Installing Windows XP on Inspiron 1720 to replace VISTA

Question

Hi to all !

I have decided to intall Windows XP Pro on my Inspiron 1720 (still under warranty) currently running under VISTA Home premium due to some problems that does not run properly under Vista, for example my versions of Autocad, Acronis, Diskeeper,Acrobat writer, etc. (the computer is now configured with 2 x 160 GB disks) I have downloaded from DELL site what I believe to be the complete set of XP drivers . In order to safeguard myself from any umpredictable problems I have bought a new 160 GB SATA 2.5" disk that will replace the current one where Vista is installed so that I'll be able to revert to the original situation in any case. Since I am not an expert I have four questions:

1. does anybody envisage any problem in replacing the original disk with the new empty one?

2. I know that I'll have to load the SATA driver by pressing F6 when required during the installation process. Where I have to put the SATA driver in order to be able to load it during the installation rocess ?The external (USB connected) key memory is a viable solution? Alternatives?

3 I have often read of problems with Sigmatel Audio drivers; any suggestion about this?

4 I suppose that WXP can access without any problem the second disk where I have all my work and mail files (.pst) (Is reasonable to perform a complete backup of this disk?)

Any help and suggestion is highly appreciated

Thanks in advance

Giampaolo

PS Of course I have a retail version of Windowx XP pro SP2

jmwills · Answer

Not such a daunting task.

A new drive will work fine.

The easiet thing to do would be to purchase an external USB floppy drive and load the SATA driver from there or alter the BIOS settings to set the hard drive to "auto-detect".

Nothing wrong with the Sigmatel audio drivers.

Yes, the new XP install can access the files from the previous install.

giampaolo · Answer

Thank for the reply. If I don't buy an USB floppy drive that is likely to be used just only in this occasion, which are the new settings for BIOS that initially I have set to boot from CD to load XP installation disk? (I mean: when I have to set it to autodetect? During the installation after the initial setting?) and after having forced this setting, may I load the SATA drive from a pen drive or I have to put it on a CD?

Thanks in advance

Giampaolo

jmwills · Answer

Depending on the version of the BIOS, there is an option of turn off the SATA features so you can install the OS, then after the install you can re-enable that feature.

Also, dependent upon the BIOS, it may or may nor recognize the the flash drive. By the eay, there is no need to the boot order in the BIOS, hit F12 at post, and you will be given the option to choose your boot source.

giampaolo · Answer

THANKS FOR INFORMATION, I'LL TRY DURING THE WEEK END  AND I WILL POST THE RESULTS REGARDS GIAMPAOLO

Windows General

Installing Windows XP on Inspiron 1720 to replace VISTA

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