Upgrading your new laptop from Vista to XP

After installing XP on my new Vista laptop I was absolutely astounded by the speed and performance when running XP over Vista. For proper speed, performance and utility, XP has the solution for you.

IMPORTANT There is a fantastic resource at DriverPacks.net on making Windows XP Slipstream disks. They have complete packages of drivers for Audio, Video, Chipsets, Network, WiFi, and most of all Hard Disk Controller Drivers. They even have a utility called Driver Pack Base which will load the packages into your XP installation files. Then you just use the program nLite to burn the new XP CD. The process is a little tricky but once you succeed it makes loading XP much easier and faster. On many of my installs I have almost ALL of the drivers installed when I get to windows

This Instructable will give you a head start on upgrading your new Vista laptop back to Windows XP. (Desktops can come too)

For this project you will need a PC running Vista, an internet connection (I bet you've got this ; ) and one copy of Windows XP with service pack 2 if possible.

If there is anything I have left out or any additional information you can provide please let me know.

Step 1: Step one - Back-up

You will have to remove your Vista partition to install XP. Any data on it will be removed permanently! You can perform a dual boot. However if you do, I assume you know what your doing and don't need this guide.

Before starting anything, back-up your data! I know you haven't done this, so now is a good time to do so. This means any files you have created. Word docs, Excel files, iTunes music, MP3s, home movies, and saved games. You can transfer them over your network to a share folder or use a couple of CD-Rs.

Comments

[Williz]

You mean Downgrade.

[ReCreate]

Err,upgrade

[PCfreak]

downgrade

[cody777]

if you moving from vista to xp, its an upgrade, that's how much vista sucks

[PCfreak]

no cody its a downgrade if your moving from vista to xp its a downgrade
vista was released after xp its just like i dont like windows 8 and i like windows 7 im downgrading to win 7......

[M4industries]

SO TRUE

[ReCreate]

Digging up old comments? Heh...

[M4industries]

Once I responded to a 4-year-old comment on the Indy Mogul Forums.

[ReCreate]

indy mogul forums?

[M4industries]

Its a DIY filmmaking site. My 2nd most visited site per day. Just Google BFX Indy Mogul, or on instructables, take a look at my slideshow of me meeting the host.

[ReCreate]

Oh...Ok...

[fauge7]

its a 2 year old comment lol

[fauge7]

upgrade

[ReCreate]

nou

[!Andrew_Modder!]

no its an upgrade for speed and awesomeness lol. idk

[de-evolution]

ya upgrade because vista sucks and xp is still far superior

[Foaly7]

Hey, Vista is cool, just slow. You can customize XP to look like Vista, and then you get cool looks and speed.

[zuba]

Ubuntu and Windows 7 own.

[Foaly7]

Sorry to break it to you, old chap, but Windows 7 more than likely sucks real bad, Ubuntu is cool, though. Dual boot XP & Ubuntu.

[robert1971]

lol ubuntu is cool butt hard to install things im to dumb for that butt by far linux does win they had wht they do now 15 years ago on open source lol and why win/7 works so good is case they drop xp files inside it for it to work right xp steel rule,s for windows butt linux stomps microsoft and mac at the same time lol, and i heard the same vista like prob wil happen on win/8 no 3rd party software is ready for it and they say they will not get it ready for that os look like mac beats window,s for the ipad part lol

[Madrias357]

As someone currently using 7, and a beta-tester of 7, it doesn't suck.  Very smooth, powerful, and doesn't eat resources like a child munching candy.

That said, I dual boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu.  Why?  For fun.

[Foaly7]

Yeah, a friend recently got a Windows 7 computer. It is pretty sweet, sorta like Vista on roids. I was making my comment by experience with Vista. Vista is really only good for graphics, sometimes.

[Madrias357]

Agreed.  Vista sucks, but 7 takes XP's stability and raw power and combines it with the classy look of Vista, then tosses in a few goodies as well.

