[loopymcpoopy]

hey,could some one give me a complete guild on how to delete vista and to load xp.(i do not have vista disk)

I have a m8000n hp media center with vista home premeum

[simpswr]

First, check the HP website to be sure you can find XP drivers for all the devices on the pc. Also, know that once you install XP, you cannot reinstall Vista without a valid installation disc.

If you still want to do so, enter BIOS ( Setup ) and set the first boot device as CD/ROM.

Put your XP Disc in the drive and disconnect all external peripherals except the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and be sure those are not USB, or wireless. Any internal USB card should also be removed.

If you are using an upgrade version installation CD, you'll also need a CD with an older operating system ( Windows 98SE or Windows ME ) to complete the install. Also Make sure you have the 25-digit product code for the Windows XP CD.

Once you set your BIOS to boot first from cd . . when it restarts you will see a black screen with a prompt "Press any key to boot from CD" . . do that and you will be able to delete any or all partitions and recreate one or more, then proceed to formating and installing XP.

That message can pass quickly, so have a finger on the keyboard when you boot. This will delete all data on the drive so be sure you have your important data backed up. The prompt will appear after every reboot, but do not press any key on subsequent reboots. The setup process will continue with no action required from you.

If you do not get that message, and if you have another optical drive, try the XP CD in the other drive.

If you are installing on SATA drive, there is an additional step:

http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org/how...ws_xp_on_a.htm

This is a site that walks you thru a simulated XP installation:
http://www.echoproject.net/en/software/catalog.html

These are good guides to reinstalling XP . . you might want to print one for reference during the install.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...p_sg_clean.asp
http://www.socrtwo.info/cleanxpinstall.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_..._-_graphic.htm

You will likely have to load drivers (Chipset first) and applications, If your XP installation disc does not include SP2, after the installation, you will need to download and install SP-2, while windows is clean. Prior to connecting to the internet be sure you enable the XP firewall.

For help entering BIOS: http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

[loopymcpoopy]

thanks but what do you mean devices? like speakers and stuff??
and i cheak the HP website and all i saw was vista stuff.

o and do you think the xp disk comes with internet explorer and stuff or will i have to somehow get all that stuff,will there be nothing on xp just xp its self? ( no SP2 )

[uhaligani]

Why don't you go for a dual boot, in the first instance? It wold be a shame to lose Vista, until you have given yourself a chance to get used to it.

[simpswr]

Originally Posted by loopymcpoopy

thanks but what do you mean devices? like speakers and stuff??
and i cheak the HP website and all i saw was vista stuff.

New Video card . . anything that plugs directly into the motherboard. If you cannot find drivers for XP, you do not want to install XP . . you will have a mess on your hands

o and do you think the xp disk comes with internet explorer and stuff or will i have to somehow get all that stuff,will there be nothing on xp just xp its self? ( no SP2 )

XP includes Internet Explorer, but any other applications you will have to install again. If your install disc does not include SP2, you can download it here and burn to cd to install immediately after XP is installed . . before any drivers or other applications. There will still be another 80 or so updates, so once you have your antivirus installed, you would want to go online to get those

[windhair]

as i just read, this is a nice guide to install dual
http://www.pro-networks.org/forum/about88231.html

[loopymcpoopy]

have you tried this??

and can some one help me to find a xp driver for a HP 8000n AMD