Head back to what actually works
You saw this one coming. After all that work, you may very well find that Vista still isn’t your cup of tea and you’d like to go back to Windows XP. We don’t blame you; we pretty much feel the same way.
If push comes to shove, here’s how to return to XP.
1. Sadly, you can’t just pop in an XP disc while you’re running Vista and hit Install. Your first step is to determine whether you want to dual boot Vista or simply wipe out Vista and replace it with XP. If you’re going to dual boot, use the DiskPart tool on the Vista installation disc (details here) to create a second partition, or use a third-party tool such as GParted (http://gparted.sourceforge.net/) to do the same thing. If you’re wiping out Vista, you can use the same tools to erase the Vista partition and start with a clean slate or just reformat while booting and installing from the XP setup disc.
2. If you’re using a bleeding-edge PC, XP will likely choke when it comes time to start copying files, as it won’t be able to see your hard drive. Why? XP can’t handle AHCI mode on SATA drives, which most newer PCs have enabled. In your PC’s BIOS, turn off AHCI mode (which should turn on ATA emulation) to make your installation easier. Or just load the drivers via floppy F6 drivers at boot. Alternately, you can slipstream AHCI drivers into a Windows XP installation disc, but this is a huge hassle.
3. With a blank partition ready and AHCI turned off, boot from an XP setup disc, preferably one with Service Pack 2 preloaded on it. Install the operating system normally. (If dual booting, Vista will remain on the C: drive; XP will show up on E: or another drive letter. The two OSes will be able to see each other, so be cautious when selecting the proper drive when installing apps.)
4. If you plan to dual boot, you’ll need to repair the Master Boot Record, as XP overwrites the Vista-created MBR, which prevents Vista from loading. To fix it, boot from a Vista DVD and select “Repair your computer” on the Install Now screen. Select Startup Repair to finish the job.
5. Last step: Set up dual booting. Any boot manager will do the job, or try the free (and Vista-friendly) EasyBCD. Boot into Vista (you won’t have a choice), install and run EasyBCD, then click Add/Remove Entries. Change the drive letter to E: (or whatever drive letter you set up in Step 3), and then change Type to Windows NT/2k/XP/2k3. Click Add Entry, then Save. Reboot and the bootloader will now automatically appear.
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| Your final step in setting up a dual-booting Vista/XP machine with EasyBCD should look like this. |
Comments are closed on this article
thomsonr
July 10, 2008 at 5:12pm
For such a horrible OS it gives me little problem. I run it at work using Engineering Applications. At home all computers are Vista. The main wired gaming computer is connected to a laptop and 2 wireless computers in the kids bedroom not to mention a Xbox 360 via a router and cable modem.
One thing I have problems with is copying large files between the wired and wireless computers. I have to use an USB key. I have heard that is not uncommon even with XP.
guitronics
January 15, 2008 at 5:40am
You won't be able to use your "Crippled" XP from your old machine, 'cause the Big OEM's strip out everything (device drivers),that you > Don't Need < on their computer.
If you want to add drives or other hardware, the OS can't help you install it.
They have a deal with M$ that they'll supply you with a functional copy of an M$ product that will work only with your machine.
This way, good 'old Billy gets his $ when you buy a machine, and more $ when you buy a full, non-crippled copy to use only on one machine.
Got two machines? Put the same copy on more than one, it eventually "Call's home" and rat's you out.
So the first copy you use on the 'net will be OK, but a later connection by 'puter number 2 will be politely dismissed....no updates for that machine.I assume 'puter 2 will be using the internet.
So: Give up the cash,or go Linux.
M$ has been ruled a monopoly,and now you must pay.
Sorry,Bob
Bob Creamer
January 11, 2008 at 11:09am
My current computer came pre-loaded with XP, so I have no "original install" discs for that. I do have a set of "back up" discs that I made based on a utility included with that (HP) machine. I've recently purchased a new machine (another HP) that comes with Vista Premium pre-loaded. I've yet to even plug this in as, after reading your reviews and listening to your Podcasts, it sounds like the safest thing to do is set up a dual boot option with the new machine. So will I be able to follow your dual boot setup instructions using the back-up XP discs for my current machine (which don't include SP2) or should I just bite the bullet and try to buy a new copy of XP somewhere. I am planning on junking the old machine once the new one is up and running so I won't be violating any of the MS license restrictions by using the XP from that machine on my new one. Thanks.
LsD|.Duneti
January 25, 2008 at 6:17pm
Hadi Bob hope this might help your problem,&pocket book!
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=1055XP Home 99.98$ Duneti
"Wisdom is not something you Think
Wisdom is Something you Do"
ogman
January 08, 2008 at 8:43am
C'mon, surely you can do better than TweakVI. This piece of junk software won't even start. First, it demands the presence of a circa 2000 file (mscomctl.ocx) and then, even after the file is installed and registered, it still doesn't work. If this software is the best you guys can recommend, then don't bother.
HeartBurnKid
January 08, 2008 at 2:30pm
Granted, I'm not on Vista, but XP includes mscomctl.ocx as well. It's a fairly vital component of Windows. If you're missing that, and you replaced it with the Win2K version, yeah, you're probably not going to be able to run TweakVI or any other Vista program that relies on it. Not to mention, you're probably missing other chunks of your system, which could also be causing you some problems. Hell, I'd scan your hard drives, since you're apparently losing important files for no reason.
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