Let's face it, with my system (far from top-of-the-line), I'm able to run Windows 7 without any issues.  4GB of RAM, a 2.4 Core 2 Duo (mine's lightly OC'd to 2.7), and a GTS 250 video card make 7 look, run, and respond well to any situation.

And then you've got a great little compatibility mode for those programs that just refuse to run correctly. 

I, for one, have also learned to use both XP and Vista drivers to make any hardware work, too.

[NimaDoodleZ]

You're kidding right?
Windows 7 sucks up sooo many resources...
I have 1GB of RAM on Windows XP, 3.6GHz single core... and it runs even the newest games. Go Xp, Go XP, Go XP! *does the dance*
Plus, I've never had luck getting windows 7 to run a great sum of the awesome emulators out there, and it lacks serious compatibility with older programs. Sucks when you want to pass down those Jumpstart kids' games to next generations...
....and.... Win7 compatibility mode WORKS for you?!

Maybe it's just my luck with 7. :/

[robert1971]

you know it xp for ever and win/ 7 and 8 both will die like vista did they made a os that will not die xp clones and works on new software haha its alive

[Madrias357]

I'm having good luck with 7. That said, I still have one machine that runs Windows XP: My 2002 laptop with a Pentium 4 HT @ 3.0GHz, 2 GB of DDR memory. It seems to work best on there (yes, it did actually accept and run 7, just a little clunky) so I guess it really depends on the computer you're working on whether XP or 7 works best.

Yeah, I've had great luck with compatibility mode, and 95% of my old programs still work, and for the 5% of those that didn't, I found replacements for. My old Microsoft Office got replaced with OpenOffice, which does everything MS-Office did.

About the only thing I miss from XP is the bloody space cadet pinball. Haven't gotten around to ripping it over.

Also, it might be dependant on which version of 7 you're working with. I'm using Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (and don't worry, not one compatibility issue between x86 and x64! Not like Windows XP 64-bit...), so things might be just a little different. It works nicely enough that I can forgive the odd quirk of trying (still) to remember it's now Programs and Features, not Add/Remove anymore.

[zuba]

I don't really have that much of an opinion on operating systems. They are all good, just in different ways.

[Foaly7]

Good point there. Vista & Mac have better graphics, XP is fastest, 7 is probably more secure, & Ubuntu is best in price. (FREE!). I consider XP the best, because if you know where to go for software, it can do anything the other systems can. And almost better.

[Williz]

No Its a downgrade to crapness...Vista is much better so long as you know how to optimize it and have the right harware...

[TheRealDutchOwner]

Vista on 500 TB + 1 TB DDR300 memory Graphics card, 6TB DRR500 RAM and a 3000GHZ 256-Core 512-Bits PC wouldn't even handle Vista, IT SUCKS.

[elel302]

Vista = Low capability, RAM eater, annoying UAC, you can't play old games :(, no 16bit support.
When Microsoft released Vista sales for Mac went higher.
I upgraded from Vista to XP! WOO!

[vidfreakfido13]

Actually most computers run much cleaner and much quicker with Xp and Hey If you're obssesed with Vista's looks just get Style XP

[VIPER2475]

http://www.instructables.com/id/Upgrade-To-Windows-Vista-%3a-For-FREE/

[VIPER2475]

Vista runs poorly at best on medium to low class laptops. That what this guide is mainly for. Yes, when I had Vista loaded I went through several Vista optimization guides and it barely had any effect.

[!Andrew_Modder!]

well ya vista is better in some ways and worse in some ways (also for what you do on your pc, like game, video edit,etc) and ya you definatly need better hardware to run it smoothly, but still XP runs faster.

[techboy411]

You DownGrading cuz vista is higher than xp so you go down a notch

[PCfreak]

well for starters its not really an upgrade its more like a downgrade

if your switching from vista to xp its a down grade not an upgrade

[Madrias357]

Only thing Vista was good for was upgrading to Windows 7 Home Premium.

