Windows 7: Backgrade to WinXP over Win7

Hello,

I'd like to have XP over Windows 7.
1 HDD with 2 partitions - C: Windows 7 and F: storage.
How can I reinstall WinXP on C? Not dual but INSTEAD of Windows 7.
(I don't want to backup F to an external drive if it is not necessary)
I tried with BIOS but no SATA configuration as others suggested. It is Award BIOS 6.00.

Thanks

You will need to Format the C partition then use a Disk/Partitioning program to get rid of the 100MB System Reserve partition and combine it into the C, FIRST, partition on the drive then install XP and all you program.

That is "IF" you system, all the hardware, has XP drivers available for it/them. If not then you are kind of stuck with Win 7. But you can make it act and look like XP with Classic Shell.

OK thanks.
But how to make C not to be active? because I did not succeed.
What kind of drivers do you think of? I had this same XP until Feb/March this year.

You have to use a Boot CD/DVD or thumb drive that has a partitioning program on it to format the C drive. You can't so it from inside Windows. Also you could use the XP install disk but you have to be careful not to delete the other partition on the drive.

If you already had Xp on that system then you more then likely had al the drivers for the hardware for XP. So they are available someplace.

First check for all the Win XP drivers for your hardware.
If your Win XP CD, does not support your Sata Controller, you will need to load drivers to uses at F6.
Load Sata Controller drivers with a floppy disk is the best way.
SATA Drivers - Load in Windows XP Setup on Dual Boot
or
SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD

How to install Win XP, tutorial:
How to Install Windows XP

Hi edwar

I have Ultimate Boot CD. Which software of the CD should I use for formatting and making partitions? There are a few of them and I don't know which one is the best/safest.
(I tried to boot from XP CD but Windows 7 loaded - not a surprise..)

Thanks

Not sure the Ultimate CD has a partitioning program on it. Try this one.
EaseUS Partition Master Home Edition - CNET Download.com

Then there is Partition Magic and there may be one listed in the tutorials on this forum.

Use the partitioning tool in Win XP setup.

theog:
How to load XP setup?
I changed at BIOS for first boot CD (WinXP) , HDD boot disabled - and Windows 7 was loaded.

Well then you did save the changes. Most all PCs have the ability to bring up a one time Boot Menu by hitting one of the F function keys or a key combo. Try using that and watch the screen for a prompt that says something like "Boot From CD hit any key". If you miss that prompt the system will just boot off the HDD.