can i replace vista with windows xp?

Question

Microsoft Windows Vista was the only operating system that was available with my laptop when I purchased it. Window's is generally fairly good about being backwards compatable so I didn't think anything of it at the time. However in this case every single piece of software that I need to run on my laptop is not compatible with Vista. So is there anyway I can exchange Vista for say Windows XP? I simply need an OS that meets my needs. Unfortunately VIsta is not capable of doing so at this time.

jmwills · Answer

You can not exchange, however you can purchase your own copy of XP and install it.

chetblong · Answer

Well before you downgrade (which is possible) there is something I'd like you to try first. Since you said the programs aren't compatibable, go to Help and Support in the Start menu, and then click Get your program to work on this version of Windows there you will see 2 options, one is to open the Program Compatibility Wizard which will try to fix the problem automatically, if that doesn't work then you can do the other option, which is, you right click on the program you are experiencing problems with and click the compatibility tab there you can chose to run the program in compatibility mode for any Windows version from Windows 95-Windows XP. That should work, I hope.

Message Edited by chetblong on 03-09-2007 10:33 AM

amayia · Answer

Thank you very much for recommending the compatibility wizard chetblong =). I'm still fightning with it but am hopeful.   jmwills, Vista was part of the purchase price of the laptop. If purchasing a second OS is required to get Dell's hardware to work as desired. To be honest I think I'm more likely to return the laptop and take my business elsewhere. If Dell is willing to allow the failures of Microsoft dictate their sales, then so be it.    Dell was recommended to me by my IT department. So I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt for the time being.

mike_dembski · Answer

I would recommend that you return the pc, there is no reason you should have to attempt a 'downgrade' and have to pay for two operating systems. I am battling in the upgrade and will probably be switching back to XP

jmwills · Answer

Buy your own copy of XP because you will never get the chance again to get an OEM copy of Vista for about $40.  Keep the PC and get your own copy of XP.

Windows General

can i replace vista with windows xp?

Was this post helpful?