Computers & Networking

[kevint8292]

I'm in the market to replace my 3-year old Sony Vaio notebook this spring but I can't stand Windows Vista. I have a few ideas of what I want but I understand that certain hardware depends on the operating system (or at least the firmware) that may not be compatible with Windows XP. Can anyone help me figure out which notebooks are backwards compatible for XP?

A few things I need in a notebook:

• 16" or 17" screen
• Sony, HP or Dell (preferably another Sony)
• Minimum of 4GB of RAM (it would be nice to be able to upgrade to 8GB in the future)
• Not used

Please don't try to sell me on using Vista, I've tried it and hate it and I have my own reasons for not wanting it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, 

Kevin 

[lordkirivos]

Good luck find a new one that doesn't run Vista

[Starflyer59]

Dell is the only company that I know of that still offers XP as a choice. You will have to purchase directly from Dell.

There are no big box retailers that still sell XP.

[kevint8292]

I'm not looking for a computer that has XP installed out of the box, I know that doesn't exist except for the Dell XPS. I'm planning on buying a notebook as is (with Vista and everything) and then doing a complete system restore with a copy of XP Pro that I already own.

[BBBob]

That is not reccommended as the new computer will not have drivers for XP and the hardware inside the machine will not have drivers. I would research the machine you want to buy and see if you can find drivers on the web site from the computer maker. I will bet they do not have any drivers for the computer and if you wipe it out and try to put XP on it you will have an expensive boat anchor.

Bob

[Starflyer59]

That's going to be harder to do. Almost all the computer manufacturers have stopped providing drivers for XP on all their new computers.

HP, Compaq, Sony, Acer and some Dells no longer offer XP drivers for their computers.

The only thing that I could recommend is pick a model that you like, then find out what parts are installed in that laptop and then check the manufacturer for that part and see if they offer XP drivers.

Example: Nvidia Videocard - Check Nvidia's site or a Realtek audio card - Check realteks website for Xp drivers.

[SlimJim77]

What's the problem (specifically) with Vista?

Most people I know that complain about Vista simply watch too much TV.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

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Starflyer59 wrote:

That's going to be harder to do. Almost all the computer manufacturers have stopped providing drivers for XP on all their new computers.

HP, Compaq, Sony, Acer and some Dells no longer offer XP drivers for their computers.

The only thing that I could recommend is pick a model that you like, then find out what parts are installed in that laptop and then check the manufacturer for that part and see if they offer XP drivers.

Example: Nvidia Videocard - Check Nvidia's site or a Realtek audio card - Check realteks website for Xp drivers.

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HP offers business models of their desktops which come with XP downgrade media. 

[Matthew-GS Retired: Community Advocate]

Hi kevint8292:

Meeting your criteria is easy!... IF you exclude the preference for XP.  I know, and do not worry that I will try to convince you one way or the other, as I should remain mostly neutral.  I will say this about XP, however: Microsoft has made it very clear that they are moving forward and support will end.  You see, XP cannot easily support the amount of RAM you require.  Click here for a technical explanation from Microsoft.

There is still hope for you, kevint8292!  According to Microsoft (source: The Future of XP) - 

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You can still buy new PC's and use Windows XP. Windows Vista Business
and Windows Vista Ultimate have downgrade rights that let you return
your operating system to Windows XP.

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Thank you, hockeycanuckjc for pointing out that HP and other manufacturers are offering business-class laptops with a downgrade to XP option.  Check out BestBuyForBusiness.com, ask at your local store for a business specialist (BBFB Specialist) or call 1-877-393-1038 (toll-free).

[Smith]

What are you going to be using the computer for, and how soon do you need it.  I understand not wanting to use vista, I tried it once and the touch burned my skin.

If you don't need it for a while I would wait and use windows 7 when it comes out. It will likely enjoy a longer support period anyway.