ask if you can swap the OS over to XP.

Choca · 14-02-2007, 11:08 AM

I went back to where I bought the laptop and they laughed at me when I said I want to go back to xp,

So I went to the ASUS website, I've downloaded all the drivers (Graphics card, touchpad, bluetooth and so on) and I'm going to format the hard drive and start a fresh install with XP

Do you guys think this will work??

charles_wif_xf · 14-02-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choca

I went back to where I bought the laptop and they laughed at me when I said I want to go back to xp,

So I went to the ASUS website, I've downloaded all the drivers (Graphics card, touchpad, bluetooth and so on) and I'm going to format the hard drive and start a fresh install with XP

Do you guys think this will work??

Of course it will work, as long as you have a full (non-upgrade) version of XP (go for Pro version).

Them laughing at you showed how pathetic they are as computer industry specialists.

robs_ls1 · 14-02-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_wif_xf

Them laughing at you showed how pathetic they are as computer industry specialists.

Exactly. They misunderstood the needs of their customer and sold a product which doesn't do what the customer wanted. And upon returning the useless product, the customer is laughed at? I'd be demanding my money back at that point. **** 'em. Let's see the pricks laugh then.

But to answer your question, yes, it should work.

holmsy · 14-02-2007, 01:14 PM

if you boot of the xp cd go through the steps there is s tep that you tell it to format the drive. why are some of you saying to boot of linux and all this crap?

it is an extremely easy task.

Bill_R · 14-02-2007, 01:17 PM

I'm fairly sure that the license to Vista includes a license to XP if you find Vista isn't for you. Contact ASUS and, if necessary, Microsoft. More than likely, ASUS will have XP avaialble with all the drivers for your machine.

Choca · 14-02-2007, 01:52 PM

I got the xp drivers but ASUS won't provide me with XP, the guy was like "we don't have to provide you with the drivers its a vista machine" but I got the drivers anyway.

ill see how I go tonight, its starting to **** me :( I'd like to stay VISTA but the program I need to use won't work on it :(

Why can't they upgrade the program!!! lol

Cheers
Guys

robs_ls1 · 14-02-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choca

ill see how I go tonight, its starting to **** me :( I'd like to stay VISTA but the program I need to use won't work on it :(

It's probably better that you can't anyway. I wouldn't touch Vista until the first service pack is released.

Choca · 14-02-2007, 03:27 PM

Yeah how come??

atec77 · 14-02-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choca

Hi Guys,

I just bought a laptop pre-loaded with vista but I have bought the laptop purely to run on audio programs that does not support vista so I need to go back to XP

Does anyone know what I need to do?? Its a ASUS PRO31J??

Any help would be great,

Cheers

you might take it back and exchange it , you might take it back and make them give you a refund on the microsoft telling them it will be running linux then install xp that you own , you might contact microsoft and arrange for the refund on vista at least and then install xp or you might just boot from a floppy anf format the drive then reboot onto the xp cd you have and install from there. your call.

BeStRaFe · 14-02-2007, 03:43 PM

ACCORDING TO THE MICROSOFT ELUA
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RUN PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM WITH A NEWER LICENCE ASLONG AS THEY ARE ON THE SAME LEVEL

EG XP HOME = VISTA HOME PREMIUM.
get a copy of a oem disk and call microsoft... they will help you out...
or if you are desperate... i have a legit OEM copy of xp home i have absoloutally no use for.

pm me

The Yeti · 14-02-2007, 03:49 PM

this moay sound silly and I have know idea as I havent used vista yet, but I had a simular problem with 98 software and XP when it was first released, i over came it but opning the program in a windows 98 enviroment does any one know if this can be doen on Vista it might be an easyer solution than reformating

robs_ls1 · 14-02-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Choca

Yeah how come??

Because people are having all sorts of "teething" problems with Vista.

Do a quick Google search for "vista problem" and you'll see what I mean.

Better to wait 12 to 18 months until the dust has settled, IMO.

You know that XP works for you, so use it.

the_scotsman · 14-02-2007, 07:15 PM

What program are you having trouble with, just out of curiosity...

I still am unsure if you actually own an XP CD? if you do, then do as has been said, boot with the XP CD and choose to format the C drive before installing...simple..

As for "wait until Vista SP1" quotes I see all the time...don't listen to them...these quotes are made by people who have either never used Vista, or have no knowledge on what its about...I was a Vista beta tester and am now running Ultimate....I will NEVER go back to XP, thats how GOOD it is...

