aa wrote:[color=blue]
> On a year old HP Pavilion/Vista I would like to remove Vista, format the
> disk and install w2k or XP. But HP support refused all the support in this
> respect saying they are not sure I will find all XP/w2k drivers for this
> machine.[/color]


*Exactly* what did HP Support say? That they definitely don't provide
WinXP device drivers for that model computer, or that they just wouldn't
help you find them?

[color=blue]
> Has anybody here had difficulties finding XP/w2k drivers for relatively new
> machines, and for HP Pavilion in particular?
>
>[/color]


There could be a couple possible adverse repercussions of which you
should be aware. First and foremost, if the specific computer model in
question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be no
WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse
components work properly. Consult the computer's manufacturer about the
availability of device drivers. Secondly, removing an OEM-installed
operating system and replacing it with another will almost invariably
void any and all support agreements and, in rare cases, possibly even
the warranty. You would, at the very least, have to re-install Vista
before getting any support from the manufacturer. Again, consult the
computer's manufacturer for specifics. Thirdly, there will be the
additional cost involved in purchasing a WinXP license for this new
computer.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of
boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
[url]http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941[/url]

[url]http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html[/url]

[url]http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm[/url]

Then, assuming you were successful in obtaining WinXP-specific
device drivers so that the computer can be made to work with WinXP, the
backed up data can be restored and applications (those that are
WinXP-compatible, that is) re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

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