Returning to Windows XP Pro - Goodbye VISTA - January 2008 - Forums

Attn: Grif Thomas

Hello, everyone.

I have a DV6000z HP Pavilion CTO Notebook which came with VISTA.

It is a replacement from my previous DV5222nr notebook that HP couldn?t physically repair because it was phased out. The only good news of their replacing the notebook is that it is now a more current model, at the moment, and that originally, prior to the VISTA release, it was sold as VISTA compatible with Windows XP pre-installed. I left my DV5222nr in HP?s possession for 3 months, applying no pressure to HP for completing repairs (1 item was back ordered, most likely the chassis itself) because I knew what the resulting decision would be - Replacement. I avoided VISTA for over 3 months but finally folded.

I didn?t so much mind the physical replacement of my notebook as much as I did the loss of Windows XP. I have had this notebook (DV6000z) since September this year (Shipped 08/30/2007) and even after hearing all the horror stories and complaints about VISTA, I decided that I would give VISTA a fair shake. I like the appearance and actually have no issues with the system itself aside the fact that it is slow to load, respond, and locks up from time to time. My researching online has found a few reviews of the VISTA SP1 beta - In beta form, it apparently shows little to no improvement worth mentioning - Not exactly the type of reviews to provide hope of a smoother system any time soon.

It is time to return to Windows XP.

Up until I found the topic ?downgrading from vista to xp? on C-NET, I thought I was going to simply use my old DV5222nr recovery disc set to reload XP Home (I prefer XP Pro but?). For the last week, I have been researching the web about reverting to Windows XP and came across the forum topic which you (Grif Thomas) participated in - Quite in depth. I applaud your patience in answering the same questions repetitively while remaining composed. I am posting this new thread because (somewhere) in the 22 page topic, it was suggested that new questions be asked in a new thread. I am hoping to receive your help with my own personal questions on the task of loading Windows XP to a system currently running VISTA.

My knowledge of computers is self-taught since 1997 and I have come a long way from having somebody else initially connect ?all those wires? behind the computer to fixing, modding, building, and even repairing system operating issues. The actual understanding of programming however is still beyond my grasp. I am quick to learn, and not phased by a challenge. I wont even blink about swapping VISTA for Windows XP - But I will be certain of what steps are necessary to do so prior to doing anything, in order to deceive Murphy's Law.

Enough about the reasoning and how I came to be here though. My questions are simple (for you or anyone else holding the knowledge) to answer. I would sincerely appreciate any further help you choose to provide in response to this new (beaten) topic.

Current System Specs:

HP DV6000z Pavilion Notebook
Genuine Windows VISTA Home Premium (32bit)
AMD Turion? 64 X2 Dual-Core TL-58
15.4? WXGA Bright View Widescreen (1280x800)
1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
2 x 1GB DDR2 (SO-DIMM) Kingston Memory in the mail
NVIDIA

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Not Grif or as smart as Grif but

by YankeesNYwins Nov 24, 2007 9:19PM PST

Here is what I would do.

Purchase a 32 bit Windows XP Professional CD from Newegg. {Good price.} Don?t even consider 64 bit because there is no support for it. {Trust me on this.}

Go here and download;

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Maxtor_Powermax_d1386.html

Boot to Maxtor Powermax 4.23 and choose low level format and erase the hard drive to zero?s.

When it is finished boot to your Windows XP Professional CD and install the operating system and when it reboots during the install process DO NOT select ?press any key to boot from CD? again {when it reboots} during the install process.

When installing you can partition the hard drive if you wish using the Windows XP CD. It will give you this option.

When Windows XP Professional is completely installed and running right click on My Computer and click on device manager and see what drivers you need.

Go to the manufacturer?s website and download what you need.

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If you can't use powermaxen 4.23.

by YankeesNYwins Nov 24, 2007 9:41PM PST

Go to the hard drive manufacturer?s web site and download their utility for erasing the hard drive. They ALL have these utilities.

I just noticed it is 250 GB's and don't think powermaxen will load on such a large hard drive.