[jimfaker]

Oh, come on. You know that's not true. It was also good for upgrading to Windows 7 Ultimate.

[Madrias357]

Let me rephrase it a little: Vista was only good for upgrading to Windows 7.

[Foaly7]

Wait, couldn't you just dual boot Vista with a second option of XP and then delete the Vista partition?

[junits15]

 then you loose your MBR and you wont be able to boot anything :)

[shan1985]

How Upgrade vista to xp for Hp520 laptop PLEASE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[M4industries]

Dont buy HP in the first place unless you want a fire or a crashed CPU from overheating.

[ReCreate]

it should work for any PC

[VIPER2475]

Google Search : vista to xp for Hp520 laptop

HP520 Google Search

[BobS]

My solution was to buy a harddisk almost identical to the one which came with the Vista laptop, for about E80. I replaced it, and installed XP. The Vista harddisk is now stored, perhaps I will switch when servicepacks have improved.

[BlessedWrath]

Is it possible to purchase an external hard drive, switch the BIOS to boot from it, and use it to run XP, without changing the internal? If so, would this be an acceptable means of testing the computer for XP compatibility, without risking the main drive's Vista install?

[VIPER2475]

Maybe, but its not a good way to operate your system. The USB 2.0 interface will be slower when compared to the SATA interface it would be replacing. If you want to try getting another hard drive, simply, remove the internal drive and replace it with one thats similar. Then install XP on to it. Then you have two working installs to chose from, if they both work properly. Good luck

[BlessedWrath]

The idea here is not to void my warranty, and opening up the case is 100% certain to do just that. If it'll work any other way, I'd like to try that first.

[BobS]

But replacing the HD is just turning a screw and carefully taking the HD out! Would anyone notice?? (or is there some 'hidden seal'?)

[ReCreate]

you can't take a hardrive out of a computer or else your warranty is voided?

[BlessedWrath]

When you're talking about a $30 cheapie, there's no concern. When you're talking about a $1000 peice of equipment, there is no CHANCE that I'm going to do anything to void that warranty. Because, you know, .0004 nanoseconds after I do, it will explode.

[volto]

In most cases, hard drives are a user serviceable part, it will not void the warranty.

[ReCreate]

Ah yes,the self destruct sequence...

[Shadowfury]

I hate it when that happens...

[VIPER2475]

Good idea, but I wouldn't hold my breath for the updates and service packs.

[Shadowfury]

Personally, I'd dual boot it. Laptops have plenty of space for a partition, and when you upgrade to Windows 7, you can do it from Vista and pay less.

[Muscelz]

ahha great instructable, "Upgrading your new laptop from Vista to XP" thats halarious and quite true on the upgrading part except you dont have directx10 which errr u can live without it, ide you'se XP any day other than VISTA UPGRADE YOUR SYSTEM TO XP FROM VISTA WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

[j.madruga]

I've removed Vista from my store bought Toshiba and I've experienced better performance. I only had to "force install" my nVidia drivers for the GeForce 8700M. I did this because my favorite game would crash with Vista and because I also feel Vista is arguably a downgrade. As far as security goes, I'm just installing a good security suite on it (Symantec Endpoint Protection 11).

[guribe94]

(removed by author or community request)

[VIPER2475]

Seriously, VISTA is much slower. Its truly not any more secure than XP or 2000. I see computers with VISTA that have viruses and spy ware all the time. It does have issues running many 3rd party applications. And Im sorry the instant upgrade option that comes included so you can "Upgrade" from home basic to premium to ultimate, Is a complete Ripoff. And the "Features" that are included are mostly features that are not needed or were included with XP Home/Pro already. Last but not least the biggest complaint I see is that the interface hes been changed SO much that people have a hard time using it after they are comfortable with XP/2000. There is no reason to rename functions and menus that do the same thing just to be different.

