Windows 7 to Windows XP?

[I, Brian]

While Windows & looks nice, it's just not so functional for me as Windows XP was.

I have my Windows & backup discs made up, and am considering reformatting the PC, installing Windows XP, and then uploading my data back in.

However, are there likely to be any problems with this?

Simply that recently I tried this with a laptop, and it refused to allow XP to install.

Any pointers on pitfalls or help would be much appreciated.

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

If you are wary of risks you could always just install Windows Virtual PC and run XP from that. Due to browser issues with certain applications I have done just that and it runs fine.

 

[pcproblems]

Make sure that you can get the XP drivers for your particular PC first

 

[Page]

Wow - so seriously what is XP giving you that 7 is not other than familiarity which only takes a day or two to pass by

If it is not a particular program that requires XP then ??

 

[I, Brian]

Wow - so seriously what is XP giving you that 7 is not other than familiarity which only takes a day or two to pass by

If it is not a particular program that requires XP then ??

Seriously, what is Windows 7 giving me that XP is not? Aside from non-compatability with a range of older software tools I use.

 

[MASSEY]

I dont get why they keep upgrading them all the time.

Im happy with vista anyway its the best one in my opinion.

 

[Alex@Iansprint]

There should be no compatibility issues, unless the hardware isn't supported by XP.

The reason why it might not have allowed you to install XP, is because technically you can't "downgrade" inside Windows. The way round this is to boot from the CD, and install XP this way. Alternatively, you could dual-boot XP and 7, just incase you ever change your mind? (Provided you have a license for both XP and 7!)

 

[Jim2k]

I dont get why they keep upgrading them all the time.

Im happy with vista anyway its the best one in my opinion.

Blimey, Im going to keep that comment bookmarked for posterity!

 

I dont get why they keep upgrading them all the time.

Er to make money.

I like Brian stick with XP for the same reasons.

Earl

 

[I, Brian]

what is XP giving you that 7 is not

There are some old freeware tools I still use, plus a few old strategy games for relaxing with in the evening, that worked on XP, but won't run on Windows 7.

 

[David Richards]

Seriously, what is Windows 7 giving me that XP is not? Aside from non-compatability with a range of older software tools I use.

Do you still get compatibility issues when using compatibility mode or even XP mode?

 

[Phild1973]

I dont get why they keep upgrading them all the time.

Im happy with vista anyway its the best one in my opinion.

Wow Massey congrats you are a guiness world record holder! The only person on planet earth to publically state that Vista is A good, nevermind "one of the best" operating systems. Think I'd rather roll back to Windows 3.1 ?

With regard to rolling back to XP, you only have legal right to do this from Windows 7 pro to XP pro. until recently all PC's Laptops came with XP downgrade media. This stopped as the dealine approached for the complete end of life of XP. Then last minute Microsoft removed the deadline indefinately for the Win7 downgrade rights to XP (Pro) as there is a global love of XP with corporates and public sector (major users)

So, unless you buy a new machine with Win7 Pro and have either XP media with it, or swap your W7 licence for XP through Microsoft you cannot legally downgrade. With regard to "dual boot" options as I read earlier in the thread. You cant have a dual OS on a machine, dual boot generally means a new machine that came with dual boot capability. This meas "at FIRST boot" you have an option to choose your OS, you can have one or the other, W7 of XP..

W7 is without a doubt the best OS Microsoft have ever released and brings the OS completely up to date with the current user requirements for sharing and collaberation, remote acces and so many other areas, as an old dedicated XP fan.... RIP XP you served us weel but your time is up!

 

[Gord]

RIP XP you served us weel but your time is up!

Nonsense.
Depends what you are using it for.
Heck, I still have one machine used for real-time multi track video editing of std def video that runs on win98, and hasn't missed a beat for at least 4 years.

With regard to "dual boot" options as I read earlier in the thread. You cant have a dual OS on a machine, dual boot generally means a new machine that came with dual boot capability

Are you saying that it is not physically possible with win7 or that it is not legally possible ?

 

Wow Massey congrats you are a guiness world record holder! The only person on planet earth to publically state that Vista is A good, nevermind "one of the best" operating systems. Think I'd rather roll back to Windows 3.1 ?

I doubt that would be true of older machines running 7 there is also the shorter battery life for laptop users.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355703,00.asp

Earl

 

[pcproblems]

My laptop dual boots either Ubuntu or XP Pro and it's staying like that

 

[Ishumashi]

Win95 & Win3.1 are even more "streamlined" and simple

 

[andy@telecomhelpcouk]

There are some old freeware tools I still use, plus a few old strategy games for relaxing with in the evening.

What you really want then is a copy of Vista. You'll need your wits about you to make the bl**dy thing work properly. Andy

 

I'm still using XP in the office myself tbh, though obvioulsy I need the odd Windows 7 machine since we have to support it.

I still feel conned with Windows 7. They put a lot of effort into making it boot up quickly, which is nice I suppose, but they forgot about the rest of us who move lots of data around. Try sticking in an external USB drive and copying some large files across, bloody shocking!

Anyways, back to the OP. Brian, if you are going to install XP onto that machine, make sure you can get all the drivers you need for your motherboard (I am assuming from your OP that this one is a desktop PC). Shouldn't be a problem with a desktop tbh, but on some laptops they haven't released XP drivers.