Fall back to XP from Windows 7

Don't like Windows 7 on my new Dell PC, various reasons/problems. Tried to install XP, but got a message that said this is blocked because I already have a newer version installed. What can I do? Must I format hard drive to get rid of WIN 7?

Welcome to the Seven Forums.

A format is probably best - but:
Have you checked to see if there are XP drivers for your new Dell?

Are you aware of this?

Support for Windows XP is ending on April 8, 2014. If you're running this version after support ends, you won't get security updates for Windows.

Support is ending for Windows XP - Microsoft Windows Help

Also, your warranty may be voided if you downgrade - that is what Dell told me when I took a new Dell from Vista to XP.

XP's already too old to install on most modern hardware.

I would try to adjust to Win7 which is a vastly better OS which presents almost no problems that cannot be easily overcome. We are here to help you do this.

Hi there
Another problem with XP you'll have -- the standard XP install DVD's don't have SATA support so as all computers now don't have IDE drives in them the first problem you'll see is "Windows cannot find any Hard drives" so unless you know how to find and slipstream XP SATA drivers for these into say an SP3 version of XP you are likely to have mega problems "retro fitting" XP to this machine.

It's do-able and there are references on the web of how to do it -- but we've all moved on these days -- XP whether we like it or not is rapidly becoming history.

Your best bet if you want to have the look and feel of XP is to use many of the "XP look alike" customisations.

Just google around.
Here's one idea if you really want to do this.
http://www.thejendra.com/ARTICLES/Windows7toXP.htm

Another solution is to try one of the various Linux distros out there - but again unless you have some decent experience you are likely to give up the ghost on that exercise vey quickly too.

Cheers
jimbo