[Coffee bean]

vista is more secure people aRe just stupid.

[guribe94]

Like it or not Vista is the next OS from Microsoft that's all I was saying you can find as many things wrong with it as you want but that will never change the fact that Vista is an UPGRADE to XP.

[jmills616]

Looks like MicroSoft has finally given up on Vista and is focusing on Windows7 to be released in Oct09. I'll stick with XP Pro for the next 5 yrs or so as my primary work system. I'm considering a triboot system of XP, Vista and Win7 only because some of my relatives have these OS's and its convenient to be able boot up and assist them with problems.

[BlessedWrath]

You keep using that word, but I'm not sure you know what it means. "Upgrade" means an INCREASE in performance, not a DECREASE, which is all Vista does. It IS, inarguably, now and forever more, a DOWNGRADE. ...like it or not.

[guribe94]

thats totally why Vista came out after XP right?

[damienqui]

It's an upgrade in the way that Bush was an upgrade from Clinton. Only the version number went up, while everything else went down, down, down.

[guribe94]

not really vista is way better

[damienqui]

Really? Wow! That's a convincing argument, but perhaps you could name ONE reason that Vista is better. There must be some hidden knowledge of Vista's secret potential that you've discovered, and it would only be fair of you to share this with the rest of the world. Please, oh please, enlighten us. (Hopefully my sarcasm is compatible with your OS... I would hate for you to be deprived of it). But seriously, tell us why you alone believe Vista to be superior. Could you tell where the switch is that makes it as fast as XP? Or maybe the secret password that makes it compatible with even the most basic devices that work with XP without a hitch? I'm sorry... that's unfair. These are known and undisputed failures of vista. What you're saying is that you know something, invisible to the rest of the world, that outweighs these and all of Vista's other well-known failings and makes it better than XP for your purposes. So what is it? Do you just hate computers and love to watch them suffer? I eagerly await your next mind-boggling insight.

[guribe94]

1 reason? OK...improved security and UAC

[damienqui]

UAC is the biggest pain Microsoft has come out with in a long time. It's just a babysitter for the type of user that may delete their system directory to clear space. For software developers, UAC is a handicap that Microsoft has forced onto their programmers. Mrk Russinovich explains: "If you aren't guaranteed that your elevated processes aren't susceptible to compromise by those running at a lower IL, why did Windows Vista go to the trouble of introducing elevations and ILs? To get us to a world where everyone runs as standard user by default and all software is written with that assumption." What he's basically saying is that UAC is a big middle finger to developers, a 'my way or the highway' approach from the company nicknamed Monopolisoft. But that may be a biased view, considering that Mark himself is a software engineer... for Microsoft. For PC techs and seasoned users, UAC is that nasty little problem that was preventing us from installing most of the applications that people actually use. UAC makes simple Control Panel tasks a pain. I think of UAC as the superpowered ninja version of the office paperclip guy. It's just always in the wrong place at the wrong time to prevent thing that most people are smart enough to avoid. With UAC, however, it's not just mildly annoying reminders but an invisible wall (a Window?) that turns the most mundane of tasks into such an ordeal that power users eventually end up disabling/replacing it. This is not that big of a deal, except that most users may not realize that there are alternatives and will just disable UAC and leave it at that. This is a big blow to the security of the OS, however flawed in the first place, as it allows no real custom/advanced settings that would allow you to modify privileges to suit your needs. It's like taking away your keyboard and replacing it with a lightswitch. Now to segue into the security failings of Vista, let's listen to Russinovich: "Because elevations and ILs don't define a security boundary, potential avenues of attack , regardless of ease or scope, are not security bugs." So now that we have this lightswitch security system in Vista and people are forced to lower their guard every time they want to install an application, Microsoft's stand is that it's our fault if we actually do what we are forced to do to install what we need to install and someone takes advantage of the enormous security risk that this represents. Basically, if you are just going to buy your first computer to so that you can tell everyone that you have a computer with the latest OEM stuff, Vista may be fine. If you want to actually do something impressive with your computer, follow this instuctable, install AVG, Spybot S&D, Security Task Manager, and Firefox, then get started enjoying your computer. Now, your view is understandable. Why would Microsoft release a newer version of Windows that is inferior to it's predecessor? It's a legitimate question, to which the answer is unfortunately not "they wouldn't". I would advise you to do a thorough cross comparison before giving this instructable a negative rating. I have built machines and run them with both versions. I have found many methods for enhancing and improving both XP and Vista, but from default to fully customized XP outperforms Vista and allows greater control over security measures.

