Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Hard drive swap

Jun 18, 2010 4:15AM PDT

gtownjim
Member

Because of issues with windows 7, I wanted to downgrade to windows xp. I have been told that I cannot do this because the manufacturer 0f my pc (Asus) does not provide drivers for windows xp, therefore I cannot downgrade
Next question is: if I use a ide to sata adaptor, can I take the hard drive out of my old computer which contains windows xp and install it in place of the hard drive in my windows 7 computer so I would be than be able to use windows xp?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
No
Jun 18, 2010 5:01AM PDT

No, you would still run into the drivers issue, and then likely add onto that licensing issues. XP is where Microsoft started adding teeth to the enforcement of the Windows EULA.

If for whatever reason Windows 7 does not work for you, you have only a couple of options.

1: Return the system and find one that does still support Windows XP (some of Dell's business lines still do)

2: Return the system and just stay with what you have for the rest of your days

3: Learn to live with 7

4: Look into the possibilities represented by Linux and Mac OS X

That's about it for your options. If the XP drivers don't exist for your system, there's simply no way to get it working on that system. It doesn't matter how you try and tackle the problem, it's like trying to drive a car with no engine, transmission, or wheels. It simply will not work.

- Collapse -
Why not post the issues you have
Jun 18, 2010 6:31AM PDT

with Windows 7 and try and resolve them?

- Collapse -
Great explanation
Jun 18, 2010 10:01AM PDT

Thanks for the great explanation.