Please Help - Install Win XP Pro Over Vista 64

[Ambidex7]

Please read: I bought "Windows XP Pro 32 bit" from Newegg. I've tried to install it over Vista 64 bit. It says "Compatability Issues," says the vista 64 is a NEWER os AND won't let me install! How do I get rid of vista so it will let me install XP Pro. I tried a re-boot with Windows XP Pro in the drive and it just passes it up and continues to boot into Vista 64. I am at a loss and how to do this. Do I need to fdisk or create some boot disk. I'm really not a programmer, so please keep it kinda simple. ANY help would be VERY appreciated. My Humble Thanks for your consideration! Ambidex7

 

[oogabooga]

I don't think you need the please read, if we're in the thread we probably will 😉

I also don't think you'll be able to just install XP Pro over Vista as vista is newer. I remember hearing there was a downgrade utility but a quick search yielded nothing, plus it probably wouldn't be the way I would (and have) done it.

If you want to I'd imagine the way to do it would be to format your hard drive wiping out the vista installation and then running the XP installation.

If you have the CD in the drive you have to make sure you have your boot order correct as well. The CD-Rom drive needs to boot before your hard drive, that way you have a chance to enter the winxp installation cd before vista loads.

This can be edited in your BIOS or if you're using a prebuilt machine from one of the major carriers you might have an option on your bootup screen to change the boot order. If your hard drive is set to boot before your cd rom drive, then it'll load vista and you wont get a chance to load XP. The XP CD will also let you format your hard disk. When you format you will lose all data so backup anything you dont want to lose.

 

[soonerproud]

Why don't you just use the XP cd to format the disk and destroy the Vista partition first? If that doesn't work, download the gparted iso and use that to nuke the Vista partition and then install XP on it.

 

[Billb2]

Just to be clear here, you want to end up with XP and Vista, or just XP?

 

[Ambidex7]

I thank you for your response. I did a search and DID find info about resetting the boot order in bios. Found that the Hard Drive came second, and the CD-Rom drive came third. I reset this to CD-Rom drive second, and Hard Drive third. This solved my problem! I put the Win XP Pro disk in the C: drive and did a relight. Boy - Found the screens I was always hoping for. My Extreme gratitude for you help. I'm always amazed at the depth of talent here at AT. Installed without a hitch! Just knowing a small fact makes ALL the difference.. Again, my HUMBLE thanks for your help! Ambidex7..