Downgrading from Vista Basic to XP

Before downgrading from Windows Vista to Windows XP you should always confer with your computer's manufacturers website to look up your model and see if they support the downgrade. Often times the only way for you to downgrade is to have it done before receiving the computer, since a majority of the hardware on the laptop is made specifically for Vista and is not backwards compatible. Looking on the HP website, I see that they only offer a very limited number of Windows XP drivers for your system, which tells us that downgrading is not possible.
I would recommend that you consider not downgrading but rather upgrading to Windows 7 as it is a much more stable and functional OS than its predecessor Windows Vista. You can even run Windows 7 in Windows XP compatibility mode so you can enjoy the benefits and upgrade of Windows 7 but still have the Windows XP feel and functionality. I will be writing a How-To/Tip on Windows XP Compatibility mode today so you can be on the lookout for more information on that.

I recently had a problem where I could not Install win XP on an Hewlett Packard laptop computer. (Hard disk not found) error. I was downgrading the Vista System to Xp. I had to go to the bios setting and disable the sata hard drive setting and this solved my problem. I dont know if it will work for you. Try IBM support if its free!

download from www.hp.com

Hello There,

1. You must have a Windows XP CD.
2. If there is a CD Driver that came along with the laptop try and look for the one that says (XP Drivers)
3. If no driver CD included for XP you will have to download from thier site.

Thank you for using Fixya

Now you need to find a Windows XP install disk that can match the licence number printed on the sticker at the back of the laptop and reinstall XP using your serial key.
You will have to download and install also the XP drivers, you find them on manufacturer website.

See links below on reinstalling XP on a Vista system:

FAQ: Giving up on Vista? Here's how to downgrade to XP

How to downgrade from Vista to XP News

How to Downgrade from Vista to XP

Downgrade Vista to XP pro

downgrading from vista to xp

See if there is a keyboard driver update from Gateway for windows xp. This may be the problem.

A good idea is to check one of two things:
1) upon startup check the BIOS, it gives you an idea of what soundcard you are using.
2) open up the box and check the motherboard and do a google search.

Popular hardware with emachines are ATI and Realtek

There is no way to legally get the product key for Windows XP without buying a copy of Windows XP.

Also, if you have Vista Home Premium or Basic, you will have to do a fresh install of XP, only Vista Business and Ultimate allow for downgrading.

Here is an article about downgrading to XP from Vista:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9040318
Good luck!

Yes, its possible to downgrade from vista to XP, you just need a installation CD of XP.

set up file sharing and make sure the laptop is set to "private" not "public" in the Networking and Sharing Center.