[Solved] Revert to Windows Xp from Win 7

[TrevWhatmore]

Not really sure which forum this goes under!

I have just bought a 2nd user HP Notebook. It has an Xp Professional product key on the base but when it is run, Windows 7 Ultimate is loaded with a warning that 'this copy of Windows is not genuine. I want to revert to Xp, how can I do this?

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

You are right to remove the "illegal" copy of Win7 - if that is what it is.

 

As you have recently bought it - if it was from a retailer then Microsoft would be interested to know who.

Also you would be entitled to your money back - if this is what you want.

M$ would be able to tell you if the installation was illegal or not.

 

If you simply want to revert to XP there are a few issues that you should be aware of.

Microsoft have stopped all support for XP as of earlier this year.

There are no more critical updates and as such the XP operating System becomes more prone to attack.

Anti-Virus companies are also removing support gradually - although you should still be OK for a couple of years.

 

Having said that - there are millions of people who are still using XP.

 

If you need to buy a installation disk then I would opt for Win7 - if in fact that machine supports Win7.

We can explain further if you wish to take this route.

 

What do you need to do?

You need a legal copy of XP.

This is one that is not installed on another system.

 

If you have this we can explain in a bit more detail where to go from here.

 

If you have any files etc. on the Win7 machine that you need it may be a good idea to back then up now whilst we are thinking about it.

[TrevWhatmore]

Hello KenB

 

I got the HP laptop through an ad in the paper. It's Hard drive is only 40Gb so if possible I would like to stick to Xp. I am hoping this won't cost me because I have the original product key for Xp Professional on this laptop - but I don't have the DVD. Is it possible to download this? Also when installed, will I be able to get updates up to the time when support was ended?

[KenB]

Hi Trev

 

There is no legal download that I know of.

You could borrow a disk from a friend / relative that is the same OS - i.e. XP Pro - and use this with the Product Key on the side of your machine.

 

There are quite a few downloads available here - click here

Not, I am afraid, the Operating System.

 

If you do manage to install XP on that machine please be aware that XP is using SP3 ( a big update ..... still available )

Some installations install SP1 or SP2

 

eBay will have an XP Pro disk - click here

If you choose this option be careful what you buy.

Looking at some of these they are obviously copies.

 

There is another option.

You could install a version of Linux - a totally free operating system.

There are lots of options ... one or two even look a little like Windows.

 

Obviously it would take a bit of getting used to - but it would be a free OS and legal :)

[TrevWhatmore]

Thanks KenB

 

I assume that having put the Xp dvd/cd in the drive I just follow the presented instructions.

 

Trev

[KenB]

Hi Trev,

 

I assume that having put the Xp dvd/cd in the drive I just follow the presented instructions.

Yes - assuming that the CD is able to be read.

If not - you may need to change the Boot Order in the BIOS so that the CDROM is first in the order.

 

This link explains how to install - click here

There is a NEXT button that is easily missed. :)

 

If you need explanation on changing the boot order just ask.

[TrevWhatmore]

This issue is now resolved. Thanks for your help.

 

Trevor

[KenB]

Hi Trevor

 

Thanks for getting back to us.

I will mark this as "Solved" :)