[VIPER2475]

Please be polite and professional in your responses. This is not a hate group! I would like to see more constructive solutions discussed, rather than yelling and screaming at users opinions and VISTA. Thankyou

[damienqui]

I meant no animosity. I only wish to promote actual conversation. I sought in vain for some constructive purpose to this persons arguments. Sarcasm is, I feel, a tool that may be used at times to provoke a legitimate assertion of the true motivation behind someone's statements. Perhaps, though, I was having a bit too much fun with my retort at the risk of offending this person personally. My reply, translated from the language of sarcasm: ---You state that Vista is better, but you offer no facts, cite no examples, and make no comparisons to back up your position. Being that you are, as a matter of statistical fact, of the minority opinion on this matter it would be much appreciated if you could explain to us exactly where and why you disagree with the general consensus. Version number aside, XP has been proven considerably faster by respected experts in the field, including CNET PC Magazine, and even Microsoft Tech Support (Who on more than one occasion have told users to reinstall XP as a last ditch effort to 'fix' Vista). The driver signing requirement on some versions of Vista, suspiciously resembling an attempt to monopolize the market, force developers to pay for their software to be run on Vista and cause compatibility issues with older devices. These are but a few examples of why I feel that it has been substantially proven that XP is superior to Vista. The sheer bulk of the OS and it's convoluted nature make slimming it down enough to remedy this issue an impractical task, since in doing so you would be essentially recreating XP. This is why I feel that XP will remain superior to Vista until Microsoft stops supporting it completely, something they want badly to do. One final note, as a point of immediate reference; search instructables, this fine and ingenious site, for methods to improve Vista. The most popular, highest rated, and only truly successful performance oriented instructable that you will find is the one on which we are commenting, whose title speaks for itself. Now, as a fan of debate, I would dearly like to hear a constructive and informative counterpoint to the implication of the instructables title, and the many criticisms of Windows idea of an 'upgrade'.--- And thank you, by the way, for an excellent instructable.

[alayche02]

you are obviously quite schooled and informed in computers, I too have noticed over the years nearing the last 20yrs that microsoft has made sure that their os / software etc. are usually not backward compatible in giving the sense of keeping the business many more years of life. at the expense of the consumer. if i were trying to keep a reputation for having top of the line product, i would at lease try to keep the previous os / software usable. all the updates patches etc. that are ever released are for security reasons, not necessarilly the consumers, but theirs. I have built and run several computers and only 1 of the 6 that I current have in my home is running Vista Ultimate. Vista is ok, but i have modified what runs and what doesnt. I prefer XP because you do not have to thrash the crap out of the thing just to get it going, ie resource hungry, CPU, RAM(minimum requirements to run comfortably) other version of XP which were modified by helpful persons from slip streaming are great. as for upgrade or downgrade, is just a perception of what you would like to call it. regarding date of release, performance, versions of SPs etc. but at the end of the day. how effecient, reliable your machine operates is what matters.

[rabbitkillrun]

notice how he said "incease in performance"... didn't say anything about when they were created...

