Converting new Vista machine to XP issue

**andrew30** · 04-28-2009, 10:42 AM

Hello all,
I'm converting a Vista machine which is been purchased with the new Vista on it to XP for a customer of ours because the USB-to-serial-adapter that they need doesn't work with Vista.
I also bought an OEM the full version of XP and put the CD into the machine. When the "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" screen pops up the "Install Windows XP" option is grayed out and doesn't permit me to begin the installation of the OS. If I click on the grayed out "Install Windows XP" option the PC just beeps. I consider that this would be moderately easy but I'm missing something.

Any thoughts?

**ronchi** · 04-28-2009, 10:43 AM

You will require formatting the drive. XP is detecting a newer operating system or vista doesn’t want to be down graded. Moreover the way it’s the same. I can’t keep in mind the exact procedure but if you explore the disk (I don’t have one handy) you will find the format command that you need to run. If in doubt there is a readme that will explain more on the disk on your computer.

**warner20** · 04-28-2009, 10:44 AM

Hi,
You will need to install the virtual PC 2007 before installing XP on a Vista platform. This will provide the user with 2 alternative when they startup their machines.