[drwho27]

im trying to put xp on a brand new computer wich came with vista but i can format it, i've read every forum post on every site i could find and so far nothing has worked, it just wont go away when i put in the xp cd i cant even get past the licence agreement screen it tells me to press f8 to except, but it does nothing the other options work just not the one i need. any help on how to completely wipe vista away would be greatly appreacted

[jernathius]

i have wiped and reloaded a lot of computers that came with vista and put xp on them - here is the order in which i have gone

1 - boot from xp cd
2 - first screen hit enter
3 - second screen hit f8
4 - third screen hit esc to load fresh copy of xp
5 - delete all partitions on the drive
6 - create one partition
7 - hit enter
8 - hit enter
9 - format drive (ntfs)
10 - follow setup on screen instructions

has worked for me many many times - let me know if you need anything else

[simpswr]

The first thing to do is make double dog sure you can find the XP drivers for all the devices on the pc. Not all manufacturers are providing them.

The key is to boot from the XP install disc . . . to do that, 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.

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

[drwho27]

the problem im having is when i press F8 in step 3 it doesn't do anything, i cant get past that screen, ive tried it on another computer with xp already on it just to see, and it works fine, but not on the new one with vista, as well ive tried different keyboards

[simpswr]

USB Keyboards?

[AcaCandy]

I had the same problem on a system. Try using the tab key, I think that is what ended up working for me. Or you could try that infamous ANY KEY

[drwho27]

no not usb keyboards iv already learned that lesson the hard way

[drwho27]

ok so ive tried hitting every key there is in that screen, the only ones that work are ESC and PGUP and PGDN.......im stumped because i know the cd works and i know the keyboard works, if vista was a person id kick em in the balls

[drwho27]

OMG i did it, third keyboards a charm eh

[drwho27]

so for all those people out the with similar problems just cause you know the button works doesn't mean it works in the place you need it too, when all else fails try a nother keyboard

[AcaCandy]

Strange. Are you sure the first two work?

Another thing, if they are connected with an adapter, sometimes that is hit and miss....

You can mark the thread solved using the THREAD TOOLS drop down menu.