Can't install windows XP on new Vista computer???? Can't find harddrive
 

So i bought a new shitty software filled hp laptop and as I do always when I buy a new laptop, tried to install a fresh version of windows xp. However, this time once the xp setup was loaded it couldn't find the laptops hard drive to install it on. I continued setting up the hp computer like normal so i can get into vista and try the xp cd in there but the install windows xp button can't be clicked.

Any help on this matter is greatly appreciated. Vista isn't so bad but the computer runs so much faster without all the extra software HP gives you.

you need a special version of the XP CD - ask HP. a couple of manufactures have started to deliver a downgrade CD on request

not the onley one , hard time :(

Here's what you do
 

It's not Vista - its' XP. Harddrives got more advanced, and XP does not have the driver for your type of HD.

Not to fear - you can tell your harddrive to be a bit dumber - just go to BIOS settings and change it from SATA (serial ATA) to just regular. Then you'll be fine.

Hey,

this is mostly because XP doesnt have AHCI drivers.

You've basicly got 2 options:

1.: As Project Manager said above, go into your BIOS and switch your HDD from AHCI (or SATA) to IDE mode and then install XP.

2.: Slipstream the correct AHCI driver for your chipset into a copy of XP with nLite or a similiar slipstreaming software.

There are a few articles with direct pointers out there, google something like AHCI driver Win XP slipstreaming [insert your laptop-model / chipset here] and variations of that...

Good luck, shouldnt be too hard to fix, been there myself.

Thats it I had the same issue.

as the others said, you do need to change the hard drive settings in the bios. Also, make sure you are using a full version of XP, and not the upgrade version, as it doesn't have what you need to convert.

I have the same issue with my new laptop

This will fix your problem mkx !
 

Ok... I'm going to help you out mkx,

Vista is using a different version of NTFS and if you are trying to update and or reinstall over the old NTFS; your install will fail... what you need to do is to backup your data on your C drive then you need to reinstall vista... however when it shows your partitions and ask where do you want the installation you go to the bottom of your screen to the tools and format your C drive with Vista's format feature... after it is done formating then allow Vista as to install to your C drive...

I have tried to install Vista to the old XP NTFS file system with no success and I have checked this out personally... I don't like using proprietary hardware
however I think this will help you.

No need for any thinks... ^^

Later,

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I found the hp support document for this and it looks like I need a usb floppy disk drive to do this. No options in BIOS, system restore, and no CD came with the laptop.

Question, I have tried this b4 with another laptop with failed results but forgot why. If I go buy a small usb external hardrive tomorrow will I be able to install and boot WinXP on it? I don't mind using this hd everytime I am using my laptop.

Too bad search isn't working. There are at least 3 other threads regarding GFY'ers buying new HP hardware and discovering (to their dismay) the lack of driver support for the older XP operating system. Companies can save a lot of money by not having to backport drivers for an operating system that doesn't come with the machine. I know XP is still widespread, but it will one day go the way of Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME. Try to find drivers for that stuff as long as 5 years ago and you'd come up empty. Progress sometimes sucks like that.

sOunds lik a peRsOnal
pRoblem tO me

soRRy nO can HELP "(

This is correct.

And I believe the "regular" setting is simply labeled: IDE

that's what you get for buying that fucking Vista bullshit.

format c:

u need xp disc slipstreamed with the SATA disc drivers needed for whatever controler that HP uses.

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

call for help!

:thumbsup

O yea bump...


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