Originally posted by: htne
I created the restore DVDs (2 of em), ran PC-Decrapifier, and then created an Acronis True Image backup on an external hard drive. Then, certain that I was able to restore, I started playing with it. Xp seems to be no go. I tried with two different XP cds, both SP3 Pro, one with Sata drivers slipstreamed. The install errors off very early, during the initial loading of drivers. "An unexpected error has occurred. If this is the first time you have seen this error....."
Now trying Win7 build 7000 32 bit.
Vista creates a non-standard partition on the drive that must be removed before attempting to install XP. You can use Partition Magic or you can try
Delpart.exe.
Partition
Delpart.exe is a genuine Microsoft tool that was included as part of the old NT 3.1 CD or Resource Kit. You'll have to put it on a bootable floppy, flash drive or CD and boot to it. Be sure you want to wipe the drive because it will do it.
The other issue is finding XP drivers for all of the hardware features in the machine. You want to be sure you have all of them before you start, or you'll be left with hardware features you can't use, such as a web cam or wireless modem, etc.
I prefer XP because the system runs faster and uses less resources than Vista, and it runs all of my software. That's why I checked to find the XP drivers and discussions about them before recommending last week's deal to my friends who also prefer XP.
If you're happy with Vista, find a deal on 2 x 2 GB SO-DIMM's to max out the RAM.