Downgrading Vista to XP

Forum Windows XP : Configuration & Customization Downgrading Vista to XP

I have a spare laptop that was purchased with 32bit Vista, and I wish to wipe it and install XP Professional.

The issue is, when I insert the Windows XP disc, (to run from the desktop) the button where it says "install" is greyed out so I can't click on it. Any ideas as to why this is?

When I boot from CD\DVD setup attempts to start, but then I get a message stating that no hard drive has been detected, and setup must close. There is quite obviously a hard drive there, as this is the only time it has given me this message of doubt.

I would love to get to the bottom of this asap, so educated responses would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Reply to ElSuave

Check for drivers. XP probably needs a SATA driver, early when it detects stuff (before it tells you welcome to setup) you can push F8 or F6 something like that to give it drivers from a floppy. However, you likely don't have the drive. Ask for recovery discs for that.

Reply to livebriand

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Downgrading Vista to XP

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