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General discussion

Can I install XP on any new laptop?

by sophiadun Jun 17, 2009 9:44AM PDT

Most of the new laptop are pre-intalled vista, which I don't like.

So I want to format the hard drive and install XP on it.

My only concern is , technically, is there any hardware only compatible with vista (a.k.a no XP drivers for this kind of hardware)?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Define "install"
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 17, 2009 10:12AM PDT

Some forget that while you may install XP (the OS) there are limitations to XP such as the 127GB barrier (removed in XP SP1 CDs) and then the old issue of XP and XP SP1 CDs that hang on install with newer PCIe video interfaces (fixed in XP SP2 CDs) and then we have SATA driver issues and all the other driver issues.

But in no case have I failed to install XP SP2. Just when it comes to the non-Microsoft portions (the drivers for the rest of the machine) then you see the grief.

-> Tip: Buy it with XP installed and ready.
Bob

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Could someone point me to a good driver forum
by sophiadun Jun 17, 2009 1:06PM PDT

"install" means format the hard drive then insert a xp SP3 installation cd I bought, change some sort of BIOS setting to eliminate SATA driver issues, then install xp SP3.

Most of non-business laptops do not have any XP option available, which is a pain in the butt. I wish I could buy a lapto with no pre-install OS system so I can put whatever I want here since I enjoy installing OS so much.

Yeah, drivers are my only concerns. Could someone point me to a good driver forum to ask around?

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I would
by deniceels Jun 17, 2009 8:03PM PDT

get hold of the hardware manufacturer list, go straight to the manufacturer's website to obtain the driver, it's much better than a driver website as they usually have the latest available.

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Actually you can buy
by orlbuckeye Jun 17, 2009 9:43PM PDT

system without an OS just not at Best Buy or the major retailers.

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where to buy a laptop w/o os
by sophiadun Jun 18, 2009 5:11AM PDT

@orlbuckeye

Could you tell me where to buy a laptop w/o os?

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Le'ts say drivers are THE ISSUE.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 17, 2009 10:32PM PDT

Look at this link for a FINE EXAMPLE of driver hell -> http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7587_102-0.html?threadID=271360#2699006

Did you notice a few things? Here's what I see.

1. The drivers were NOT ON A WEB SERVER. Hp had them hidden away on a FTP server. This means you have to ask the maker for the drivers.

2. The install order mattered.

Now the lesson is very clear. Find out BEFORE YOUR BUY that those drivers exist and that they tell you how to install.

These forums and others are full of people that didn't do the work BEFORE YOU BUY.
Bob

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vista sucks
by sophiadun Jun 18, 2009 3:46AM PDT

get on the hardware manufacturer websites are good ideas.

Usually the order of installing drivers does not matter too much. XP SP3 tends to screw sound card drivers.

Microsoft is doing worse and worse. With the annoying vista, they are pushing more and more people to MAC...

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Shucks.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Jun 18, 2009 4:53AM PDT

I'm currently doing Windows Mobile 6 development on Vista. It's doing fine here. I also have the Windows 7 RC on another machine.

My advice is simple. GET WHAT YOU WANT but don't buy a machine that doesn't have your OS of choice then complain about no drivers.
Bob

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