Hi all,
I was wondering (since I am considering getting a new Vista Home Premium Notebook):

Can you wipe the HDD and install Windows XP Pro on a Notebook PC that came with Vista Premium installed?

I have read the ads & stuff that says if I have XP OS on a PC, I can install a Vista OS upgrade. So if I have a Vista OS on a PC, why can't I install XP OS on it?

I am a bit confused by this 16bit and 32bit OS and exactly what that means.
Can anyone clarify the difference in these OSes for me and how and if the hardware makes a diiference:confused:?

Any and all help most appreciated!!

Thanks a bunch.

Sincerely,

Cin:)

I suggest you first read this thread: What's the difference in Windows XP & Windows Vista? (windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/93929171-8e24-1e6a-cf68-b48eb22073611033.mspx)

It's not a matter of "will it run XP?" but rather "will I be able to find drivers for the hardware on this laptop?" The answer is most likely not. The reason why is laptops are much different than desktops in the fact that the laptop manufacturer implants special coding in all laptop models preventing them from using generic drivers. There are a few execptions for ATI and nVidia video chipsets. http://www.omegadrivers.net/archive.php provides "hacked" drivers for those respective chipsets. Ok that might take care of the VIDEO on your laptop if it happens to have that chipset but what about the remainder of hardware on-board? Chances are very high that if the laptop maker doesn't provide XP drivers, then you will not get it to work properly with other inadequate drivers including those from Microsoft that are included with the operating system. My advice is to look for a laptop that comes with factory installed Windows XP.