Downgrading Windows OS

don_1 · 15-04-2009, 23:51

I have windows Vista on my Sony VGN-NR38E laptop, wanted to know can i downgrade to Windows XP straight away or will I need to save everything first and then format my laptop first?

My laptop didn't come with any backup CD...

Aragorn · 15-04-2009, 23:56

You can install Windows XP, but only as a clean install - ie reformat the partition. That will wipe anything currently on there - data, pre-installed programs, etc.
So, anything you want to keep, you need to save elsewhere.

AntiSilence · 15-04-2009, 23:58

And of course you'll need a legal Windows XP installation CD...

don_1 · 16-04-2009, 00:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntiSilence

And of course you'll need a legal Windows XP installation CD...

Yea, I have a legal XP CD.

---------- Post added at 23:00 ---------- Previous post was at 22:59 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aragorn

You can install Windows XP, but only as a clean install - ie reformat the partition. That will wipe anything currently on there - data, pre-installed programs, etc.
So, anything you want to keep, you need to save elsewhere.

How do i backup the programs that were installed on my laptop when I first bought it?

Halcyon · 16-04-2009, 00:00

Before you do anything, backup all your important files you want to keep.

Next thing to do is to go to the Sony website and look up your laptop model number.

Hopefully they should have provided drivers for XP too. Download all the drivers for XP or else otherwise you'l install Windows and the hardware won't function at it's best.

Install Windows XP, Install the laptops XP drivers you got off the website....for ethernet, graphics, etc.

Re-install your data files.
Done.

Anonymouse · 16-04-2009, 00:01

Windows won't accept downgrading from any version to any other - the exception, apparently, is Windows 7; I read somewhere you can downgrade it to XP...weird.

don_1 · 16-04-2009, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Before you do anything, backup all your important files you want to keep.

Next thing to do is to go to the Sony website and look up your laptop model number.

Hopefully they should have provided drivers for XP too. Download all the drivers for XP or else otherwise you'l install Windows and the hardware won't function at it's best.

Install Windows XP, Install the laptops XP drivers you got off the website....for ethernet, graphics, etc.

Re-install your data files.
Done.

I can't find my laptop model on the Sony website. I Wanted to save all the programs/drives I have on my laptop, from the site.

Halcyon · 16-04-2009, 00:35

Your laptop from what I can see is this one:

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...GB_cons&m=3374

---------- Post added at 23:25 ---------- Previous post was at 23:22 ----------

Some software for it can be found here:

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-NR&m=3374

---------- Post added at 23:35 ---------- Previous post was at 23:25 ----------

From hunting around the net you may be able to find a few places that have XP drivers for the various components. Though the Sony site only seems to offer the Vista drivers.

don_1 · 16-04-2009, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Your laptop from what I can see is this one:

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...GB_cons&m=3374

---------- Post added at 23:25 ---------- Previous post was at 23:22 ----------

Some software for it can be found here:

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-NR&m=3374

Thanks Halcyon.

damien c · 16-04-2009, 00:35

there should be a backup program on the laptop that will enable you to create a restore disc/s so that if the laptop is wiped you can still put it back to factory settings.

don_1 · 16-04-2009, 00:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by damien c

there should be a backup program on the laptop that will enable you to create a restore disc/s so that if the laptop is wiped you can still put it back to factory settings.

Yea, there is a backup programme (Backup and Restore Centre). Does that programme allow me to backup everything on my laptop, including files etc?

Thanks

damien c · 16-04-2009, 09:38

no it will allow you to make a set of backup disc/s to take it back to how it was when you got, it out of the box in the first place you will need to back up your files like pic's etc yourself.

AbyssUnderground · 16-04-2009, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymouse

Windows won't accept downgrading from any version to any other - the exception, apparently, is Windows 7; I read somewhere you can downgrade it to XP...weird.

You can't physically downgrade it, but you will be able to get an XP license from Microsoft as a replacement for the Windows 7 license. You will still have to format and reinstall XP.

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7991708.stm

haydnwalker · 16-04-2009, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbyssUnderground

You can't physically downgrade it, but you will be able to get an XP license from Microsoft as a replacement for the Windows 7 license. You will still have to format and reinstall XP.

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7991708.stm

Tis the same with vista. We have downgrade rights on all the new kit we buy at work as vista is crap in a domain environment from what i've seen

Taf · 16-04-2009, 11:52

Be careful as a lot of hardware on new PCs is now released with NO compatable XP drivers... I tried to downgrade a Packard Bell and found most of the hardware was Vista specific.