[Rmg12]

If you uxtheme your vista, you can get themes which are based on aero but, reduce memory consumption. Other software tricks can make vista faster. Vista is much better than xp imo

[lezardo]

I tried this on my best o market laptop and it was no faster, just ugly looking and Internet setup was annoying

[phantomOmega]

I hear DoubleDriverDoubleDriver works well for backing up drivers... Not sure if the drivers from Vista would work on XP, though...

[phantomOmega]

Sorry, the link button misbehaved... The link still works, though.

[MisterHankie]

How much does an xp sp2 cost?

[VIPER2475]

They are still sold on Newegg.com for $85 dollars. If you just need SP2/3 you can get that for free from the Microsoft website.

[VIPER2475]

There should be drivers for all devices its only a matter of finding them. The mic is part of your sound card and you will need a driver for your sound card to make it work. The camera may prove difficult. If you use your web cam a lot, I would suggest getting an inexpensive one from Logitech.

[MisterHankie]

I have a lot of stuff on my laptop such as my mike, camera, etc. Will I still be able to use them if i switch to an xp?

[kiss my donkey]

If you want speed just add memory to your computer to make it go faster

[dtwkilog]

I have just updated mt HP pavilion dv7916nr notebook with XP. It took a little work because I didn't prepare properly by noting all my hardware first (duh!) I was able to make it work after all with some patience and perseverence. Most importantly, it works perfect now. No more blue screens and lock-ups. Most useful tool I found was drivermax. It's a free download and it helped me fill in a few drivers I overlooked.

[shouldawoulda]

Iwould just love to have an old 95 as opposed to this junk! I bought it new and thought it was my lack of computor knowledge but after all the trouble for the last14 months and now reading this _{,Bill Gates ought to recall all these things and trash um! As soon as I get some more cash that what I am going to do with this! After I take out the power system I am going to box it up}"in pieces of course and send it to toshiba and tell um to fix this!

[Massacre]

Lol, no point in waiting for vista to improve, microsoft have another OS due in 2009/2010.

[Austinisi]

lol at title

[EnigmaMax]

god, I hated vista. I'm glad I'm reunited with xp.

[hello123456]

Officialy it's called downgrading, but I get it why you say upgrading, XP is much better. In my opinion: Windows Vista, may I think on my own to?

[omitzu]

What do I do if there is no particular driver available for windows xp for a component of my laptop? For instance, Acer Bio-Protection, Acer Launch Manager, Agere Modem Driver, Bison Camera Application are available in VISTA only. Where do I get them for Windows XP? What if they don't have their own website? What if they're an ACER driver/application, like the Launch Manager? What about the other drivers only listed available for Vista? And what about situations like, Atheros Wireless Lan Driver is for Vista, Atheros WLAN Driver is for XP. Are these the same drivers just for different OS's or are both required on an XP system? What is the sequence in which in which I need to install each driver. Do I need any preloaded software to run any of the drivers / componants, and if so, are they available for XP?

[VIPER2475]

Wow man so many questions. You need to find a tech savy friend to help you most likely. Many manufactures will NOT help you with XP driver support for VISTA machines. AKA We are giving you a VISTA machine with VISTA drivers thats it. You only NEED the Drivers for your Hardware, special software is OPTIONAL. Things like Launch manager and Bio protection, are most likely not drivers. If you have a worthless finger print reader Do Not Use it it can be bypassed with a couple keystrokes anyway. Yes Wireless LAN and WLAN are the same thing. And theres no exact order. If you have a Chip set Driver that should be installed first. Drivers only tell Windows how to use your hardware devices. I hope this helps you, remember the internet and techy friends can be a great resource. And If you get fed up with everything theres always your friendly local computer store, many of witch will install XP on you laptop for under $100.

