Microsoft will continue to support Windows XP Professional until the year 2014, which means we’ll continue to support your desire to use it.
Q: I’ve been using Windows Vista for a few months now and am somewhat frustrated by it. I want my XP Professional operating system installed on my new computer. Is this something I can do?
A: The migration back to XP Pro has become a popular move and yes, you can do this yourself.
However, it’s not as simple as popping in a CD and hitting the “XP Pro Reinstall” button and should be considered as an advanced service. Before attempting this, some research is required.
An online search for your computer’s hardware drivers and whether or not they are supported in the XP environment, is mandatory. If after your research you determine your computer is XP ready, download the XP drivers, save them on a separate computer, a back-up drive or a thumb drive, be sure you have a valid copy of Window XP Professional and let’s begin.
First and foremost – BACK UP YOUR DATA! Did everyone hear me? I said, BACK UP YOUR DATA! Any information you absolutely can’t live without should be burned to CD or DVD, copied to an external back-up device and/or thumb drive and put in a safe place. Next, insert your Win XP Professional software disc into your disc drive and restart your computer.
By default, your computer should boot to the XP Installation disc (if it doesn’t, you’ll need to change the Boot Priority order in the BIOS.) Follow the on-screen instructions for a ‘New Installation.’ This includes agreeing to the EULA (End-User License Agreement), and installing Windows XP Professional.
You are then presented with a screen where an operating system has been detected and you are asked if you want to repair it. Although not an obvious option, press ESC as this will begin the Vista deletion.
The next two screens ask, “Are you sure?” Press the keys designated for continuing with the deletion of the current operating system. You are then presented with a formatting screen — choose ‘Quick Format’ using the Up Arrow Key, press ENTER and you’re well on your way.
When prompted, enter the information asked for, such as User Name, etc. During the installation, you will be asked for the Product Key that came with your software. Type it in and hit ENTER. After XP is up and running, you will need to install the XP drivers for your hardware, then reinstall your software programs and the data you backed up.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you run into trouble or have a quick question – it could end up in Tech Talk.
Wayne Nelson and Jeremy Self own and operate Wired Northwest, LLC in Redmond Submit your questions to: techtalk@wired-nw.com. Contact Wired Northwest, LLC at www.wired-nw.com or at (206) 788-7975 or (206)788-7898