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Thanks for your suggestions !!

by phantom_squall Nov 25, 2007 7:04AM PST

<<< YankeesNYwins >>>

Wiping a hard drive is nothing new to me. Changing OS?s and possibly having driver issues is admittedly a challenge though. I look forward to the new experience and knowledge gained from the overall task.

As for the 32/64 bit system - Thanks for the enlightenment. I only remember a little about the differences, something about programming coding (I think). It isn?t that 64bit wont load or function on a hard drive - It?s that most programs today don?t use the 64bit coding. Again, this is what I remember from researching about a year ago - I may be wrong or using the wrong terminology. 32bit - Thanks !

<<<dharr2q>>>

You are absolutely correct - Installing any OS over another is simply asking for trouble and headaches. I wont be re-installing VISTA anywhere except as a cup coaster (It doesn?t even really qualify there though, IMHO.). The installation will be Windows XP Pro on a 250GB hard drive. The original 80GB hard drive is already being used as an external storage drive (See system specs).

Thanks for the replies !!

Troy Booth

Fort Hood, Texas

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Returning to Windows XP Pro

by dharr2q-20308540920111910 Nov 25, 2007 2:39AM PST

You cannot install an earler OS over the current Windows Vista OS.

Therefore, I would purchase partitioning software such as PartitionMagic 8.0 for Windows. Partition your drive and install a full version of Windows XP Pro. That way, you'll have both operating systems on your computer. Problem solved and none of that previous nonsense mentioned by other forum members.

Unfortunately, you only have an 80 GB drive. That won't leave you much room to store large multimedia files. However, it is enough room to install another operating system. Purchase an external storage drive if you plan to store multimedia files.

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Just My Opinion...

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Nov 25, 2007 6:21AM PST

It sounds like you've got things headed in the right direction so maybe a few thoughts will help...

First, since your DV6000 computer was a replacement sent to you from HP, I would contact them and ask them to provide you with a free XP version of the DV6000 CTO Recovery Discs instead of the current Vista discs that you've created.. They may, or may not still have them but I am aware they previously released the same computer with XP and all the appropriate drivers installed. They should be able to provide you with XP Recovery discs which could reinstall everything easily from scratch... It's worth a try and you could certainly explain your previous situation and repair history.

Next, if you need to purchase the XP disc, I prefer the 32bit versions primarily because XP in the 64bit platform has had some problems with drivers.. They aren't always easy to find and 64bit XP wasn't a widespread success. Here, we don't use any programs that fully utilize 64bit versions of Windows anyway.. In addition, I tend to prefer the "full" retail versions of XP Pro SP2 instead of the OEM versions.. There's not a lot of difference except that you can transfer the full retail version to a different computer after the initial one dies or if you want to experiment with hardware changes.. It's just a personal preference so do whatever fits your usage pattern.

As to your adapter problem, I've now downgraded a couple of 6000 series machines and the appropriate drivers have been included in driver download link you provided.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Thanks for the response !

by phantom_squall Nov 25, 2007 8:21AM PST

You are correct about HP possibly having the recovery discs on hand and it being ?worth a try?. I have had so much contact with HP in the past (I support only HP systems) that I think I?m beginning to understand the India dialect more so than US. Between online text chat support, phone ?technical? assistance, and even straight dialing to the case manager?s lines (oops, did I do that ?) - ?Been there, done that?.

I had previously given it thought of calling for recovery discs but remember the hassles with even smaller issues. But, by your suggestion, I realize the only loss in doing so is the time it will take. It?s worth a try. I could be trying to talk to Sony support after all - It could be worse !

32 bit seems to be the general consensus. That?s what I?ll be buying if necessary. I never really knew the difference between OEM and Retail versions - But that is now clear as well. I?ll definitely need a Retail version being that I have a case build in progress which will need an OS once completed.

I?m still wondering how deep I need to dive into the documenting of driver information - Do I need to concern myself with hidden devices ? I?m thinking I shouldn?t worry about them being that it has never been mentioned, that I?ve seen but value your opinion and experience on the topic.

Now if I could just make sense of this un-familiar forum response layout?

Thanks for the help !!

Troy B

Fort Hood, Texas

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I Don't Worry About 'Hidden Devices' Either..

