Driver problems! Pls help!

Hello everyone ! I recently purchased a Compaq C501NR.
Here's a link to it http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8209235&type=product&id=1165610938449

Anyways , I DJ and the reason why I bought this laptop was so that I can use some DJ mixing programs. After doing some research I found out that none of the software I use are compatible with Vista (the laptop came with vista home). Bottom line , there is no way around it.

So , I am thinking about downgrading to Windows XP. Problem is , I cant find ANY drivers whatsoever for my compaq c501nr under Windows XP. Anyone know a way around this ? I checked Hp and compaq's website and the only drivers they offer is for the included OS which is Vista. Someone please point me in the right direction! thanks!

 

when you goto the HP site, use the C300 series drivers. the C500s are Vista only, the C300s are the XP version of them.
Here is what you need to do. I am copying from a thread over at Fatwallet, where we bought the C509NR for $399 at Best Buy a few weeks ago. Here is what you need to do to get XP installed on there with no problems.
Go download all the drivers prior to installation and burn them to a CD.

1. Install Intel Intel 945GM chipset drivers v 8.1.1.1010
Link
2. Install Intel 945GM video drivers v 14.25.50
Link

3. Download page for C300 XP drivers
Link
4. Install Intel SATA AHCI Controller Driver v 5.5.0.1035 A SP32478
Link
(follow Manual installation instuctions at the bottom)
5. Install Intel Matrix Storage Manager v 5.5.0.1035 A SP32492
Link
(follow Manual installation instuctions at the bottom)
6. Install Microsoft AUU Drivers SP32646
Link
7. Install Conexant High Definition Audio Driver v 3.23.0.0 A SP33443
Link
(Automatic installation failed for me)
(follow Manual installation instructions steps I5, selecting the correct driver)
8. Install Conexant HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP v 7.33.00.51 B SP33442
Link
(Automatic installation failed for me)
(follow Manual installation instructions steps I5, selecting the correct driver)
9. Install Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver v 6.10 A SP34152
Link
10. Install Synaptics Touchpad driver v 8.3.8 M SP33751
Link
11. Install System Default Settings v 4.20 W SP33321
Link
12. Install HP Quick Launch Buttons driver v 6.10 B SP33258
Link

here is the whole thread. I am AmpParks on that site, if you have any questions about how to complete anything. Start on page 4, thats where I start my instructions.

 

Also, what DJ package are you using on the laptop? I have been using Torq and it works okay, but I am thinking about trying MixVibes or VDJ.

 

Hello ! Thanks for your help .. Is there any way you can give me the direct link for the audio drivers that I will use and also how to do it manually ? I tried most of the 300-30x series audio drivers and none of them work . Btw it's Serato Scratch Live

 

They actually do work, you need to do a manual install of them.
Just like you did for the SATA drivers.

Right click the device in Devman.
Select No, not at this time
Select from list (advanced)
then Have disk
select Sound device from list
then browse to the folder of the HD Audio drivers

I am doing this off the top of my head, but you get the gist of it.

Do the same for the modem driver.

If you still have an unknown device you need to install the Compaq Quick Keys and you will be all set.