[jimnav3]

Hi VIPER2475, before you begin whacking Vista in your OEM computer, make sure to take screenshot of the 'Device Manager' by going to "Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager" and see what kind of "IDE ATA/ATPI Controller" you got, what display adapter, network adapters, etc. The new OEM computers now using AHCI ATA/ATAPI adapter with lockdown BIOS, meaning you can't change SATA mode to native IDE because computer manufacturers conspired with Microsoft their computers are exclusive to Vista. With simply putting XP Pro install CD won't install to new computer with AHCI device without lockdown BIOS. I got a 4th laptop downgraded from Vista to XP Pro by slipstreaming XP PRO SP1 install CD with SP2 upgrade and specific AHCI driver incorporated in the bootable CD.

[VIPER2475]

Very good comment, many of my clients are coming to me for Visa to XP conversions nowdays. So far I have not run into this AHCI ATA/ATAP with lockdown BIOS issue. If you do here is a good link from some one that defeated the AHCI Driver issue on an ACER the instructions should be similar for other brands. Acre Upgrade to XP

[VIPER2475]

Just a note: Dell, as well with several other companies, are selling Laptops with XP Home and Pro on their BUSINESS site starting at ~$400. Not that I like Dell, just looks like a good XP laptop. Vostro 1000

[Hoboman]

I don't know if anybody has this too. Ok, so I installed Linux Ubuntu, intending to dual-boot Vista and Linux. Well, It worked, but I didn't like Ubuntu to well, so I removed it, but when I was to boot up Vista, I had the choice to boot from Vista or XP....I chose XP. And It worked fine, I ran XP on a Vista Machine without a CD. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I use Vista Home Premium.

[Yerboogieman]

remember when XP came out, everyone said it didnt work and it was a crap OS? same for vista, athough any thing is better than windows 98 on steroids (Windows ME)

[twisted]

Vista (what im on right now) really suck when compared to XP. BUT you have to remember.... XP sucked when compared to 98 or 2000.... just give vista some time... OS-es time to come out ahead of their time.... vista would be great if computers were actually built to run it. Use linux. Its better. ~Justin

[DannyboyINXS]

fiy, you don't have to check all the names of the hardware in device manager prior to reformatting, you can also do this after you reformat your laptop, just go into my computer properties in windows xp and click on hardware>device manager or if you have trouble doing this, just do it like this guy said nice instructable, i just had to confirm what needed to be done, since i really hate vista's system requirements, nothing much can be said about xp's performance apart than the fact that it sure beats vista's hahaha it also gets on your nerves since it makes a sound for almost every action you make, what a waste of memory/video memory!

[BlessedWrath]

Dell Inspiron 3800 w/XP Pro: About 600mhz CPU, 8MB video card, 256MB RAM (Upgraded to 512MB). Ran fine, but experienced some lag with some games online. Acer Aspire 5610Z w/Vista: Dual-core 1.6ghz CPU, 256MB video card (I believe), 1GB DDR RAM. Adamantly refused to even install some games, automatic update system lied about availability of video card updates (had to manually update and basically hack to get Diablo II to run), and runs basically equivalent to the old computer. On top of being lied to by BestBuy's sales associates, this computer is about 16 times better than the old Dell, and runs at about 75-90% efficiency by comparison. Had I gotten XP for this computer, it would have run every program I have simultaneously without lagging. Because it's Vista, everything's broke.

[T3h_Muffinator]

I was going to do this when I got my new laptop this summer, but the bloody guy at Best Buy said it would void the warranty, for some darn reason! BLAM the salespeople!

[chaoscampbell]

dude..... buy it.... install XP........ if you have an issue re-format with the vista disk before you take it in for service......... if they say anythng just be like......me no speak computer........... done and done. (this works provided you don't screw it up so bad you can't format it to vista)

[VIPER2475]

You should not have any problems installing VISTA or XP as long as you havent physically damaged your system. Your files are another matter back them up before doing any formatting.

[T3h_Muffinator]

I already bought it, but I've got so many files on it already that I might just keep it the way it is v_v

[martins999]

well I don't know why people keeps using Windows. I use Linux and I didn't ever need to use the command line, so nobody can actually say you have to be a programmer to use it. Moreover, vista is a good way to waste your money and overcharge your cpu. there a re loads of live CD you can use to try linux without installing it if you'd like.

