Question about Installing XP on Dell XPS M1210

Hello,

I've just inherited my brother's M1210 with Vista Business pre-installed. I was interested in doing a clean install of Windows XP instead. I've done a search on this forum and elsewhere and I'm a little confused.

1. Can I just use an XP install disc I already have for a computer I no longer use?
2. Is there another option other than using my own copy of XP?
3. Do I need to do anything else other than install the XP drivers from the Dell website after installing XP?

I just want to confirm that I can go ahead and use my own copy of XP to do a clean install before I pull the trigger.

Thanks!
-Dennis

 

Hi there,

I've got a dell m1210. I've reinstalled OS's on it a few times with no problems.
XP and vista both picked up pretty much everything straight away.

Then just head to dell.com and download any drivers you wish to update, etc.

Regards,
Simon

 

1, yes
2, yes
3, I think you should do it before installing XP, download those drivers and copy them to a flashdrive or CD

 

I had a M1210 some time back, it ran both XP and _Vista fine.

1) If it is a retail copy then yes it will work, no problem. But if it is an OEM copy (bundled with a computer with the serial number pasted on the machine) then by law it is illegal to install it on a different computer. But it may work, depending on how much customizations are done to the OS, and the type of the disk.
2) You have the right to downgrade from_Vista Business to XP Pro , I don’t know the exact procedure, contact Microsoft or _DELL for more information.
3)No, That’s all. But as wlfng2005 pointed out, better download at least the network drivers before reinstalling.

BTW, Why do you want to downgrade to XP ? IMO _Vista business is better : more secure and stable.