Backgrade to WinXP over Win7

[gerrard]

Hello,

I'd like to have XP over Win7.
1 HDD with 2 partitions - C: win7 and F: storage.
How can I reinstall WinXP on C? Not dual but INSTEAD of Win7.
(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

 

[edwar]

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.

 

[gerrard]

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.

 

[edwar]

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.

 

[theog]

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.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/66010-sata-drivers-load-windows-xp-setup-dual-boot.html
or
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/72185-sata-drivers-slipstream-into-windows-xp-cd.html

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

 

[gerrard]

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.

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 Win7 loaded - not a surprise..)

Thanks

 

[edwar]

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.

 

[theog]

Use the partitioning tool in Win XP setup.

 

[gerrard]

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 Win7 was loaded.

 

[edwar]

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 Win7 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.

 

[theog]

press any key

 

[gregrocker]

There's no reason to use partitioning software since you can delete any unneeded partitions on the target HD, repartition as you want, then get a superior full format using the XP CD during install.

Only if XP CD won't boot or see the HD will you need to go the the extra trouble for SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD.

 

[edwar]

The OP does not want to delete all partitions. He wants to leave the F partition in tact. Not sure you can do that with the XP install system.

 

[theog]

The OP only needs to delete the C: partition & system reserved

 

[edwar]

The OP only needs to delete the C: partition.

How about the system reserve?

 

[theog]

edit post.

 

[gerrard]

Thanks for the advices

I made a WinXP boot USB key after unpacking the install CD.
Is it better to make the install from USB? If so, what to change at BIOS (because I tried it and the result is the same as with CD boot)
What is the key to get CD boot? I tried F8, F11, Alt-F2 and did not come.

 

[edwar]

What make and model computer are you on? Brand name or home built? If home built what motherboard are you using?

 

[gerrard]

BIOS: Award SI inc. 6.00 PG (year of 2002, maybe too old for Win7, but could not find update, so I change back to XP)

Mainboard Model : EP-8KHAL+ VT8366-8233
CPU :AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+ Socket A (462)
RAM 1 GB DDR Kingmax

 

[theog]

Thanks for the advices

I made a WinXP boot USB key after unpacking the install CD.
Is it better to make the install from USB? If so, what to change at BIOS (because I tried it and the result is the same as with CD boot)
What is the key to get CD boot? I tried F8, F11, Alt-F2 and did not come.

Win XP installer is not HAPPY installing from USB Pendrive, use the CD.