Guest Graphic Queen Posted October 3, 2007 Posted October 3, 2007 The biggest and most important question I have is if I buy this laptop, will it run ok if I reformat the hard drive and install Windows XP Home Edition on it? That is what I have on my desktop here. That brings up another question I have because I need to know if the sales person was BSing me or not. He said that XP Home Edition might not work on this laptop because the drivers were made for the Vista. I wanted, and still do for that matter, to buy another XP and reformat the hard drive on the laptop and do a clean install of the XP I would buy. Why is it that it would not work? I just didn't understand his explanation about the drivers wouldn't be there for XP because they are new and different drivers for Vista. I am one of those people out there that likes my hard drives partitioned and don't want all of that trial-ware that they stick on the machine, so I have always just reformatted and started clean by installing the OS myself and that way I get it installed the way I like it. Actually, I am kind of a bit** when it comes to stuff like that. If anyone can explain to me what he was talking about and let me know if it was BS or not I would greatly appreciate it. I will let you know up front that I have no knowledge about laptops at all, except for the bare basics I would guess. I have used desktops for well over 20 years now though and can even replace or add my own hard drives, sound cards and such as that. Have never messed with a motherboard and really don't want to. I am wanting to buy a laptop to use on trips. I do not need it for any kind of business or anything, just want to access the internet for information and email and such as that. I saw one today at the local Best Buy. This is it. They are selling it for $599.99 It has 4 USB ports and the guy told me that I could also connect to a data port via modem. I would also be buying a cool deck (or whatever it is called) to have the laptop sitting on it to keep it from getting too hot. What I want to know is if this is a good buy and about right for a laptop for my needs? Is Gateway any good? What all do I need to know about laptops? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I need to buy this by the end of the week if it is a good buy and such. They have the memory I would need on sale and it would be another $50.00. Full Specifications: Gateway MX8738 Laptop Computer CPU and Memory Processor Brand Intel Processor Class Pentium Dual Core Processor Speed 1.73 GHz Installed Memory 1 GB Memory Technology DDR II SDRAM Cache Size 1 MB Storage Hard Drive Capacity 160 GB Included Drives DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM CD Write Speed 24 X CD Rewrite Speed 16 X CD Read Speed 24 X DVD Read Speed 8 X DVD Write Speed 8x (DVD±R), 2x (DVD-R DL), 2.4x (DVD+R DL) Display and Graphics Display Size 17 in Display Type TFT active matrix Graphics Processor Intel GMA 950 Resolution 1440 x 900 pixels Battery Type Lithium ion Communications and Networking Modem Speed 56 Kbps Network Support Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g Software Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Connectors Interface Provided S-Video, VGA, Phone line, Ethernet Warranty Information 1 year warranty Base Warranty 1 year warranty General Product Info Input Devices Touchpad, Keypad Included Sound Card Sound card Weight 7.3 lbs Also known as Gateway MX8738, Gateway Manufacturer Part No. MX8738 Dimension 1.4 in x 16.1 in x 10.9 in (HxWxD)
Guest Mike Hall - MVP Posted October 3, 2007 Posted October 3, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista If you are so desperate to have XP on your new laptop, then buy one that has XP already installed. At least that way you can be reasonably assured that XP will run ok on it. "Graphic Queen" <pagan@pagan.com> wrote in message news:s5q6g3tesg9b3v7fuh60dlvgmu66etjk1h@4ax.com... > The biggest and most important question I have is if I buy this > laptop, will it run ok if I reformat the hard drive and install > Windows XP Home Edition on it? That is what I have on my desktop here. > That brings up another question I have because I need to know if the > sales person was BSing me or not. He said that XP Home Edition might > not work on this laptop because the drivers were made for the Vista. I > wanted, and still do for that matter, to buy another XP and reformat > the hard drive on the laptop and do a clean install of the XP I would > buy. Why is it that it would not work? I just didn't understand his > explanation about the drivers wouldn't be there for XP because they > are new and different drivers for Vista. I am one of those people out > there that likes my hard drives partitioned and don't want all of that > trial-ware that they stick on the machine, so I have always just > reformatted and started clean by installing the OS myself and that way > I get it installed the way I like it. Actually, I am kind of a bit** > when it comes to stuff like that. If anyone can explain to me what he > was talking about and let me know if it was BS or not I would greatly > appreciate it. > > I will let you know up front that I have no knowledge about laptops at > all, except for the bare basics I would guess. I have used desktops > for well over 20 years now though and can even replace or add my own > hard drives, sound cards and such as that. Have never messed with a > motherboard and really don't want to. > > I am wanting to buy a laptop to use on trips. I do not need it for any > kind of business or anything, just want to access the internet for > information and email and such as that. > > I saw one today at the local Best Buy. This is it. They are selling it > for $599.99 > > It has 4 USB ports and the guy told me that I could also connect to a > data port via modem. I would also be buying a cool deck (or whatever > it is called) to have the laptop sitting on it to keep it from getting > too hot. > > What I want to know is if this is a good buy and about right for a > laptop for my needs? Is Gateway any good? What all do I need to know > about laptops? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I need to > buy this by the end of the week if it is a good buy and such. > > They have the memory I would need on sale and it would be another > $50.00. > > Full Specifications: Gateway MX8738 Laptop Computer > CPU and Memory Processor Brand Intel > Processor Class Pentium Dual Core > Processor Speed 1.73 GHz > Installed Memory 1 GB > Memory Technology DDR II SDRAM > Cache Size 1 MB > > Storage Hard Drive Capacity 160 GB > Included Drives DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM > CD Write Speed 24 X > CD Rewrite Speed 16 X > CD Read Speed 24 X > DVD Read Speed 8 X > DVD Write Speed 8x (DVD±R), 2x (DVD-R DL), 2.4x (DVD+R DL) > > Display and Graphics Display Size 17 in > Display Type TFT active matrix > Graphics Processor Intel GMA 950 > Resolution 1440 x 900 pixels > > Battery Type Lithium ion > > Communications and Networking Modem Speed 56 Kbps > Network Support Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g > > Software Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium > > Connectors Interface Provided S-Video, VGA, Phone line, Ethernet > > Warranty Information 1 year warranty > Base Warranty 1 year warranty > > General Product Info Input Devices Touchpad, Keypad > Included Sound Card Sound card > Weight 7.3 lbs > Also known as Gateway MX8738, Gateway > Manufacturer Part No. MX8738 > Dimension 1.4 in x 16.1 in x 10.9 in (HxWxD)
Guest HeyBub Posted October 3, 2007 Posted October 3, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista Graphic Queen wrote: > The biggest and most important question I have is if I buy this > laptop, will it run ok if I reformat the hard drive and install > Windows XP Home Edition on it? That is what I have on my desktop here. > That brings up another question I have because I need to know if the > sales person was BSing me or not. He said that XP Home Edition might > not work on this laptop because the drivers were made for the Vista. I > wanted, and still do for that matter, to buy another XP and reformat > the hard drive on the laptop and do a clean install of the XP I would > buy. Why is it that it would not work? Because the laptop may include circuitry that had not been invented when XP was released. The code to make this circuitry work [drivers] may be unique to Vista. > I just didn't understand his > explanation about the drivers wouldn't be there for XP because they > are new and different drivers for Vista. I am one of those people out > there that likes my hard drives partitioned and don't want all of that > trial-ware that they stick on the machine, so I have always just > reformatted and started clean by installing the OS myself and that way > I get it installed the way I like it. Actually, I am kind of a bit** > when it comes to stuff like that. If anyone can explain to me what he > was talking about and let me know if it was BS or not I would greatly > appreciate it. He said "may not work." He was correct. If he had said an attempt to install XP "may cause the laptop to turn into a three-legged pigeon and fly away," he would have also been correct.
