Installing WinXP after Win7
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: England.
Installing WinXP after Win7
My new laptop is no doubt being kicked across some carrier's warehouse floor as I type. If it survives the ordeal, it will burst into life to the completely unfamiliar tunes of Windows 7. Oooooerrrrr!!!
As a precaution against loss of laptop computing whilst I learn all of the essential Windows 7 ritual dances and to ensure that at least something will run my ancient software, I want to install Windows XP, for which I have a CD, but a few red lights are flashing in my brain (amongst all the weird voices).
Preliminary worry: I'm always forced to link to Microsoft for some sort of 'approval' to use their software on a new install or machine, even hough I've already paid for it. So far, I've never been refused. Is it possible that a day will dawn when they demand more pounds of flesh before they will permit further use?
The main question is, can I install Win XP with Win 7 already installed? This link is (worryingly) the only one I've found suggesting that I can:
Dual Boot Your Pre-Installed Windows 7 Computer with XP - How-To Geek
Will this work, or will it irreversibly derange my new laptop within minutes of unpacking?
All other search results insist that Win XP must be installed before later versions (in this case Win 7) are installed.
BTW, I need to keep the pre-installed Win 7 intact and very, very safe. The laptop only comes with a 'recovery disk', not the full set of Win 7 software disc(s).
Thanks!
As a precaution against loss of laptop computing whilst I learn all of the essential Windows 7 ritual dances and to ensure that at least something will run my ancient software, I want to install Windows XP, for which I have a CD, but a few red lights are flashing in my brain (amongst all the weird voices).
Preliminary worry: I'm always forced to link to Microsoft for some sort of 'approval' to use their software on a new install or machine, even hough I've already paid for it. So far, I've never been refused. Is it possible that a day will dawn when they demand more pounds of flesh before they will permit further use?
The main question is, can I install Win XP with Win 7 already installed? This link is (worryingly) the only one I've found suggesting that I can:
Dual Boot Your Pre-Installed Windows 7 Computer with XP - How-To Geek
Will this work, or will it irreversibly derange my new laptop within minutes of unpacking?
All other search results insist that Win XP must be installed before later versions (in this case Win 7) are installed.BTW, I need to keep the pre-installed Win 7 intact and very, very safe. The laptop only comes with a 'recovery disk', not the full set of Win 7 software disc(s).
Thanks!
Controversial, moi?
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: UK
Your post really makes me ask the question 'Why?'
W7 is by far a better OS than XP. It has a compatibility mode which makes W7 behave as an earlier OS (you choose which one) if needed to run software which will not run in W7. In reality few programs fall into this category although some do.
When the beta version of W7 was released I made my PC dual boot with XP. I never used XP again despite it being available and when the retail version of W7 was released I bought a copy.
What you want to do is perfectly feasible but, I would humbly suggest, a complete waste of time and effort.
Also in my opinion W7 is one of the most intuitive and well laid out operating systems that MS have produced.
W7 is by far a better OS than XP. It has a compatibility mode which makes W7 behave as an earlier OS (you choose which one) if needed to run software which will not run in W7. In reality few programs fall into this category although some do.
When the beta version of W7 was released I made my PC dual boot with XP. I never used XP again despite it being available and when the retail version of W7 was released I bought a copy.
What you want to do is perfectly feasible but, I would humbly suggest, a complete waste of time and effort.
Also in my opinion W7 is one of the most intuitive and well laid out operating systems that MS have produced.
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Earth
Your post really makes me ask the question 'Why?'
even hough I've already paid for it.
I would suggest if you really want XP, then just reformat the hard drive and install XP on it, and then cross the Windows 7 bridge as and when you feel like it.
Per Ardua ad Astraeus
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 18,575
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From: UK
I agree with MM - UNLESS you will still have some programmes still 'installed' on your lappie after the kick-about - which sounds most unlikely! - why bother? yes - I think you will find yourself without any Windows from which to view Bill's wonderful world
'Traditional' Windows mythology demands series installation strictly in issue order and I'm pretty sure that will not have changed with W7
'Traditional' Windows mythology demands series installation strictly in issue order and I'm pretty sure that will not have changed with W7
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 440
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From: England.
Thanks for the reassurances, guys n gals. I need to hit the ground running when the new machine arrives and it seemed wisest to install Win XP if it was going to be an easy and safe option. Some replies suggest it might not be and all indicate it won't be necessary. I definitely don't want to mess up or wipe the Win 7 installation, though. I'll have a look at Win 7 and see if it I can get up to speed quickly enough. If it can sing and dance familiar Win XP tunes, then that sounds very promising.
I've got pretty ancient printers, scanner and external hard drives. The new machine is 64 bit (not a preference, but the deal was too good to refuse). I'll search for issues/drivers.
Thanks again.
I've got pretty ancient printers, scanner and external hard drives. The new machine is 64 bit (not a preference, but the deal was too good to refuse). I'll search for issues/drivers.
