I am not a computer expert, far from it, and do not now a lot about it but I am sure this problem I am experiencing at the moment is something that raises anyones blood pressure. I am an elderly enthusiast and love to spend my spare time on the PC. But now I am seriously thinking of giving it away. This is my problem:
How to install Win Xp on new PCwith Vista OEM installed on Acer Aspire E700. When trying to install the warning came up:This program is blocked due to compability issues. Settup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the one on the CD.
Warning, if you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered.
After spending a lot of money on a new PC I am very frustrated that I cannot choose what to do with it. I do have my own Win XP CD but I will not buy another Vista Cd just to install it the new version. I hope there is some one out there who can point me in the right direction to install Win XP on an other partition without loosing Vista.
All advise is truly appreciated.
Johanna

A frustrating problem though one which can fortunately be tackled. Resident moderator William_Wilson posted this excellent tutorial which pretty much covers exactly what you are looking to do:

http://www.syschat.com/dual-boot-vis...eady-1946.html

If you have any problems or questions, feel free to ask and we'll be sure to help you on your way.

John

A note,
nearly all the vista dvds contain the installer for ALL versions of Vista, when prompted to install, choose cancel, and the vista version list should appear. You will need an activation key, but this may save you money if you are able to obtain a key through school or work, but do not wish to purchase the actual disc.

I know for sure this is true with Business and Ultimate versions

__________________

</Dream In Code>
-William. § (marvin_gohan)

Thank you for your prompt reply, unfortunately it won't work with my computer. I have no OEM Disk because the program is factory installed. I have created a new partition but when I try to install Win XP a message comes up telling me that Win XP can not be installed because it is older than the Vista program. I can only wipe out the Vista version on the drive it is installed on and load Win Xp but doing so I will losse all the Vista Program. I am wondering is there a way to save the Vista Program after WinXP is up and running.
Hope you can come up with a solution.
Many thanks
Johanna

Hi Johanna,

I have the same problem, with some variations and a lead on a possible solution.

The difference with my situation is that I recently upgraded my (factory installed) OEM Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate.

This didn't make much difference though because, when I asked Hewlett Packard how I could upgrade my OEM Vista (so that I could install XP on a partition) they directed me to "Windows Anytime Upgrade".

Thinking that I was going to get a bootable Vista Ultimate disc, I thought that this would allow me to accomplish my XP installation goal.

- Wrong! - I found out AFTER I purchased the upgrade (for $176!) that it was nothing more than a bunch of additional files that I had to download from the internet!

Yes, it did change my OS from Home Premium to Ultimate but it did not help me accomplish my goal, at all - As I had specifically requested HP to help me with.

Gee wiz, I'm elderly also and shoud have known better, and heeded my Grandfathers advice - Buyer Beware! -

This is such a nightmare. Every time I ask for help I either get questions (like Why do you want XP? > What?, Duh -because my Hardware and software doesn't work on Vista!) or vague, muddy rhetoric or excuses or someone that "Passes-the-Buck, and now Technical jargon and instructions that a layman such as I can not understand.

But enough whining, and to get on to a possible solution.
Through all of my paistaking efforts with this, I had heard that someone that wants to do this has to first install the appropriate Chipset drivers - Prior to the installation of XP, and then install the appropriate Chipset drivers - After the installation of XP.

Okay, what are they, where do I get them and exactly how do I install them?
Well, that's what I came to this forum to ask.
Why Here? Because a friend of mine said that This Forum is the Best Place on the Internet to get Good, Meanful help to solve this type of problem!

So, I'd like to ask if someone here can help.
I have searched but cannot find these drivers and/or whatever else I need.
Here are some specs;
CPU Type
DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo E6600, 2400 MHz (9 x 267)

Chipset
North Bridge
Intel Broadwater P965

Driver Download
Intel(R) Chipsets Support - Home Intel(R) Chipsets Support - Home < no help here
Driver Update DriverAgent.com Fix Your Driver Problems Instantly with Driver Agent DriverAgent.com Fix Your Driver Problems Instantly with Driver Agent < no help here

South Bridge
Intel 82801HB ICH8DH < can't find

Driver Download
Intel(R) Chipsets Support - Home Intel(R) Chipsets Support - Home < no help here
Driver Update
DriverAgent.com Fix Your Driver Problems Instantly with Driver Agent DriverAgent.com Fix Your Driver Problems Instantly with Driver Agent[/url] DriverAgent.com Fix Your Driver Problems Instantly with Driver Agent < no help here

Motherboard ID (03/30/2007):
Broadwater-P5BW-LA-00
Motherboard Name:
Asus P5BW-LA

Award BIOS Type Phoenix -
AwardBIOS v6.00PG

Is there a nightmare slayer in the house?

Hello, there is actually a way of installing xp with vista already installed, unfortunately you will need the Vista DVD to do it along with some software called 'EasyBCD'.

The only other way I can think of having both OS' on your PC would be to use a separate hard drive.

Also, haven't you got the chipset drivers on your motherboard disc? Or aren't you given that either when you buy the system?

If you decide on either of these options and you need some help then let me know.

Regards

Martin

using 2 harddrives, would be the easier of the options... it's a cheat, but a good option, in this situation. It will require some manipulation of hardware, as a warning if you are not comfortable with this.

__________________

</Dream In Code>
-William. § (marvin_gohan)

I have EasyBCD but I'm having difficulty getting a bootable Vista DVD and if I can't get one, I'll have to consider other options
This computer does have a built-in slot for another Hard Drive. So I'm considering the option that William has suggested below.
The Motherboard (as well as the OS) is an OEM and is identified as > Motherboard ID: OEM00000 PROD00000000. Therefore, I have not been able to identify it to Intel to get the proper Chipset drivers. Also, HP Help and Support are of no help because everyone there seems to just have the ability to prompt a FAQ database to solve issues. They either can't, don't know how to, or won't put me in touch with an actual Tech that knows how to resolve this. So, after many, many hours of trying to get them to help me with this, Ive decided to look and ask elsewhere.
Thank you very much for your reply and suggestions. I will keep in touch as things develop.
With appreciation,
Charles

I've got a multi hard disk setup on my system, one with Vista and one with XP. Only because of personal preference I like to keep things like that separate, to a degree.

Then all I have to do is press F11 to choose which device to boot from, if your board doesn't give you this option however, everytime you want to boot from the other drive you would have to go into bios and select the hard drive.

Good Luck!

Martin

That sounds good and I am beginning to lean more towards 2nd Hard drive option.

I do have Vista Boot Pro but since I am not that far along I don't know if this will give me a booting option as you have described.

Regardless of which way I go with this, I am still concerned about the Chipset issues.

Do you know if this will become a moot point if I install a 2nd hard drive? Or is there something else that I would need, need to do and/or know about?

Thanks again.

With appreciation,
Charles