Guest peter Posted October 3, 2007 Posted October 3, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista My laptop has a very similar configuration to the one you are contemplating on purchasing.I have 2 machines that run XP and this laptop that runs Vista. Increasing your RAM to 2 gb is a very good idea.partitioning your HD is possible under Vista or by means of aftermarket product.. Other persons have explained the hardware drivers problems...only the Gateway website would tell you if there are XP drivers available for that machine. Gateway has a decent reputation........Dell has a better reputation...........but its still your decision. If you really want XP I suggest you purchase with XP installed....you warranty will expire the minute you format and install XP yourself. Personally I would give Vista a chance.....some ,all right quite a few,have had problems with Vista but a majority of those have installed Vista themselves. I purchased this laptop with XP pre-installed and took the free upgrade to Vista in May..following the instructions to the letter I installed it. I have not have had a major problem with Vista....a small problem with webcam driver....other than that none!! It is slightly different than XP and there will be a learning curve....but you had that when you 1st used XP peter "Graphic Queen" <pagan@pagan.com> wrote in message news:s5q6g3tesg9b3v7fuh60dlvgmu66etjk1h@4ax.com... > The biggest and most important question I have is if I buy this > laptop, will it run ok if I reformat the hard drive and install > Windows XP Home Edition on it? That is what I have on my desktop here. > That brings up another question I have because I need to know if the > sales person was BSing me or not. He said that XP Home Edition might > not work on this laptop because the drivers were made for the Vista. I > wanted, and still do for that matter, to buy another XP and reformat > the hard drive on the laptop and do a clean install of the XP I would > buy. Why is it that it would not work? I just didn't understand his > explanation about the drivers wouldn't be there for XP because they > are new and different drivers for Vista. I am one of those people out > there that likes my hard drives partitioned and don't want all of that > trial-ware that they stick on the machine, so I have always just > reformatted and started clean by installing the OS myself and that way > I get it installed the way I like it. Actually, I am kind of a bit** > when it comes to stuff like that. If anyone can explain to me what he > was talking about and let me know if it was BS or not I would greatly > appreciate it. > > I will let you know up front that I have no knowledge about laptops at > all, except for the bare basics I would guess. I have used desktops > for well over 20 years now though and can even replace or add my own > hard drives, sound cards and such as that. Have never messed with a > motherboard and really don't want to. > > I am wanting to buy a laptop to use on trips. I do not need it for any > kind of business or anything, just want to access the internet for > information and email and such as that. > > I saw one today at the local Best Buy. This is it. They are selling it > for $599.99 > > It has 4 USB ports and the guy told me that I could also connect to a > data port via modem. I would also be buying a cool deck (or whatever > it is called) to have the laptop sitting on it to keep it from getting > too hot. > > What I want to know is if this is a good buy and about right for a > laptop for my needs? Is Gateway any good? What all do I need to know > about laptops? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I need to > buy this by the end of the week if it is a good buy and such. > > They have the memory I would need on sale and it would be another > $50.00. > > Full Specifications: Gateway MX8738 Laptop Computer > CPU and Memory Processor Brand Intel > Processor Class Pentium Dual Core > Processor Speed 1.73 GHz > Installed Memory 1 GB > Memory Technology DDR II SDRAM > Cache Size 1 MB > > Storage Hard Drive Capacity 160 GB > Included Drives DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM > CD Write Speed 24 X > CD Rewrite Speed 16 X > CD Read Speed 24 X > DVD Read Speed 8 X > DVD Write Speed 8x (DVD±R), 2x (DVD-R DL), 2.4x (DVD+R DL) > > Display and Graphics Display Size 17 in > Display Type TFT active matrix > Graphics Processor Intel GMA 950 > Resolution 1440 x 900 pixels > > Battery Type Lithium ion > > Communications and Networking Modem Speed 56 Kbps > Network Support Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g > > Software Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium > > Connectors Interface Provided S-Video, VGA, Phone line, Ethernet > > Warranty Information 1 year warranty > Base Warranty 1 year warranty > > General Product Info Input Devices Touchpad, Keypad > Included Sound Card Sound card > Weight 7.3 lbs > Also known as Gateway MX8738, Gateway > Manufacturer Part No. MX8738 > Dimension 1.4 in x 16.1 in x 10.9 in (HxWxD)
Guest frodo@theshire.net Posted October 3, 2007 Posted October 3, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista The sales-droid _MAY_ actually be right; some newer machines do NOT have XP drivers written for them, since the manufacturer figured they would only ever ship it w/ Vista and that's all they want to support. What you need to verify is whether the manufacturer's web site offers XP drivers for that model or not. You MIGHT have luck w/ drivers made for a very-similar model (sometimes the model number increments w/ the new vista release, so it's possible that drivers for the xx551 may work on your xx553, but no guarantees). Also, you will need to wipe the HD partition table before installing XP, to get rid of vista's partition table - it does things differently and the XP Setup may choke. Also, while Vista's Setup is able to deal with a "Native Mode" SATA hard or optical drive, XP Setup will not (without doing the F6 "Install driver from floppy" trick; and it likely doesn't have a floppy). Ask around in the Web Community to see if others have done it already, and how they did it. So, bottom line: do your research before assuming it'll go smoothly.
