Replacing Windows 7 with XP

E

EINREB

Member
I obtained a new Laptop running Windows 7 and like to replace it with XP. I found out that Windows 7 will not run certain older software that I need, even if I use Virtual XP. (Besides, I really dislike 7, and really prefer XP!) However, I can not load XP in the computer, the 7 software protects itself and refuses to allow any older OS software to be installed. Is there any way that I can get rid of Windows 7 and install XP in this Laptop?
One way I was thinking was to use a CD containing the old DOS and re-format the whole hard drive. Or is there a way to re-format as is?
Any comments, suggestions?
 
I wouldn't recommend running XP due to it's age but I'm guessing that I can't convince you otherwise.

Before you destroy W7 Please be sure to make the recovery disks for your laptop. At least then you can reformat back to 7 if something goes wrong.

A format of the partition would erase all of the data. That should let you install XP on the empty partition.

EDIT: Better idea. use a dual boot with 7 and XP or run xp in a virtual machine.
 
EINREB said:
However, I can not load XP in the computer, the 7 software protects itself and refuses to allow any older OS software to be installed. Is there any way that I can get rid of Windows 7 and install XP in this Laptop?
Click to expand...

Thats because you were trying to install XP while booted inside windows 7 and you can't do that. You have to boot to the XP install cd and delete windows 7 partition and then repartition and install XP. You could dual boot XP and 7 but you would have to shrink windows 7 partition down to create one for XP. Then you would have to follow the guide here. Follow option 2 on that page.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8057-dual-boot-installation-windows-7-xp.html
 
Yes, especially SATA drivers for the controller as XP doesn't have ANY SATA drivers. The alternative is to change the controller's mode in the BIOS to ATA instead of AHCI.
 
Thanks for the advice and comments fellows! It seems that I am asking for trouble by trying to replace 7 with XP, and I am holding off on that for now.
I downloaded the Virtual XP program from the MS website, and have to see if that may work for me. Otherwise I might look into a dual boot system.
My laptop is not my main computer, my Tower running XP is. I just would like both computers running the same OS, that is all. In that way I would be able to run all the programs I have on the Tower in either computer. Both can run 7, (the Tower has a hardware selectable dual boot,) but as I mentioned, I need XP for several older programs I use.
 
XP Mode is probably your best bet but your laptop will need Win 7 Pro or Ultimate to be able to install that. This would be your best option since XP Mode also installs a fully licensed copy of XP.

If you're running Win 7 Home Premium then you can install VirtualBox or VMWare to install a VM running XP. You will need to supply your own copy of XP to install.

I can't fathom why some people cling to XP and like it so much. I liked XP but like Win 7 even better.
 
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strollin said:
I can't fathom why some people cling to XP and like it so much. I liked XP but like Win 7 even better.
Click to expand...
It is not much good if it refuses to run old programs that I absolutely want and need. (Old Assemblers for computers I have and still use)
I tried Virtual XP and it will not run it either.
 
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