Computers & Networking

[caseynj]

I tried searching but couldn't find a definitive answer.  In order to downgrade to XP Pro, I have read that I need to have at least Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate installed. 

Does Best Buy offer any desktops preloaded with Windows 7 Pro?  All of the ones I have seen have 7 Home Premium.

2 questions for the quick reader:

1. Do I need Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate to downgrade to XP Pro?  Can I get away with a cheaper version?

2. Does Best Buy offer any desktops with pre-loaded 7 Pro?

[seekrtz]

Why do you need to use Windows XP Pro as opposed to Windows 7 Professional?

This sounds work related since the main feature available in the Professional version is the capability to join domains.

Windows 7 has XP mode; which is a self installing virtual machine that allows you to run Windows XP Pro for free and can also be used to run single applications in a window that looks almost identical to running those applications natively.

There is no way downgrade from WIndows 7 to XP, no matter the version.  You need to purchase either an OEM copy of XP Pro or Windows 7 Professional from an online vendor.

*Keep in mind that Microsoft will only continue to support Windows XP for 2 more years.

**Some Lenovo desktops come with Windows 7 Professional, e.g. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Lenovo+-+ThinkCentre+M71e+Desktop+-+4GB+Memory+-+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Busi...

[seekrtz]

This link shows all of Best Buy's computers that come pre-loaded with Windows 7 Pro:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp?id=pcat17080&type=page&qp=q70726f63657373696e67746...

[BillV]

You have read incorrectly. As already stated you can't just "downgrade" to XP from 7, regardless of versions.

What you have to do is install XP onto the hard drive and erase or dual-boot with 7.  My guess is installing XP as the only OS is probably better suited for you.

The first thing to check is whether your system will even run XP. You'll need to check the support page of the manufacturer to see if they offer drivers for XP. Without them, you may not have stuff like sound, video, or networking. This could be a problem.

Also, depending on how much memory your system has, you may want to go with an x64 version of XP (if you're running 7 x64). Again, verify drivers. You may otherwise be throwing away memory (less than 4GB RAM don't bother with x64).

You'll also need to find a copy of XP Pro available from somewhere/someone. If, as others have pointed out, this is for work then you should contact your IT department.

Most likely, depending on whatever it is you want to do, using a virtual machine inside of Windows 7 is going to be the best way to go. As mentioned above, certain versions of 7 (I don't recall which) have what's called "XP Mode" which is basically Microsoft virtualization running XP. If this is available for you, you're all set. Otherwise you can try something like Virtualbox for free or VMWare Player/Workstation.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Installing Windows XP on today's computers presents quite a challenge because of the SATA / AHCI configurations embedded on the motherboard - Windows XP SP3 installation discs detect some of them , not all of them. Starting the Windows XP setup will eventually result in a blue crash if it does not detect your hard drive due to this setup

[CrimsonRain]

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hockeycanuckjc wrote:

Installing Windows XP on today's computers presents quite a challenge because of the SATA / AHCI configurations embedded on the motherboard - Windows XP SP3 installation discs detect some of them , not all of them. Starting the Windows XP setup will eventually result in a blue crash if it does not detect your hard drive due to this setup

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To add onto this in regards to current hard drives, check up on Advanced Format.

Your best bet is to go Windows 7 Pro or higher, and then use XP Mode.