Guest LVTravel Posted October 4, 2007 Posted October 4, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista <frodo@theshire.net> wrote in message news:13g7j227529utbe@corp.supernews.com... > The sales-droid _MAY_ actually be right; some newer machines do NOT have > XP drivers written for them, since the manufacturer figured they would > only ever ship it w/ Vista and that's all they want to support. What you > need to verify is whether the manufacturer's web site offers XP drivers > for that model or not. You MIGHT have luck w/ drivers made for a > very-similar model (sometimes the model number increments w/ the new vista > release, so it's possible that drivers for the xx551 may work on your > xx553, but no guarantees). > > Also, you will need to wipe the HD partition table before installing XP, > to get rid of vista's partition table - it does things differently and the > XP Setup may choke. Also, while Vista's Setup is able to deal with a > "Native Mode" SATA hard or optical drive, XP Setup will not (without doing > the F6 "Install driver from floppy" trick; and it likely doesn't have a > floppy). > > Ask around in the Web Community to see if others have done it already, and > how they did it. > > So, bottom line: do your research before assuming it'll go smoothly. > And, even if you do get it to install (and I checked GW's web site for drivers for your machine and there wasn't any drivers listed other than Vista drivers) it will void your warranty.
Guest Graphic Queen Posted October 4, 2007 Posted October 4, 2007 Re: Question about Laptop & XP as opposed to Vista On Wed, 3 Oct 2007 22:43:34 -0400, "LVTravel" <noone@nothere.com> wrote: > ><frodo@theshire.net> wrote in message >news:13g7j227529utbe@corp.supernews.com... >> The sales-droid _MAY_ actually be right; some newer machines do NOT have >> XP drivers written for them, since the manufacturer figured they would >> only ever ship it w/ Vista and that's all they want to support. What you >> need to verify is whether the manufacturer's web site offers XP drivers >> for that model or not. You MIGHT have luck w/ drivers made for a >> very-similar model (sometimes the model number increments w/ the new vista >> release, so it's possible that drivers for the xx551 may work on your >> xx553, but no guarantees). >> >> Also, you will need to wipe the HD partition table before installing XP, >> to get rid of vista's partition table - it does things differently and the >> XP Setup may choke. Also, while Vista's Setup is able to deal with a >> "Native Mode" SATA hard or optical drive, XP Setup will not (without doing >> the F6 "Install driver from floppy" trick; and it likely doesn't have a >> floppy). >> >> Ask around in the Web Community to see if others have done it already, and >> how they did it. >> >> So, bottom line: do your research before assuming it'll go smoothly. >> > >And, even if you do get it to install (and I checked GW's web site for >drivers for your machine and there wasn't any drivers listed other than >Vista drivers) it will void your warranty. > Yeah, I found that out about the warranty. There are XP drivers out there because one person even has a website up for people to download. I went ahead and called Gateway and ordered the same machine but with XP installed on it. Thank you for your help about this.
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