XP upgrade or Full version

I just bought a new laptop (Toshiba) and it's been already loaded with Vista. I much rather XP but only have the upgrade version. My question is, do I need the full version of XP or can I just pop in the upgrade cd and install XP. I used this same version on my desk top when i upgraded from 98, would that make a difference when it comes time for updates?

Thank you for your time.

I believe you will need a full version because I don't think there is an 'upgrade' path from a newer OS.

Do you have any other older OS disk/serial from Mr Gates to qualify for an upgrade?

kevin_c wrote in post #5362888
I believe you will need a full version because I don't think there is an 'upgrade' path from a newer OS.

Do you have any other older OS disk/serial from Mr Gates to qualify for an upgrade?

Hi Kevin.

All I have is the old 98 disk with serial #

I believe that Windows go through their little authentication routine. In order to go to XP you should have a versions that has an allowable upgrade. In your case I don't think that they will let you go from Vista to XP. I don't think this is one of those, well just try it cases. I know there are several stores around here that are advertising a Vista to XP move with your own disks for 69.00.

You should be Ok:

http://support.microso​ft.com/kb/292607

Are you wanting to revert to XP because some important programs you have will not run on Vista, or because Vista is too slow?

With a little simple "tuning" Vista can run pretty well as long as your machine has 2 gig of RAM and a pretty good processor.

Vista comes out of the factory already hampered by configs set to "pretty and cute" rather than "quick and efficient". Change those, and see how you like it before going to all the trouble of the XP install.

I'm not a Vista fanboy, but that's based on my real world experience comparing XP vs. Vista on some older ThinkPad lappys.

You won't be able to downgrade from vista to XP from within windows. However, if you format the hard drive, you can install the full version of XP using the upgrade disk. During setup, XP will ask you to insert a setup CD of an older version of windows (98, ME or 2000) before you can continue. If you can't get hold of a CD of an older version then you'll have to buy the full version of XP, which obviously doesn't have this requirement.

Also, what size is the hard drive in the laptop?
What version of XP do you have?
Pre SP1, SP1, or SP2? SP means Service Pack.
If it is Pre SP1, you will have to make 2 partions, one 130GB and the second one will be whatever is left.
SP1 and SP2 can see the entire 130+ size of your hard drive so you can make 1 large partition or split it up to multiples.

Also, make sure you can get XP Drivers for the laptops hardware; sound, video, Network, etc.

Frank_Hollahan wrote in post #5362756
I just bought a new laptop (Toshiba) and it's been already loaded with Vista. I much rather XP but only have the upgrade version. My question is, do I need the full version of XP or can I just pop in the upgrade cd and install XP. I used this same version on my desk top when i upgraded from 98, would that make a difference when it comes time for updates?

Thank you for your time.

If you want to change from Vista to XP, make sure there are drivers for the hardware for your laptop, if not, you can only stick with Vista.

You can just use the upgrade cd to reformat and install XP. If it asks you for another Windows version, just use the 98 cd. You don't need anything else, it just needs to know that you have another version of Windows.