Switching back to XP.

[keyplus90]

I recently upgraded my kid's computer with Windows 7 professional. Since then computer has slowed down (I posted a question here about that too few weeks back). I am thinking that it might be better to reinstall XP back on. How can I do that? I am not sure if I have disc as it came pre installed. And then can I re use my Windows 7 on any other computer if I buy without operating system?

[scotman]

Are you sure computer has enough memory(RAM) to run Win7 properly?

[RATTER15]

You need to update PC mate, more RAM maybe?

[RATTER15]

Yes you can use your disc on another pc, you can only have it registered to one PC at a time if you only have a single PC disc, which is what you probably have.

[VHG]

>>>>Yes you can use your disc on another pc,

Not if it is the OEM version of Windows, that can only ever be used on one PC.

If that PC is thrown away then the license "dies".

[Old_Geezer]

I can understand you wanting to go back, I've been using Win7 for a while now and still think much of the different experience is change for the sake of it, and annoying at times. But XP is going to cease being supported long before Win7, so I'd encourage you to sort the Win7 problems out instead, if you can.

As for reinstallation, I'd suspect if you don't have an XP installation disk you would probably need to buy a cheap one from somewhere.

I'm unsure about the legalities of OS reuse. MS can be right so&sos over telling you what you can't do with what you have bought. Start quoting legal trickery about licensing and so forth. But morally if it is only running on 1 PC I don't see a problem. More of a case of 'suck it and see' I think. After all you can always claim you simply upgraded the original one. New case, new motherboard, new drives, new processor, new memory, new ......

Which brings us to the point, maybe your existing PC isn't up to recommended standards ? Why not consider a more powerful PC first rather than going backwards with the existing one ? Try posting your PC specs for the experts to check over.

[AB Editor]

Yep, upgrade your RAM, it'll put the computer in good stead for the future and is quite cheap: have a look at these RAM options. (The more the better!)

[ChuckFickens]

^ not fair.... when can we have the HREF tags back?


But yes, agree with above, you need 2GB+ really to run windows7 properly. (a half decent graphics card helps too if you have an aero theme)

[keyplus90]

Thanks for quick answers. I am really thinking about buying a new PC as well. But thought that I did not want to waste this either if it was working as one more pc is always better because children always seems to have the need to use it at the same time. Kid's only do homework on it and surf net. Otherwise of course I have two more power full PCs in my office that I use for my work and my office is just at the back of my garden. They are allowed to use these in emergencies but I am trying to save these ones from their hands.

This PC is packard bell, has Pentium 4, 2.93 Ghz and has 1.5GB rams. Perhaps I should install more rams then as my other PC's has 4GB (of course better processor too) and are quite fast.

[ChuckFickens]

"Not if it is the OEM version of Windows, that can only ever be used on one PC."

Hmmm, slightly strange one this...

Obviously it will work on another computer, although it would be strictly speaking against the license terms, but to keep within the license terms you'd only need to use a single piece of hardware supplied with the original computer on the new on, so, for example, if you where to use the old keyboard on the new computer you're within the terms of the license (you've simply upgraded the rest of the computer:))

In reality.. MS are not worried about this sort of thing, as long as it's only used on one computer at a time.

[keyplus90]

Perhaps as I have here people who knows about inside of computers so I should take more advantage. I am planning to buy another PC as well but can't work out which processor to go for. There are so many to chose from. So far I would only go to PC world, comet etc and grab whatever is there. Now by looking at all thoose available on the net, you are spoilt for choice. For example here are few choices.

http://www.ebuyer.com...lue-desktop-7873-1036

http://www.ebuyer.com...-desktop-pt-sdxe2-188

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...ageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...ageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...ageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[ChuckFickens]

No1.... It's OK.... Doesn't come with any OS though and has on board graphics (Even windows on it's own is happier with a half decent card these days)

N02.... Better Processor, less RAM and smaller hard drive, also only onboard graphics.

No3.... Stay clear, it's overclocked (running the CPU at a faster speed than it's meant to)... this may make it unstable and will mean there is no warranty on the CPU itself)

No4.... Best so far. has a quad core CPU (the rest are 2 core) a decent amount of RAM and hard drive and although still onboard graphics it's a better graphics chip than the Intel ones.

No5.... out of the lot this is the one I'd probably go for but I'd add a half decent graphics card to it (about £40) just to give it a little more kick.

(take note, it seems only 2 and 5 come with windows at all)

[keyplus90]

Chuck - Much, much and much appreciated. Now I will decide between number 4 and 5. Only thing I have to decide now is whether to go for number 4 (£90 cheaper) the one without windows and try installing my copy of windows 7 pro I have on the computer I put the question about or pay £90 extra and go for one which already has window 7 pro installed. And for the one I already have (in the main question) try installing XP or VISTA (as I have an unused VISTA Disc) and leave that as spare.
Do you think I am confusing myself too much. Lol?

[Old_Geezer]

Not checked your links but:

Maybe it's just me, but the number of times having my own installation disk in my hand to try to solve something means my preference would be to get the OS seperately and install it myself. Other things being equal.

[keyplus90]

Thanks Geezer - So it is better to buy without OS then you recon.

[Old_Geezer]

If you feel confident installing, then yes, that is my preference.

[keyplus90]

Knowing me, I believe I will have to put the disc in and wait and see what it does.

[ChuckFickens]

As number 5 is a computer that is installed by an individual I reckon it would come with the DVD (unlike larger brand computers which come with the ability to reinstall from the hard drive)

Personally, and if the extra £90 isn't a big problem, I'd double check number 5 definitely comes with the physical windows DVD and if it does still go for that, installing windows is easy, setting up windows properly and with all the latest drivers and updates is slightly more involved (especially when the manufacturer hasn't got a one stop location to download all the drivers from) and it takes me the best part of a whole day to do it properly (OK so most of that is just waiting for updates to install) and I've done hundreds of them.

[keyplus90]

Chuck - No £90 is not that of a problem really to be honest. I have asked the seller of number 5 if he supplies DVD and I think I will buy that. Thanks

[keyplus90]

Up date - Chuck, I don't just ask the experts I also take their advice. I received confirmation from the seller of number 5 that he would include DVD in the pack and therefore I have bought that system. Thanks for all your advice much appreciated.