Win7 back to Win XP.

robcardiv · 09 Apr 2009

I installed Win7.
I tried to reinstall WinXP.
Came across a Copy File error.
Verified that it wasnt the DVD. or Drive. (Tried multipul Devices, etc etc.)
(Both ended up working after a format also.)

Am I going to be forced to format my entire hard drive in order to
get Win XP back ?

Im just curious.
Id rather not reinstall 100 gigs worth of Crap X_x. EtcEtc.

Sry. Im sure this answer is out there. Most of the time they say you just cant.

===================

Can you reinstall Win XP over Win 7 ? Without formatting?
Last time I tried I got a copy file error.

Do we know when the Win 7 Beta ends?

Barman58 · 09 Apr 2009

Last Question First the original Beta will time-out on or shortly after July 1 2009, However the current thinking the the forthcoming RC build will run until July 2010.

As with most if not all operating systems you will not be able to "Upgrade" to an earlier version, without reformatting the system drive.

One option is to either run a dual boot system or at least separate your Data from your System by the use of partitioning.

Depending on the space you have available on the drive and it's layout It may be possible to partition the drive in a way to allow you to install a dual boot of XP on your machine.

If you can provide further details as to your complete situation we will try to advise a more specific option

johngalt · 09 Apr 2009

Microsoft is already putting it into hte works (according to the rumor mill) about informing users that you should not / cannot upgrade from a beta version of Win 7 to the final....

robcardiv · 12 Apr 2009

Did anyone read the question?

Im using Win7.
I want to go back to WinXP when 7 beta ends.
Just be reinstalling XP over 7.

Last time I tried that, I got a "cant copy file error".
while installing Xp back OVER win7.

Will I not be able to just Overwrite win7 with a win xp?

How do i put win XP back without reformating OR messing with partitions?
Ill just change primary partitions if i have too.

But I dont see why winXP cant just overwrite Win7.
I doubt there is any reason it "cant" happen.

Romulinx2 · 12 Apr 2009

Barman58 has already answered your question. :)

johngalt · 12 Apr 2009

You cannot install XP over Win7 and expect it to work. I hope that makes much more sense.