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Nov 25, 2007 10:05AM PST

..But it only takes a few extra minutes to write down all the devices listed in the Device Manager. It's your choice... If something goes wrong and a driver doesn't work, then it's nice to know exactly which device you need to look for.. If the driver doesn't work on the XP installation, then you won't be able to tell what the device name is, but I can't remember when I've had an issue with the Hidden Devices.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Thanks Grif

by phantom_squall Nov 25, 2007 11:34AM PST

I appreciate all your help (in this and all other topics). Its nice to have the answers so readily available with just a bit of searching.

I'll post detailed feedback once I have switched operating systems.

Thanks again !

Troy B

Fort Hood, Texas

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U N B E L I E V A B L E

by phantom_squall Nov 26, 2007 10:25AM PST

After my last experience with HP Online text chat Technical Support I knew tonight's session would bring no new developments. I was VERY wrong.

I connected to a representative name John - The inital thought being "Okay, there will be no language barrier, sweet !"

After John offered to lead the way in this very task of manually aquiring drivers, a retail XP version, etc - I thanked him for the kind gesture and made it even more clear to him that I was after the Recovery Disc set, not the "how to" version.

I went on hold (so to speak) and when he returned, The conversation continued...

QUOTE

ME: As stated, I am about to do it myself.......without the recovery discs.......

ME: BUT.......Knowing that my model came pre-loaded with XP and sold as VISTA capable........That means there are XP recovery discs available whiich would make my task all the easier......

John: Please allow me few minutes while I check it once.

ME: I am more than willing to purchase the set of recovery discs. I do not need direction in "how to" accomplish this task without recovery discs though - Thank you for the gesture

ME: Thank you John......I am patient...Take your time

John: You are welcome.

John: Thank you for your valueable time and patience.

ME: No problem John - Hopefully you have found what I am seeking

John: I just had a word with my supervisor regarding this issue and convinced him to send you the free recovery disks, instead of purchasing by $40.00.

ME: John.....

ME: You convinced your supervisor........to send out a Recovery Disc copy of XP for my DV6000z ?

John: Yes, to send you a set of free recovery DVD'S for XP.

ME: OMG

ME: lol.........This was too easy.....

UNQUOTE

The conversation continued with my repeating his words so much that he inquired to my actually understanding him. It seems to good to be true. I will know the actual solution of this session in about a week, once the discs arrive. Hopefully, as shown in the session - They actually will be XP Recovery Discs.

This is just an update to inform those of interest that I am currently in "hold" status.

I will, once again, report back once I receive whatever discs are being sent.

Troy Booth

Fort Hood, Texas

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(NT) I'm speechless.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Nov 26, 2007 11:15AM PST

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Good Job Troy! It's Also Happened Here Before.. But..

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Nov 26, 2007 1:56PM PST

...not always and only with HP... It's why I suggested it in the first place.

Let us know when you get the discs and are ready to do the installation.

Grif

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Square One

by phantom_squall Jan 8, 2008 3:03AM PST

Its been seemingly forever - But I am back for an update.

HP Support has always been fair in terms of solving customer issues, in relation to the past I have developed with them. This is not the case for this particular problem though.

The discs order made it to the shipment department, which flagged the order for OS differences - It never even left the order form. Upon additional contact, I got dizzy with the run around.

"VISTA was installed with the unit in question - HP does not offer support in downgrading to XP"

I even asked "what if" I had bought the unit prior to VISTA release and it was sold with XP - What then ? (Well) HP would be able to offer support with your XP OS.

HUH ? So, the same model, two different OS - And the red tape gap cannot (will not) be bridged.

Im done dealing with HP support on this issue. I could have already been done with the OS swap so very long ago.

Grif - Thanks again for all your help in this discussion - And everyone else which participated as well - Thank you

Troy B

Fort Hood, Texas

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Sorry 'Bout That... If You're Still Going To Downgrade...

by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Jan 8, 2008 7:23AM PST

...then you'll need to do it the old-fashioned way.. An XP CD will be needed plus all the drivers.

Good luck.

Grif

Returning to Windows XP Pro - Goodbye VISTA

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