Thanks again.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Bracknell, Berks, UK
I would guard against installing Windows XP on newer machines. Firstly, newer machines have Windows 7 as a disk image on them rather than shipping with a CD (they want you to burn your own copy if you need to reinstall it), so simply blowing away the installed OS could leave you without the ability to install W7 easily.
Secondly, laptop manufacturers are stopping supporting XP, which means they won't have a page of drivers ready for compatibility with XP for the newer hardware inside their laptops, so it will become a progressively harder task to get your laptop to work with XP.
Finally, W7 is SO much better than XP. You should be able to hit the ground running.
Secondly, laptop manufacturers are stopping supporting XP, which means they won't have a page of drivers ready for compatibility with XP for the newer hardware inside their laptops, so it will become a progressively harder task to get your laptop to work with XP.
Finally, W7 is SO much better than XP. You should be able to hit the ground running.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: England.
New machine arrived today.
Win 7 is indeed very intuitive.
However, can I find a way to achieve double clicks in one click? Nope! - Control panel > mouse > etc. did the trick in Win XP, but there's no option in Win 7 (?). Cramps my style, that does. I click and sit there waiting for action and it sits there thinking 'The dummy's only clicked once'.
First hardware casualty is my beloved 5 button mouse, which is now lame by one button, which I normally set as 'Close application'. I now hit the button (habit), then realise I need to target the teeny-tiny box with the cross, top right. I've tried Win Xp compatibility, but no joy...
Wee sleekit, timrous, cowrin beastie
In windas sev'n yer nae sa feisty.
Win 7 is indeed very intuitive.
However, can I find a way to achieve double clicks in one click? Nope! - Control panel > mouse > etc. did the trick in Win XP, but there's no option in Win 7 (?). Cramps my style, that does. I click and sit there waiting for action and it sits there thinking 'The dummy's only clicked once'.
First hardware casualty is my beloved 5 button mouse, which is now lame by one button, which I normally set as 'Close application'. I now hit the button (habit), then realise I need to target the teeny-tiny box with the cross, top right. I've tried Win Xp compatibility, but no joy...
Wee sleekit, timrous, cowrin beastie
In windas sev'n yer nae sa feisty.
More bang for your buck
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: land of the clanger
It's in 'control panel>folder options>general tab click on 'single click to open an item'
Alternative if you right click on an icon you can select 'pin to task bar' which will let you open with one click. I've got my most used ones there and not on the desk top, in fact you don't need any icons on your desk top unless you've an awful lot of programs you use a lot. I've got 21 icons pinned to the task bar, the rest I open from the start menu probably once a month.
Edited to add Re the mouse, have you tried going to the manufacturers site to look for a windows 7 driver for it? Or any other 5 button mouse by that maker which would probably work.
Alternative if you right click on an icon you can select 'pin to task bar' which will let you open with one click. I've got my most used ones there and not on the desk top, in fact you don't need any icons on your desk top unless you've an awful lot of programs you use a lot. I've got 21 icons pinned to the task bar, the rest I open from the start menu probably once a month.
Edited to add Re the mouse, have you tried going to the manufacturers site to look for a windows 7 driver for it? Or any other 5 button mouse by that maker which would probably work.
Last edited by green granite; 29th October 2011 at 16:21.
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Lemonia. Best Greek in the world
As a computing ignoramus, I switched from XP SP3 to Win 7 a couple of weeks ago. Lost nothing, so far, and it works fine. The various dire warnings on the Internet have come to nothing. I see no reason to go back.
Administrator
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From: Twickenham, home of rugby
Depending on your version of Win 7, you get a free virtual version of XP if you want it.
Win 7 Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate editions all qualify for the FREE license of XP SP3 - Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7
SD
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 440
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From: England.
Many thanks, gg. Single clicking back in action.
From Saab Dastard's link: 'Using Windows XP Mode, you can run programs that were designed for Windows XP on computers running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions.'
Unfortunately, my Win 7 is none of those versions.
Thanks forthe tip and I'm still searching. Also ordered a six button (!!!!) Win 7 mouse - less than sick squid inc. P&P and all but my current 5 button meese have gone t!ts up with monotonous consistency, so a spare is always good to have to hand (so to speak as well as literally). I blame the cat.
Latest casualty is my stress relief (honest!) egg beater (helicopter) flying simulator. No-o-o-o-o chance of Win 7 support for that and XP compatiblity attempts result in it being unceremoniously spat out.
From Saab Dastard's link: 'Using Windows XP Mode, you can run programs that were designed for Windows XP on computers running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate editions.'
Unfortunately, my Win 7 is none of those versions.
Re the mouse, have you tried going to the manufacturers site to look for a windows 7 driver for it? Or any other 5 button mouse by that maker which would probably work.
Latest casualty is my stress relief (honest!) egg beater (helicopter) flying simulator. No-o-o-o-o chance of Win 7 support for that and XP compatiblity attempts result in it being unceremoniously spat out.
