Can Vista be removed from a computer

[madon37s]

Hi all

 

Some of you will know I have been having a big problem with my XP computer and will have to scrap it! However I have another computer which has the awful (IMHO anyway) Windows Vista on it. I don't like it and the way it works.

 

My question is!

 

Is there a way to take off the Vista program and put XP on to it instead (I do have a licensed copy of XP professional).

 

 

Kind regards

 

Paul

[BeeCeeBee]

The first thing I would do is make sure that the XP that is licensed is not an OEM copy for the other computer. Assuming that it is a valid retail copy with an unused license you have a number of options. You can reformat the drive ( Being very careful to have everything you need by way of data saved to an external media of some kind) or you can create a dual boot where you are given to option to load either XP or Vista on startup.

[seedy21]

if you have a copy of XP on a cd that is XP PROFESSIONAL you can as that is the only lience you have and WILL NOT WORK ON XP HOME . Be warned back up everything that you want on the PC before doing this as it will format EVERYTHING

 

Seedy21

[madon37s]

Firstly.

 

What does OEM stand for?

 

Secondly,

 

How do I format the drive to get rid of the Vista program etc. Please can you tell me in step by step instructions as I am in no way an expert or anything near it when it comes to computers.

 

Many thanks

 

Paul

[Dalo Harkin]

Before you even think about reformatting you need to make sure that you have all the drivers you need beforehand.

 

As you are going back in terms of technology the MOST important driver is for the SATA controller if you have SATA drives as you have to manually install these on XP via floppy drive. (which 99% of people no longer use)

[Plastic Nev]

Hi Paul, have you spent any time looking at Windows 7? either trying a machine with W7 on it which is best, or at least a look at the reams of information on the Microsoft site?

I find it a heck of a lot better than Vista, and also once used to the differences, XP is poor in comparison.

Just my thoughts as it is a lot easier to upgrade to W7 from Vista, for a start you won't need to worry about the drivers, they should still be there with an upgrade.

I can only leave it with you to decide, but before doing so I would recommend having a look at a machine running W7 and see what you think first.

Otherwise, by all means go for XP, but do get the driver issue sorted out first, otherwise it won't run far enough to install XP once the drive has been formatted. Do follow everything Dalo suggests, and the order in which to do it.

Nev.

[madon37s]

OK guys,

 

I hear what you are saying.

 

Let's say I do go for the Windows 7 route! The main concern for me is that all my flight simulators and train simulators are compatable with Windows XP.

 

My question is therefore will they still be compatable with the newer Windows 7 system?

 

Where is the best place and cheapest to get an afficial copy of the Windows 7 system package?

 

How does Windows 7 "take over" from vista if that is already installed as the running system on a computer? :confused:.

 

Kind regards

 

Paul