Wiping Operating System

UncleRico · 05-24-2008, 02:54 PM

I have Windows Vista Home Premium. I have the total version of XP Home, and want to use that instead. I basically came to the conclusion, that I need to wipe my whole hard drive clean, and taking the OS out, or I would have to by a whole new hard drive.

Are these ways possible? If so, how can I do it?

Rob 1 · 05-25-2008, 07:56 AM

If Windows is giving you a hard time about going backwards to XP, then just use KillDisk.
Run a single pass of zero's to it, and you'll be all set to go with XP.

fyi, KillDisk is a free utility.

**sobeit** · 05-25-2008, 08:08 AM

before you do anything, you need to make sure that there are xp drivers available for your specific system. If not, then its advisable to stick with vista.

**simpswr** · 05-25-2008, 08:32 AM

What are you calling the total version of XP Home

sobiet is right on the mark with his comments . . be double dog sure you can find all the XP drivers for your pc before doing anything rash . . what brand/model?

**vladimirb** · 05-25-2008, 08:50 AM

Is it laptop or desktop PC??? It is way to much harder to find Windows XP drivers for newly laptops because manufacturers does not provide drivers for XP on their web sites.
Also, some camera on newly laptops which are designed for Vista and you install XP will be upside-down [especially with ASUS laptops], so be careful what you are doing.

UncleRico · 05-27-2008, 07:30 PM

I have an HP Pavilion a1730n

Basically, I asked HP. I was given answers, and was told to install the drivers. Basically, I do not really understand. Since I put another Graphics Card in (BFG Geforce 6600 OC 512mb). Would I install all of the drivers onto my hard drive? Then how would I wipe the Operating system off.

This is the e-mail that I received from the HP customer support.

Code:

=== Audio drivers ===

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with onboard Audio Controller and the controller is Realtek ALC 888 High-Definition Audio. Before installing the original Audio drivers, we need to install Microsoft Universal High-Definition Audio Architecture (UAA) bus drivers. You can download the UAA drivers by visiting following Web site:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32646.exe

After installing the above drivers, you need to install the original Audio drivers. You can obtain the drivers for Realtek ALC 888 Audio Controller by visiting following Web site:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16020/pv-42532-1/sp26792.exe]

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

Now, you should be able to get Audio device functioning.

=== Graphics Drivers ===

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with Integrated Graphics Controller. I request you to download and install Graphics drivers from the following website:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16023/pv-42535-1/sp26796.exe

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

===Chipset drivers====

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with GeForce 6150 LE chipset . I request you to download and install the chipset drivers from the following link:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16027/pv-42539-1/sp26802.exe

=== Network Controller drivers ===

The computer is equipped with Realtek RTL8201N Network Controller. You can download the compatible drivers by visting any of the following Web sites:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16019/pv-42531-1/sp26805.exe

===Modem drivers=====

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16029/pv-42541-1/sp26804.exe

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

**simpswr** · 05-27-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpswr

What are you calling the total version of XP Home ??

HP does not seem to have XP drivers for that model. If you want to install XP, you will have to chase drivers for each individual device. You can look in Device Manager to get the details of each one.

You install drivers after you have installed the new operating system. You can use the XP install disc to wipe the drive and install XP . . but be sure you have all the drivers first!

UncleRico · 05-29-2008, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpswr

HP does not seem to have XP drivers for that model. If you want to install XP, you will have to chase drivers for each individual device. You can look in Device Manager to get the details of each one.

You install drivers after you have installed the new operating system. You can use the XP install disc to wipe the drive and install XP . . but be sure you have all the drivers first!

Basically, I need all of the drivers before I insert the XP disc. Because whenever I put in the XP disc, I get like some error called Code 7 or something.

**simpswr** · 05-29-2008, 04:29 PM

That's not a driver error . . what is the exact error message?

UncleRico · 05-31-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simpswr

That's not a driver error . . what is the exact error message?

Yesturday, I inserted the XP disc to see what the error would be. Well, it turns out there was no error.

Well, I put XP on there, and I was having issues with the drivers. After reformatting and putting Vista on there, I fixed the final issues with the Audio. I believe my problem was that I attempted to place the drivers on after I installed XP.

I am fairly new to Operating system changes and dealing with drivers, so I suppose I would insert the drivers on before, and then place the XP disc into my PC?

