Downgrade to XP for Dummies

Downgrade From Microsoft® Windows Vista® to Windows® XP

Journal ID:     08087QSH3G Article ID:    332083 Date Published:    3/3/2008 Last Revised:    3/25/2008   Table of Contents  Summary: Downgrade from Windows Vista® and Windows XP®  Exchanging Your System  Downgrade the Operating System - Microsoft® Windows Vista® to Windows® XP » Summary: Downgrade from Windows Vista® and Windows XP®
Article Summary: This Knowledge Base article describes how to "downgrade" or replace Windows Vista with Windows XP. Sometimes downgrading to the previous version of the operating system may be an option when Windows Vista does not meet your computing or gaming needs.
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Dell does not provide the media or license (COA) to "exchange" your system with another system with a different operating system. However, if you are within your return period, you can return your system and order a new system with your preferred operating system. If you are outside your return period, you must purchase a different operating system.
Back to Top   » Downgrade the Operating System - Microsoft® Windows Vista® to Windows® XP
Note:     When a Dell computer operating system has been modified outside of the factory, it will no longer be supported by Dell. In that case,  contact the operating system manufacturer. Dell remains available to troubleshoot problems on a fee basis.  

 

Changing the operating system from Windows Vista to Windows XP, a process called "downgrading," involves the following main steps (click the steps to expand for more information on the topic):

1. Determine driver availability for Windows XP
   
   
   If downgrading a Dell computer with Windows Vista installed at the factory, make sure drivers are available at Drivers and Downloads. Also, for any components installed after you purchased the computer, make sure drivers are available for those by contacting the manufacturer. Many manufacturers provide driver information on their Web sites.
   
   
2. Consider software compatibility
   
   

   Many software applications work on either Windows Vista or Windows XP, but not necessarily both. Contact the manufacturer of the software application. Many manufacturers provide operating system compatibility information on their Web sites. Find out if the software is Windows XP-compatible using one of the following methods:

   • Read the system requirements on the package to see which operating systems the software will work with.
   • Find the system requirements on the Web site to learn what operating systems are compatible with the software.
     
     
3. Acquire the Windows XP operating system media and license
   
   
   Before downgrading the Windows Vista operating system, you must acquire an authorized version of the Windows XP operating system. Be sure to get the full operating system, not an upgrade. A full install is required.
   
   Downgrading to Windows XP requires using the Windows Vista installation disc. Use a copy made from backup, or acquire another copy.
   
   
4. Back up the hard drive
   
   
   Be sure to back up the hard drive before proceeding.

    

    

   Notice:     Replacing the operating system may result in the complete erasure of all data on the hard drive. Be sure to back up the hard drive in its entirety.  

    

5. Remove most external devices
   
   
   In order to complete a clean install, be sure to remove any unnecessary external devices. Removing unneeded devices will help to minimize the opportunity for any unexpected events.

    

   The following is a list of devices that should not be removed:

   • Monitor
   • Keyboard
   • Mouse

   The following are examples of devices that need to be detached:

   • Scanner
   • Printer
   • Portable handheld devices
   • Other external devices

   
   
   
6. Perform a clean installation

ok so now that I Have this information, how do i know what to download. should I download the drivers before I downgrade? Do I burn them to a CD? Do I even need to download drivers?

Your machine has Vista specific drivers on it that won't work right if at all when you install XP.  You'll need everything driver related for XP and your machine.

 

I recall when I had to install Windows from scratch that even though I had enough control of the machine after Windows was installed to install the drivers.  I don't know how else you would do it. 

 

If you're reformating the drive, then you'll want the drivers on a USB flash drive or a CD.

Apparently order is important.

 

  Dell Solution Network: Knowledge Base Article

How to Install Drivers in Microsoft® Windows® on Dell Systems

Journal ID:     08087Y61HG Article ID:    327740 Date Published:    10/11/2007 Last Revised:    3/24/2008   Table of Contents  Install Drivers in This Order in Windows  Additional Information About Drivers and Downloads » Install Drivers in This Order in Windows

The drivers for your Dell computer can be installed from the ResourceCD/DVD or from the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.

Actual system configurations may vary. The list below is an overview of the correct order to install drivers on Dell desktop and laptop systems. After reinstalling the operating system, follow the order listed when reinstalling drivers. It is recommended that you print this list for referral when installing drivers.

Note:    

To select the correct drivers, you need to know what components are installed on your computer. To find out what components are installed on your computer, refer to the Dell Knowledge Base Article: "How to Determine Which Components are in Your Computer" Article ID: 324898.

 

1. Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first. Currently, the DSS and NSS are not required for systems with Windows Vista installed. This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

9. Other Devices 

   • Bluetooth® Module
     This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
   • Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
     This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
   • PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
     This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

You can download the latest drivers for the list above from the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.  It is recommended that you print this driver order list before starting the download process on the Dell Drivers and Downloads page.