Changing Windows Vista to XP?

Question

my aunt just bought me a new laptop (after id spilled water on my first one) that runs on windows vista. ive heard a lot of horror stories about vista from friends at school and, knowing my luck, ill probably run into the same bugs.

so how exactly do i go about changing over to windows xp? how much money and time would it cost and where would i go to do this?

Answer 1

I'm going to join in with the majority of people who have answered and say to stick with Vista.

I've not tried Vista yet, but I know when I replace this "old betty" running XP, that I will have a small learning curve.  I've heard about Vista being a poor OS, but that was a couple of years ago.  I've recently heard that Vista is actually more stable than XP is... it won't show the "blue screen of death".

What you might try, if you really want XP on your computer, is to install XP as a second OS.  Once again, I am treading on thin ice by saying that, and I would not have a real good idea of how to go about it... but I imagine it can be done.

As for your printer, I believe if you were to contact the makers of the printer, they would be able to direct you in the correct direction for getting the proper software/drivers to run your printer on Vista.  They should, because with XP no longer being produced and every company now offering Vista on their new PC's, it would seem rather assenine to not have the proper software/drivers for your printer.

Answer 2

Can you please tell me some of these horror stories and bugs on Vista because for over a year now running Vista and I haven't see anything and I'm really curious of what is so horrid that makes people downgrade a brand new computer

Answer 3

You haven't even tried it out yourself yet? You are going to go from a strong and secure platform to one that is not even close to as good, on the word of friends who probably don't know anything about technical issues, huh? Well, I must say that I use Vista, do know quiet a bit about technical issues, and I am more than extremely happy with my system. I have yet to have any of the issues that were there when Vista first came out, and seldom turn on my XP system, usually just to keep it updated, as it is going to by for my guests and my DVR. I won't waste my Vista on those needs.

Listen, Vista is a sound OS, it is far better at this age than XP was. It had only one third of the issues of XP at that early stage, and it is easy to use. I find it all around the better machine. I also have found the usually it is those who don't have a lot of technical experience who have the most issues with Vista. Most who do find Vista a very sound and easy to use OS.

At the very least use it for a month or two and see what you think of it, don't kill it just on the word of somebody else. Give it a chance, you will see how it grows on you. Be thankful you spilled that water because now you have a better system.

Good luck and have a nice day. Oh, and how nice of your aunt to get you a new laptop, especially when you spilled water on the first. What a sweetheart she is!

Answer 4

You will have to buy a separate Windows XP license. This can cost anywhere from 90-400 dollars, depending on what type you get. Depending on how easy it is to find drivers, it could take anywhere from 1-3 hours to fully setup your new installation. I would recommend getting Windows XP Home Edition OEM. It is the cheapest license you can buy. It does not come with support though, so you will have to solve your own problems. Newegg has most licenses available from their website

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...

Answer 5

It is probably not worth it anymore.

You would need to buy Windows XP full version (which is still like $200 - $300).

You would also need to make sure that your computer would even work with XP, it might not.

You could go to a local computer store for a consultation.  If they install XP for you, it will cost even more.

Answer 6

I don't know but I would check the Microsoft website and see if there's anyway to switch.

Answer 7

All the horror stories are outdated. Windows Vista works fine now. When it first came out there were a lot of bugs and issues with driver support but that is over a year ago now. If you have a new computer that came with Vista then stick with it, the OS is meant to work better and utilize the hardware more efficient.

Answer 8

You'll have to buy XP for over $100. It will be expensive, time consuming, and you might have trouble getting basic things like your sound and video to work because you'll need to get drivers. Plus Microsoft will stop supporting XP in a few years. It's just a big hassle.

In my opinion, keep Vista. I've been using Vista for several months now and I love it; don't believe those stories. At least try out Vista before immediately switching to XP.

-InternetGeek http://coolpersonsearch.com/

Answer 9

The last time I heard, it was quite a problem reverting back to XP on a Vista PC.  Don't take the horror stories too seriously.  Vista, when it first came out, was a real pain.  It's problems with compatibility towards older programs/hardware frustrated many PC owners.  However, now that Vista has finally got some service packs out, it's a fairly decent operating system.

I say to give Vista a try.  Make sure you update the operating system with the latest updates.  However, if you want real bugs, try to revert the laptop to XP.  

Answer 10

It will cost you around $200 to start and that is if you do the work yourself, my advice is to just tell your friends to shut up and use vista, the average user will most likely have no problems. The only thing you may need to do is download updated printer drivers for your printer if it is a little bit older. If it newer(within the past year or two) the drivers are on the disk so you wont have a problem

Answer 11

You would need to get a copy of XP with a valid key.  Then all you'd have to do is format your drive and install XP with the XP CD.