A visitor to the site left this question?

“I’ve just ordered a Dell Latitude D630 and know already I need to downgrade from Vista Business to XP Pro but everything I google on the matter is littered with conflicting information…seeing as you have done this would you be so kind as to give me a procedure? Treat me like I know nothing and we won’t go wrong!!”

Note: This process will require a re-format of your computer and you will need to ensure you backup any data first as all the existing data and software will be lost.

Pre requisites

1 x Dell Windows XP Pro CD and lots of time.

Step 1) Check that Dell Support Windows XP on your Hardware. For this specific user I know the answer is yes but not all Dell Models have Windows XP Support.

Go to www.support.dell.com then Drivers and Downloads and browse to your model.

From the Operating System dropdown box make sure there is a Windows XP option. Leave the Drivers Web Page open for the moment.

Step 2) Get to know your Dell Vista Hardware first. Find out what you will need.

You want to do this so there is no guess work about what other hardware you have inside your Dell.

Example: A Dell can ship will up to 5 different video cards.

So in Windows Vista click on the Start Menu and when you see Computer right click it and choose Properties.

Then from the left hand side choose the Device manager.

I always make a note of the Display Driver and Network adaptors and Sound (those expanded in the above picture).

Step 3) Download from www.support.dell.com the Windows XP Drivers you will need.

To keep yourself organised put each download into a Folder for easy access later.

Ideally you want to store these on a USB Key or burn a CD with them on.

Step 4) Backup any of your own Data from Windows Vista.

Step 5) Insert your Dell Windows XP Pro CD, turn on your computer and press F12 for boot options. Then Choose your CD/DVD Drive from the available boot options.

Tip: Make sure you don’t have any external hard disks or other peripherals connected. A mouse is ok.

The Windows XP Setup will take a few moments but eventually ask you what you want to do, choose the first option To Setup Windows.

The Windows XP Setup will now look for a version of Windows Installed and offer to Repair or Install a fresh copy. You want the fresh copy so press ESC.

On the existing Partition Screen you will see the various Partitions.

You want to Delete the largest partition and if you see a Dell Vista Recovery Partition you can also delete that. Leave the smallest FAT partitions alone.

Next you want to create a new partition in the un-partitioned space. Accept the size which should be the maximum available. Format the partition NTFS (Quick) after which the Windows XP Install files will be copied and the installation will continue.

Tip: The Win Supersite has a Step by Step guide with pictures of this procedure.
Link: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Step 6) Once Windows XP is loaded you will need to install the Dell Drivers in the correct order.

1:System Software
2:Chipset
3:Video Adaptor
4:Network Card
5:Audio
6:Modem
7:Wireless
8:Input things like touch pad
9:Bluetooth
10:PMCIA/Smart Card

Tip: Dell now have their own “Driver install order” document which is more detailed that the one above. Link: Here

You should now be ready to connect to the internet and visit www.windowsupdate.com for the latest updates to windows.

I often look at one of my Vista PC’s chugging away and think I know what its doing I just don’t know why its doing it.

So hopefully this video based round table discussion with Mark and others on the topic of Windows Vista Performance can educate me.

Link: https://ms.istreamplanet.com/springboard/

Microsoft employee and blogger Keith Combs has published a blog post with his various tweak and tips for getting the best out of Windows Vista.

Link: Keith Combs Tips

Over at the Windows Vista Blog they have started doing screencast like demo’s of Windows Vista features.

So far they have

Restoring Previous Files

Instant Search

Adding MSN Video Fees to Zune (Limited Appeal)

Windows Live OneCare 2.0

The microsoftie in charge of the Windows Vista Blog is Brandon LeBlanc who has done a great job of defending Vista on the site. A thankless job at times I Imagine.

So if you want to check out some Windows Vista Demo’s check the link below.

Link: http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/tags/Demo/default.aspx

I provide technical support for several hundred users both locally and remotely. In an ideal world they would have all their software repositories nice and organised.

Example: Envelopes with usernames containing all the CD’s, Licenses and Product keys that belong to that particular PC.

Sadly life isn’t like that and I am usually under pressure to quickly rebuild and redeploy on the same hardware say after a Hard Disk problem or Virus/Malware attack.

So today’s tech tip is for a download that exposes the current machines product keys.

On my USB key I keep install repositories for common software installations, I then grab the product keys from current machine using keyfinder (link below) and save time by not having to root about the customers cupboards.

Link: http://magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/