sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Computers & Programming Computers, Software, Accessories Vista vs XP

In a weak moment I purchased a Sony Vaio laptop with Vista. Now Im losing service calls because the customer specifies XP. Anyone know anything about swapping OS from Vista to XP? Im assuming I could just but a version of XP and reload somehow. Happy Labor Day. Thanks

depending on whats involved why not look for a used XP laptop . If its just for occasional programing I would think you could find one for less than the cost of XP disc

Thats a thought but I just bought this one not long ago plus Ive got another old one without a network card. I just should have researched Vista better, I just dont like it guess because its unfamilar. Nobody but myself to blame, dang it

Vista vs XP

This page should help some:

https://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?ln=en-gb&c2=1173

But I agree, some OLD stuff are still needed for Legacy equipment:

• A: drive
• DB-9
• Windows XP
• DOS
• ...

If you want install XP, you might need to slipstream drivers into a different install disk so your harddrive will be recognized. It sounds tougher than it is, I used Nlite to do just that with my Toshiba laptop - works great and no Vista headaches.

Check with Sony. They may have an XP restore CD for your laptop. You can also just install the full version of XP sold in your computer store or try ebay or froogle.

I remember when Dos 4 came out a lot of people loved to rant and rave about how bad it supposedly was and how you should stick with dos 3.3. When Windows 3 came out, they said you should stick with DOS!

If you're using Vista Ultimate or Business, you can "downgrade" to XP Pro for "free". You'll get an XP key from Microsoft, but you have to come up with the install media.

See:
https://www.computerworld.com/s/art...p_on_Vista_Here_s_how_to_downgrade_to_XP

Not that I get why the customer would demand your laptop has XP, but what you do is go to the Sony website and lookup your laptop model to see if they have XP drivers. Odds are they do. Then you get a copy of XP, either home or Pro. Pro would be required if your laptop would ever connect to a M$ Active Directory based LAN. Home is much cheaper. Then just back up your files, download the XP drivers onto a flash drive or something, run the XP setup from boot and wipe out the partition and create a new one and let XP load. Then install the XP drivers and all updates from M$ and restore your apps and data. You can still buy new copies of XP on eBay. Retail Sony products did not qualify for the free downgrade license. Sony products sold through the distribution channels did.

Don't know about anyone else, but since when does a "client" dictate what O/S is on our laptops? And what difference is it to them anyway? :shrug: :bang:

Outside of the fact that this is a "tack-on" post, I guess the "customer" can demand an XP system when you can't login to a BCM Mobility Manager with Vista. Trust me, I tried.

Carl