Can I go from Vista to XP without problems?

Question

I'm opening a new business. The software I've decided to "go with" has not been tested with Vista, no software out there for this type of business has been tested with Vista....YET....but for all intents and purposes we'll say it isn't Vista Friendly.....Can I ....or rather, HOW do I get rid of Vista and get XP....The computers I'm using are right out of the box, from Dell, they came with Vista...I hate the thought's of sending them back, that'll be such a hassle. I have no idea how to do this. Any help and/or advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I think you will find out that there isn't any used XP for sale.

Or, maybe you have x number of copies of XP for your x number of Vista boxes? If so, the process starts with a complete re-format of the hard drive and that might take a 3rd party formatting tool. You have to wipe out the MBR -- Master Boot Record.

XP was made to be upgraded. Just having one copy of XP won't get you set up correctly on all machines.

Really, I would start off talking with Dell. See if they would, in fact, trade or get a RA number.

Answer 2

Vista does run xp software. It also runs windows 98 programs.

So don't buy into the myth that you cant run vista.

Here is how simple it is.

You know when you install a software program it puts the icon on the desktop?

Well all you do, and you only do it 1 time, is right click on the icon, then click on PROPERTIES and you'll see a tab there that says COMPATIBILITY.

When you click the compatibility tab it has 3 boxes saying, xp, 98, 95.

Which means you can run it as if you were running xp.

You can see what I am talking about right now by doing this on an icon on xp.

Its the same in vista except in vista it also says Xp, 98

So all you do is the program you want to run on vista check that box that says xp and vista runs as xp.

I have vista and xp is junk compared to vista. I also have xp and my xp machine runs slower and has more problems.

Vista is perfect.

Answer 3

You could always buy copies of XP and have (or hire) your IT people install them. I'd rather just have IT experts install the OS but if you are fairly PC literate you could do it yourself.

Once you have copies of XP (make sure the BIOS is set to boot from the optical drive), insert the XP CD, allow it to boot and install XP to a different partition.

The only way you would be able to get rid of Vista (I don't suggest you do) would be to wipe the drive using the XP install disc and installing XP after you have wiped Vista.

You can pick up OEM copies of XP and save a little money or if you have some kind of business discount with Microsoft then they might be able to help you out as well.

If you want OEM copies of Professional (every business should have XP Professional) and I hope you have Vista Business or Ultimate on those machines...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=50001149%2040000368&Description=OEM%20xp&name=Operating%20Systems

You don't have to get rid of Vista, just install XP and have a dual boot situation where you can select from Vista or XP, depending on what you need.

Just because it hasn't been tested with or Vista certified yet, doesn't mean it won't work, Vista will tell you if it will or not, if it runs under Vista it runs, if it doesn't run, well Vista will just shut the program down and tell you it won't run.

Answer 4

You should be able just make sure you don't format the drives
but just in case you should back up the data stored on them when going back to xp and make sure you find you Cd's to install all your software a(like office or whatever your company uses)

Answer 5

yes and no somewhat of all your information probably wont get applied correctly better to just call an major company dealing your problem to take u step by step