Downgrading To XP

I just bought a new laptop with Vista on it and I'm about to downgrade to XP. What I wanna know is if I downgrade, will I lose stuff like the software that came pre-installed for my built in webcam (as in, the software for my webcam was already installed when I first started my computer)?

 

No it will not if you only install the Windows XP over the Vista version, as long as you don't make it run over your files it should work, worse that could happen would be that some images, and the program would run slightly different.

 

No it will not.

first you need to have your windows vista disk in your drive.

When the installation screen pops up.. click install.

Now find delete files.. and click delete files

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Now after vista is uninstalled.. pop in your windows xp disk.. and boot from cd, and follow the instructions

 

You will need to reformat no matter what you do when attempting to downgrade like that. I know this because I've downgraded my laptop to XP as well.

Take note of all the devices on your system through Device Manager, particularily the graphics, sound, and ethernet adapters - I would download XP-compatible drivers for those devices and store them somewhere portable like your iPod or something, then pop in the XP disc, boot from the CD, delete the partition, create a new one [NTFS, not quick] and then you're all set.

Note that if XP setup can't detect your hard disk then you'll have no choice but to stick with Vista.

 

Thanks guys, really helped me out.

 

Why downgrade? Unless you have some specific reason.

You should make sure that your parts are compatible with XP if you're going to downgrade.

 

Check that the drivers for your hardware are available through your manufacturers website

 

Do you have to reformat SMR?

Can't you just copy the files into Vista folder?

 

it shouldnt but when i did it i lost some stuff cause i didnt really do it properly it said

 

Was this in response to me?

If so I don't get it.

 

i love vista but if your really hatin on it i would suggest letting geeksquad do it..

geeksquad.com

they are run by bestbuy.com and they come to your house and do techy stuff like your needing

 

I'm not an idiot when it comes to computers. I don't need a computer technician to install a new OS, all I was wondering is if I would lose factory set programs. And btw people, you can stop responding to this now and let it die, because I've put off installing XP so long, that I've grown accustomed to Vista, and like it better now. But thanks everyone.

 

The files will not be deteled if you won't format the hard drive.

 

I personally do not recommend downgrading as future Windows programs and support, will only be for Windows Vista. However, you may have more than one OS installed on a particular computer. You're probably going to have to set up a different partition.

 

Wrong. Unless you actually have a proper Vista-to-XP downgrade CD from Microsoft, you'll get an error that says that the version of Windows on the computer is newer than the one on the CD. Repartitioning will not give you this error, however.

You can't install Windows versions out of order. The MBR (Master Boot Record) will screw up, or something like that. Mutliboot configurations have to be set up oldest-OS to newest.

 

wow man your so smart!
why dont peopel just format it and start over?

 

Why exactly do you want to downgrade?

 

You are an idiot if you thought you could copy pasta everything.

 

What the hell are you talking about? What did I copy?

And btw, could a mod lock this or something? Cause like I said, I already decided to not downgrade. I like Vista now, just needed to get used to it a bit.

 

Wow, it's pretty sad if you have to get geek squad to come to your house just to DOWNGRADE VISTA.....

sorry, but how stupid do you think he is?