The main issue I was having was Audio. I found the correct driver. Now... I was wondering if I should install XP designated drivers onto my Vista PC, and then insert the XP disc?

E-Mail Received from HP:Driver Assistance

Code:

=== Audio drivers ===

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with onboard Audio Controller and the controller is Realtek ALC 888 High-Definition Audio. Before installing the original Audio drivers, we need to install Microsoft Universal High-Definition Audio Architecture (UAA) bus drivers. You can download the UAA drivers by visiting following Web site:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32646.exe

After installing the above drivers, you need to install the original Audio drivers. You can obtain the drivers for Realtek ALC 888 Audio Controller by visiting following Web site:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16020/pv-42532-1/sp26792.exe]

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

Now, you should be able to get Audio device functioning.

=== Graphics Drivers ===

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with Integrated Graphics Controller. I request you to download and install Graphics drivers from the following website:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16023/pv-42535-1/sp26796.exe

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

===Chipset drivers====

The HP Pavilion a1730n Desktop PC is equipped with GeForce 6150 LE chipset . I request you to download and install the chipset drivers from the following link:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16027/pv-42539-1/sp26802.exe

=== Network Controller drivers ===

The computer is equipped with Realtek RTL8201N Network Controller. You can download the compatible drivers by visting any of the following Web sites:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16019/pv-42531-1/sp26805.exe

===Modem drivers=====

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softlib/software7/COL16029/pv-42541-1/sp26804.exe

Installation Instructions

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to
overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then
click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click
YES and allow system to restart.

^^ Driver links received from HP^^

dai · 05-31-2008, 11:52 PM

you install the drivers after the op.system

UncleRico · 06-01-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dai

you install the drivers after the op.system

I've tried that. I wasn't able to restart/shut down, also it was hard to find drivers for XP for my specific model.

dai · 06-01-2008, 12:15 AM

when installing op.systems the oldest should be installed first
if you install xp drivers into your vista system you will corrupt the vista installation

05-24-2008, 02:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
UncleRico Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 15 OS: Windows Vista	Wiping Operating System I have Windows Vista Home Premium. I have the total version of XP Home, and want to use that instead. I basically came to the conclusion, that I need to wipe my whole hard drive clean, and taking the OS out, or I would have to by a whole new hard drive. Are these ways possible? If so, how can I do it?

05-25-2008, 07:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rob 1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 326 OS: XP Pro	Re: Wiping Operating System If Windows is giving you a hard time about going backwards to XP, then just use KillDisk. Run a single pass of zero's to it, and you'll be all set to go with XP. fyi, KillDisk is a free utility.

05-25-2008, 08:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
sobeit TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NEAR Posts: 7,433 OS: windows/linux	Re: Wiping Operating System before you do anything, you need to make sure that there are xp drivers available for your specific system. If not, then its advisable to stick with vista. __________________ there's been global warming since the ice age

05-25-2008, 08:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 11,916 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: Wiping Operating System What are you calling the total version of XP Home sobiet is right on the mark with his comments . . be double dog sure you can find all the XP drivers for your pc before doing anything rash . . what brand/model? __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?

05-25-2008, 08:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
vladimirb Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Banja Luka, Serb Republic Posts: 3,489 OS: xp pro sp3, Server 2003, Windows 7 Professional x64bit My System	Re: Wiping Operating System Is it laptop or desktop PC??? It is way to much harder to find Windows XP drivers for newly laptops because manufacturers does not provide drivers for XP on their web sites. Also, some camera on newly laptops which are designed for Vista and you install XP will be upside-down [especially with ASUS laptops], so be careful what you are doing. __________________ MCP - MCSA Cisco SMB Account Manager

05-29-2008, 04:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
simpswr Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: May 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 11,916 OS: XP, Vista, Win 7	Re: Wiping Operating System That's not a driver error . . what is the exact error message? __________________ Rich MemTest86 \| BenchTest \| Virus/Trojan/Spyware Help How to post a Screen Shot \| PC running slow?

05-31-2008, 11:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,267 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Wiping Operating System you install the drivers after the op.system __________________

06-01-2008, 12:15 AM	#13 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,267 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: Wiping Operating System when installing op.systems the oldest should be installed first if you install xp drivers into your vista system you will corrupt the vista installation __________________