[Jo-Psyko]

I totally agree with this, i bought my laptop in June and tried and tried with vista but after having to do some things on the girlfriends 2yr old dell that is really half the machine hardware wise of mine, and watching how much faster everything was i instantly got rid of vista and now run xp pro. the only thing i liked about vista was the start menu other then that everything about XP is better, it boots faster it runs faster its leaner and with a bit of work it looks a hell of a lot better as well.. Oh and as proof i have 2g of RAM with vista idle there was never any more then about 55% free. With XP however when idle i have 70% free

[cokebottle tuque]

pro V vista. Two identical high end systems fresh installs fully updated, no other programs besides benchmarking. vista = 8% slower in everything, pro V optimized vista = 6% slower. Personally I don't like that but I could probably live with it, the real deal breaker are the incompatibles, and lack of drivers. MS should be optimizing there code not bloating it, theres no reason I shouldest be able to run a new OS on old hardware and have it run faster. you want proof look at the play station 2 compare its current games to 360 games, they play the same and look just as good on hard ware that is 6 years older.

[VIPER2475]

I totally agree, I would like to see benchmarks on medium to low end systems XP would totally blow Vista out of the water with 512M of ram or even with a Gig. Vista does seem to do OK with 2 or 4 Gigs of ram. But who needs to upgrade there system to that for when XP will work better with a single Gig. You will still have the software incompatibilities.

[gyromild]

I recommend to all my clients who are buying laptops to get an XP. Or wait till at least the third quarter of 2008, before getting a new laptop with Vista. Cost and performance tradeoff when using Vista are still too high for todays mid-range machines.

[VIPER2475]

Vista is really not a option for me or my clients. Aside from the performance issues, there are software compatibility problems. And if Vista turns out like any other MS Operating System the updates and service packs that everyones waiting for are only going to SLOW Vista DOWN. Not speed it up. But we'll just have to see. Perhaps they will remove the "Features" that make Vista so unusable and work on conserving system resources rather than eating them alive.

[Tyler W. Cox]

I really tried to give Vita a air shake on my new Toshiba. then, finally I wiped and installed XP. Suddenly, everything was faster and nothing was nagging me about security every time I tried to get work done. I highly recommend ditching Vista for XP.

[yourtvlies]

This was one of the first things I did when I got my thinkpad. I couldn't tolerate Vista for more than a few minutes... Maybe I didn't give it a fair try, but as it stands, I'll take XP over Vista any day of the week... (And Ubuntu over both of them for most tasks).

[VIPER2475]

I gave Vista a fair try. It's just not worth running with all its set backs when there's a perfectly good operating system that works available. As for using Linux, I agree but real people have difficulty adapting to it and Windows XP works for them.

[!Andrew_Modder!]

Cool, PPL need to be aware that Vista DOES use an insane amount of your system witch would leave it dramaticly slower than an XP computer, as of for now and the next couple of years i am keeping windows XP Pro :-) (boo! vista lol)

[VIPER2475]

Yes, good point, I didn't realize how much system resources Vista took up until I tried it for myself. It was unbearable! I would sit and watch the little circle/hour glass for MINUTES at a time. My 486 50Mhz was much FASTER. However this is not about slamming Vista there plenty of other sites doing that. This is about empowering users, and realizing you DO have a choice. I believe that millions of users will be using XP for YEARS to come.

[!Andrew_Modder!]

ya! windows xp is what i like to call 'hard' and vista is 'soft' (hard: x-tremly hackable, fast pace, no hidden loop holes,low errors ,solid state., Soft: Less Hackable, PC stressing, loop holes covered up with images, error prone, questionable state :-(. and for now untill some revolutionary processor comes out XP will be domenent for gamers, overclockers, etc.

[MajikMan]

Have you even used Vista? This is definitely an upgrade.