BlueRaven · 14-02-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeStRaFe

ACCORDING TO THE MICROSOFT ELUA
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RUN PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE OPERATING SYSTEM WITH A NEWER LICENCE ASLONG AS THEY ARE ON THE SAME LEVEL

Are you sure thats not referring to the Operating System version? Eg, Licensed for Windows XP SP2, running Windows XP?

As far as i'm aware, you violate the license if you run Windows Vista (or XP) and choose to install Windows 2000 on instead. We found this out at work when we were running Windows 2000 on Windows XP licensed Laptops, so we swapped back to XP.

Anyway, its Microsoft's silly licensing system anyway.

To answer the original question, grab yourself a copy of Windows XP off you go. During the XP setup, it has an option to format the hard disk. Thats the way to go.

Install XP. Install drivers. Install AVG Antivirus. Intall Sp2. Install updates. Install Firefox. Enjoy.

BlueRaven · 14-02-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

As for "wait until Vista SP1" quotes I see all the time...don't listen to them...these quotes are made by people who have either never used Vista, or have no knowledge on what its about...I was a Vista beta tester and am now running Ultimate....I will NEVER go back to XP, thats how GOOD it is...

A few things...

1. Many people don't buy first edition cars for the same reason.

2. I have never used Heroin or have any knowledge on what its about, thankfully I can still advise people away from it.

3. You can't convert the world. I don't know how many times i've read that you beta tested this thing and want to marry Microsoft for making it, basically.

Laminge · 14-02-2007, 09:46 PM

Being using Vista since it came out, not a single problem based on a fresh install.

Don't bother if your hardware is over 3 months old though, not enough driver support available in the market

Hitman · 14-02-2007, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmsy

if you boot of the xp cd go through the steps there is s tep that you tell it to format the drive. why are some of you saying to boot of linux and all this crap?

it is an extremely easy task.

Except that when you put an XP disc in a PC that's running Vista, it will tell you that that XP is older than Vista and won't run it, otherwise it would be as easy as bootingfrom teh CD-Rom drive with the XP disc in the drive.

the_scotsman · 14-02-2007, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueRaven

2. I have never used Heroin or have any knowledge on what its about, thankfully I can still advise people away from it.

3. You can't convert the world. I don't know how many times i've read that you beta tested this thing and want to marry Microsoft for making it, basically.

2. Yea, comparing a drug that EVERYONE knows is bad ***** to a computer operating system is a really good comparison...

3. Did I mention I also beta tested Vista?

geez...I'm only giving my opinion...and it just so happens there have been quite a few people asking abut Vista...I reckon I know a fair bit about it, and so if I can help, I will...mentioning that I beta tested it may give the person some idea of what I know.

the_scotsman · 14-02-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitman

Except that when you put an XP disc in a PC that's running Vista, it will tell you that that XP is older than Vista and won't run it, otherwise it would be as easy as bootingfrom teh CD-Rom drive with the XP disc in the drive.

but you CAN boot from the XP CD if you are running Vista...it will let you install no questions asked...its only when you put the XP CD in the drive when you are actually logged into Windows Vista.

XA-Coupe · 14-02-2007, 10:10 PM

no one has mentioned compatibility mode. I haven't looked to be sure it's in vista but XP could emulate previous versions. You may not need to stuff around.
I am not even sure microsoft knows microsoft licensing.

BlueRaven · 14-02-2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

2. Yea, comparing a drug that EVERYONE knows is bad ***** to a computer operating system is a really good comparison...

3. Did I mention I also beta tested Vista?

geez...I'm only giving my opinion...and it just so happens there have been quite a few people asking abut Vista...I reckon I know a fair bit about it, and so if I can help, I will...mentioning that I beta tested it may give the person some idea of what I know.

Sorry, I'm just yanking your chain

The fact that you beta tested it gives you a more informed view that can help others. I just get a little testy when people question the theory behind waiting for a first service pack. Its a conservative view point... no harm in waiting. Besides, maybe by the time SP1 is released, there will be a better reason to switch to Vista.

XA-Coupe · 14-02-2007, 10:29 PM

Waiting for a 1st service pack for a home user is redundant really. The only reason I can see to wait is if you have stuff that Vista doesn't support with drivers. If you want to / have to go to vista.. just do it. Keep it updated and have a functioning and up to date virus scanner and stay away from those warez sites