Windows Vista to XP Downgrade - Worth It?

[Warhammer]

We all know the horrible things about Vista, but is it worth it to downgrade to XP? Is it only a "phase" that Vista is bad, and in time, it will be viewed as good? Is it a good idea to switch back to XP with XP losing more and more support? Is the best thing to do stick with XP and wait for the new Windows?

What are the pros and cons of downgrading to XP, whether immediate or future pros and cons? Please, don't just come in here and say "Vista sucks" or "get a Mac." A geniuine and/or thought out response would be appreciated.



Mods, feel free to move this to Technical Support. I just thought it'd be a good idea to post this in Community due to much more traffic and more chances of some responses. Thanks.

 

[chaseter]

I will not upgrade to vista...I love xp and I will continue to use it until my computer explodes.

 

[Drizzle]

I'd downgrade to XP.

 

[Downhere]

XP is definitely better, so technically it's not really a downgrade.

 

[Warhammer]

Should I watch the instructional videos on YouTube and downgrade it myself, or should I take it somewhere and ask them to do it for me?

 

[Drizzle]

Should I watch the instructional videos on YouTube and downgrade it myself, or should I take it somewhere and ask them to do it for me?

Is it really that complicated? I thought all you needed was a Windows XP installation disc.

 

[SapphirePrima]

I hate Vista too, but I think it's better to stay with Vista. I think in a year or two things will get better.

 

[Kable24]

Is it really that complicated? I thought all you needed was a Windows XP installation disc.

It can have issues. It was easy to downgrade from XP to 2000, but now when you downgrade you won;t have any drivers and may need to install all of the drivers (audio, networking and any other needed driver)
I have downgraded successfully twice and blew it once. The first time I didn't have any drivers ready to go and didn't really know about the Vista to XP issue. The second time I got it all working, but it just wasn't to my satisfaction. The third time I got everything going to way I wanted.

If you are tech savvy, then go for it. If you have doubts find a guy to do it for you.

 

[jaguarr]

Kable covered the drivers issue. Some systems also have their firmware/BIOS optimized for Vista and that can cause issues when trying to install or run XP as well. I'd say spending some time researching your exact make and model of system for guides or examples of successful migration to XP from Vista and the problems that were encountered and any drivers or firmware/BIOS updates or downgrades you may need to do it would be in order. Good luck!

jag

 

[black_dust]

Why not have both? that way your covered, Dual boot your system so you can either boot into Vista or Into Xp that way you have the best of both worlds