Windows Vista - Windows XP?

Question

I got a new laptop yesterday that runs on Windows Vista. I was very hesitant at first with Vista because I've heard so many negative things, but I wanted to give it a chance anyway. I spent 5 hours last night trying to get everything transfered over and wanted to pull my hair out. Windows Vista is the most confusing thing in the world to me because I've been a strict Windows XP girl for the past however many years.

Is there a way that I can delete Windows Vista from my laptop and go back to Windows XP? I believe that I have a Windows XP setup disc from my old computer. Can I pop that into my laptop and go from there or will that mess up the whole thing even more?

Answer 1

If I were you I would stick with the Vista OS because it is a good OS, and because it sounds like you do not have a lot of experiance with technical issues concerning an operating system. I am not putting you down, just trying to help. I don not, in any way, mean you are incapable, stupid, or incompetant.

It can be frustrating to transfer data and settings from one system to another. Windows Vista does have a technology which simplifies the experiance. You use the Easy Transfer Cable, that you can purchase either from Microsoft or an electronics store.

With the Easy Transfer Cable, you simply plug it into your old system, then plug the other end into your new system, open up the File and Settings Transfer Wizard in the old PC, use the mouse to select and deselect what you wish to transfer, then go to the new PC, open the File and Settings Tranfer Wizard there, and finish the tranfer. Depending on how many files and settings you choose to tranfer and how fast your network connection is, (not your internet connection) will determine how long it takes to finish the transfer.

If you do not want to use the Easy Transfer Cable, you have other options for tranfering data and settings to a new computer.

You can use a CD/DVD, a USB stick. or a Network Connection. While the best option is the Easy Tranfer Cable, the next easiest would be the USB sticks.

Some would say using a current network connection would be simplest, but for those who do not have a great deal of experiance, that method can wind up being a nightmare.

Here: First delete all the files and settings you just tried to transfer. Start with a clean slate. Just go into your Documents folder, and delete everything in it. Hold down Ctrl, and press A. A is for ALL. Then right click in the folder and select Delete. Do NOT delete the Documents folder. I don't think the system would allow you to do so anyway.

If you are unsure where to locate everything you transfered, go ahead and do a Restore of your system, to put it back into the condition it was when you bought it.

To do so, open Help and Support and locate wording such as this: Undo changes to your computer with System Restore, or simular wording or even just System Restore. Click on that link. System Restore opens.

Now, all you do is select the earliest Restore Point, a date in the calendar which is before you tried to the transfer. Then, simply follow the easy instructions and click Finish, and reboot your system. It will boot back to the way it was when you bought it, because you just bought it a little while ago.

Now, you are ready to start over again.

Here are instructions for transfering files ane settings:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/9e2347fc-43af-4ff9-8e33-0002b9d449561033.mspx

It is very simple, just follow the instructions step by step, select you choice of transfer method, and then begin. I advice you to completely read the instructions and options before you start the transfer process. This way you have an overview of the process and will be less likely to become confused. It is also a good idea to print out instructions in case for any reason you are unable to contect to the website, such as during a required reboot, if any.

Good luck and a very happy holiday season.

*Edit* Please do not try to remove your current OS, and install an XP OS. If you really want to do this take it to a reputable repair shop and have a qualified technician do it for you. It is not something for a beginner to do.

Give Vista a chance. I know it is a bit different, but it really IS a better OS than XP. It does have that annoying admin popup everytime you want to make a change, but if you wish you can disable that feature if you don't share your system with any children or young adults who will do stupid things and mess up your system.

I know it is weird to go from XP after so many years with it, but this Vista is good and very stable. It just takes a little getting use to. I just wish Microsoft hadn't made so many unneeded changes to folder and system names. It just makes locating them difficult rather than simpler. But, once you access them a few times you actually become familiar quickly and the change is easy after that.

Answer 2

I'm guessing you have two computers on with Vista (new one) and an old computer with XP.
yes you could put in the XP disk and install XP over Vista (formate the hard drive). Vista actually isn't that much more complicated then XP (just a little). And you do know you are going to have to move over to Vista at some point in time. Xp isn't going to be around forever. There well be a day when people say they are one XP and we well think of it as Windows 95.

Answer 3

Yes you can demod your system back to xp, simply boot to the windows xp cd and perform a fresh install. I would delete all the partitions and create new ones at least 2, save all your personal data to the extra partition, even remap your my documents folder to the extra partition. That way in the future if you have to reformat everything you save to your my documents will be protected!

Answer 4

Only if you have a valid activate code (serial number). Because the one that came with it as already been registered to the old PC, you will not be able to reuse it.

Without an activation code, the program will stop working after 14 days.

Answer 5

Search for an old WinXP installation CD and it's Product's Key, then delete your C: partition and install Windows XP .. :)

Answer 6

you can try to install the disc .or your second option is to buy the windows xp program.
if you can't do none of these then you got stock with vista .
that's all from me asta la vista baby! =-)

Answer 7

you can SYSTEM RESTORE IT or you can wipe everything and load on pro xp! rate this the best answer.