XP drivers for dual boot Win 7 and XP

strollin · 07 Jan 2013

Plexusamb said:

This laptop is for a friend who refuses any other mail program. The same applies for XP which is why I mentioned dual boot on a new laptop. What about XP Mode vs trying the dual boot? Will XP MODE also need drivers? Please send me any suggestions since XP and OE are a requirement. My friend is too stubborn on learning a better system.

To answer your question, no, you will not need any drivers for XP Mode. When you download and install XP Mode it contains a complete virtual machine with all drivers and a valid, licensed copy of XP.

As others have said, it would be best if the user moved on and went to a newer mail client since there are alternatives that are more secure and can be run directly from Win 7.

Personally, I would choose XP Mode over dual boot since, with XP Mode, Outlook Express could be installed and then accessed directly from the Win 7 desktop, whereas with dual boot, when the user wanted to send/receive mail he would need to reboot the machine.

In order to even install XP on that machine for dual boot, you will need to obtain the proper SATA drivers (XP doesn't support SATA drives right out of the box and will get a BSOD during install) and either slipstream them into the install CD per the link provided by GregRocker or have them on a floppy disk ready to be installed during install. I'm 99% sure that laptop doesn't have a floppy drive, however an external could be used. XP install is very specific and will ONLY accept the drivers from floppy and will NOT look for them on a CD (unless slipstreamed), thumb drive or any other storage device.

fireberd · 07 Jan 2013

One other thought, if you are planning to get that Gateway, do it now. Amazon shows 2 in stock and no more will be available, as all new PC's (or just about all) will have Win 8 on them instead of Win 7.

With Win 8 now the "production" Windows OS, this another reason to consider dumping XP, and my recommendation of getting Office 2003 (a version that includes Outlook 2003).

Plexusamb · 07 Jan 2013

Thanks it seems using XP on Virtual PC may be the only solution. I will test this later this week. Thank you all for the info!!!!

Plexusamb · 08 Jan 2013

This Friday I will try the dual boot and just need to refresh the steps for dual boot. My system is 64 bit laptop so here's what I found with the dual boot option that I will need:

1. BIOS > SATA > change "AHCI" to "ATA"
2. SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD - instructions are good and I downloaded nlite
3. XP 64 bit license
4. Drivers - the system is currently using Realtek and AMD drivers for 64bit - Gateway NV75S32u

Do you suggest anything else at this point?
Has anyone been successfull with dual boot option on a new system running Win7 for 64 bit system?

strollin · 08 Jan 2013

If you change the BIOS setting to ATA then you won't need to perform step #2 BUT making that change will possibly make it so that your Win 7 install will no longer boot. At a minimum there will be a performance degradation. Check out this link for info on how to update the registry to handle ATA after Win 7 installed with AHCI: How to: Change SATA Modes After Windows 7 Installation

gregrocker · 08 Jan 2013

You may be able to find XP AHCI drivers to slipstream Find the mobo chipset and see if there are XP AHCI drivers for the SATA storage controller.

Plexusamb · 10 Jan 2013

I just received the laptop today and will try the XP Mode first to compare the difference.
1. are there any other suggestions on getting the XP drivers for dual boot?
2. the current Win7 drivers are realtek and AMD from Gateway's web site
3. will XP Pro 32 bit be better since 64 may have issues?

System: Gateway NV75S32u

gregrocker · 10 Jan 2013

Is there an XP chipset or SATA drivers on Gateway downloads webpage? If not determine the exact SATA controller make/model and search for XP drivers.

Plexusamb · 13 Jan 2013

The system has motherboard Gateway SJV70-SB Chipset Family 12h/14 Link Control hd western digital 500GB - Gateway does not have reference to SATA drivers or controller. I also used PC Wizard 2010 to find the SATA drivers or controller and do not see it listed. How do I find the SATA drivers? I can send you a screen shot for the system summary

theog · 13 Jan 2013

First check for all the Win XP drivers for your hardware on the manufacturer's web site.
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