I just bought a new laptop with vista pre installed and I want to remove it and put windows xp on, because vista is not compatible with my printer. If i do this will I loose the information already on my computer?
2007-03-28 16:39:28 · 7 answers · asked by yellowdaizies 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Umm... I'm not sure on a downgrade. When I installed Vista I did it on a partition, so when I went to remove that pile of filth, I just cleared the partition.
If you have a CD Burner or DVD Burner, just burn everything you want to keep.
2007-03-28 16:43:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you will lose everything on your computer - all software, all data, everything. The only way to go from Vista to XP is to reformat the hard drive, which erases all data on the drive. You will also need to purchase a new copy of XP (not an upgrade version). And make sure that you have XP drivers for all your hardware before you start, otherwise your computer won't work at all.
You'll have to boot off the XP CD, go into the repair console, rewrite the master boot record and format the drive. Then boot off CD again and install XP. Keep in mind that this may violate your warranty, so you may want to check the fine print.
2007-03-28 23:50:12 · answer #2 · answered by Rose D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could, if your hard drive is large enough, create a second partition and install XP to the second, formatted partition. You would then have the choice of running either XP or Vista. This would prevent you from losing your information.
If that is the case and you don't want to have Vista on the computer at all then, after installing XP on a new partition, you could boot up XP and run command promt and type "format c:/" where 'c' is the drive Vista is installed on. and that will get rid of Vista.
If you like Vista and would like to keep it, then you could try installing a generic driver for the printer through device manager and see how it goes. Try searching the web, and your printer company's website for an updated driver.
- Adam
http://www.BuyAPCNow.com
http://www.FreeVistaTips.com
2007-03-28 23:49:41 · answer #3 · answered by AHormell 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Vista is downward mobile and should allow you to work with your printer.
If this is your only reason for wanting to return to XP I suggest you check the device driver in the Control Panel. This will tell you if the printer is working properly and give you the option of updating the driver.
If this doesn't work, I suggest you contact the manufacturer. A reputable manufacturer should have an updated driver or fix for Vista.
A couple of weeks ago I had a problem with my HP after downloading IE7. HP was aware of the problem, pointed me to a fix, and it is working fine now.
2007-03-29 00:30:42 · answer #4 · answered by TheHumbleOne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you will lose all information. Have you tried visiting the manufacturer's website for driver updates?
To install windows xp you need an windows xp disc. Place the disc in your cd-rom drive and restart your computer. when you can enter bios by hitting "f2" or "del" should say on your screen. Now make sure your boot priority #1 is set for your cd-rom, now save and exit the bios. Windows partition screen will boot up and you want to delete old partition and make a new one for the size of your hd, install windows xp on that new partition. Just follow the easy screen instructions to complete the installation.
2007-03-28 23:52:47 · answer #5 · answered by ininjai 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi i work for PCs (I always get people telling me can you put my vista back on xp)
Well you have to backup your files or else everything is deleted well let me tell you how to put xp back on your computer when windows vista is installed
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Remove Vista from duel boot system Option
is not a task for the faint hearted, so make sure you do a full back up before trying. as there is a chance of hard drive destruction.
The main reason for this problem is the new boot loader. So follow the next steps after you backup.
Make double sure you have backed up.
Now boot of your XP CD
Boot into recovery console by pressing "R" at the following screen.
Type command "FIXBOOT C:" (No speech marks)
Next type "FIXMBR", read serious warning messages and press "Y" to continue
Exit and reboot.
Finally edit Boot.ini and delete line with "Longhorn" or "Vista" on it and delete the folder Vista resides in
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Remove Vista from duel boot system Option 2
1) Boot your computer in to Windows XP.
2) Ensure you have the Vista DVD in the DVD drive.
3) Go to “Start” and “Run”. Type in “d:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 ALL /force” (without quotes, plus replace e: with the drive letter of your Vista DVD).
4)Restart the computer, and you will notice the boot selection menu is gone.
5) Format the partition/drive where you had Vista installed.
6) Remove two files (Boot.BAK & Bootsect.BAK) on your XP root folder (C:)..
7) And now you have returned your computer to its previous state, without Vista and without the new bootloader
2007-03-28 23:54:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't downgrade to XP! just go to your printer's manufacturer website and look for a driver for your printer so it could run on Vista. Or you could search the web for a driver for your printer.
Or you could just install XP on another partiution in your drive but don't remove Vista....
2007-03-28 23:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by nemesisemil 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