Converting Windows 7 to Win Xp

irishbird01

Hi,
Hope you can help. I have a new laptop with windows 7 professional. I've discovered that alot of my old software (plc and scada in particular) won't work on it. I have a virtual pc from vm ware copied from someone else but it won't recognise my usb drives so I've tried to install a virtual pc/xp mode from microsofts website but when i get to the last upgrades it crashes the computer with a blue screen. Can i just uninstall win 7 without damaging my other software and install xp? Is there something i'm missing or doing wrong? Please help!
Thanks.

Adam

welcome to boards!

downgrading from windows 7 to xp would generally require a reformat. you could just install xp on the same drive but your software will need to be reinstalled regardless. your best option is just to back up your personal files and format/install xp. copy our files to an external hard drive or burn them to dvds and downgrade to xp

irishbird01

Hi Adam,
Thanks for a quick reply! I thought this might be case but i thought i might get away with doing that by installing a virtual machine but nothing seems to work!! Anway i guess it's the only option really.
Thanks again for your help!

RolandIRL

you could dual-boot your machine, and have two OS's running on it. i've windows 7 pro as well, but i'm thinking of dual-booting XP to play games on it.
that way you keep your files and win7, and all you have to do is install XP on a partition of your hard drive.

massy086

thats what i have done on my pc

irishbird01

I'm trying that at the moment but i can't seem to get a free partitioning tool for windows 7 64bit. Easus and partiton wizard won't let me install. anyone know of one?:(

RolandIRL

do you have admin rights?

you can partition drives without any software in windows 7. i'm not sure on the specifics though. somehting to do in "Disk Management" and shrinking volumes. maybe someone else can help

mp22

start-search (disk management)-create and partition hd, when it loads your partitions that are present right click on the one you want and select shrink.
The partition that is under 200 MB should not be touched.
here you go http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/8790/dual-boot-your-pre-installed-windows-7-computer-with-xp/

corkcomp

either dual boot, use ms virtual pc and have xp vm, no reason this wouldnt work or try running programs in xp compatibility mode.. 3rd option would be best start ..

willhouse

I'm setting up a dual boot of xp on my win7. I'm booting from the XP disc, but everything is acting funny. I dual booted before, but aint sure if I'm doing it right? The boot disc just keeps rebooting the computer?