dv6500t: Vista, XPSP2, and Files Partitions

I have read ruilbings guide to installing XPSP2 on a Vista-only dv6xxxt notebook ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=119155), and MDesigners guide to disabling SATA for initial installation of XP.

I would like to know:
a) is it OK for me to remove the QuickPlay partition? I don't need/want it.
b) has anyone tried installing XP on the dv6500? Any tips or difference from the dv6000t guide?
c) Should I use nVidia video drivers for the 8400M GS or HP's swsetup (Vista?)ones?
d) does anyone have any idea about the miscellaneous (audio, touchpad, etc.) drivers that XPSP2 might not have support for yet HP does not give a recovery disc for?

Thanks.

 

a) No need to worry about Quickplay since your system wont have one. HP removed the Quickplay partition when they started offering Vista. The Quickplay partition isonly present if your system shipped with XP.

c) Either would be fine Both are Nvidia provided drivers HP just pacgakes it and add support for the mobile chips. If you want to use Nvidia drivers you might have to modify the inf file to recognise the mobile graphics.

 

Oh crap. I thought I was good at computers (I have built a couple and reformat my desktop every week), but modifying INF files? You're gonna have to help me out on that one. LOL

Thx.

 

Pretty simple, you just need to copy & paste the entries for the 8400M from the HP provided drivers and add it to the nvidia inf but if you dont want to manually modify the file, just download one from laptopvideo2go( http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/drivers) and replace the nvidia inf. Make sure you match the driver version with the inf.

P.S - Modifying the inf will result in the driver losing the WHQL status so you might get a message during the install about the driver not being verified but just continue with the installation and drivers should install just fine.

 

Okay, so I take the INF from LV2Go and replace that of the nVidia package, and then install, ignoring driver certification msgs?

Thx.

 

Yes, but do remember that you are just forcing the driver to install and in some rare cases there will be problems with the driver which dont 'officially' support your GPU. Ofcourse you can still easily rollback to the stock HP driver if you experience any problems.

 

^Oh OK. The nVidia website lists the driver as having support for the mobile version, I believe.

 

Why do you reformat your computer every week? lol...That is quite unnecessary and a downright waste of time.

 

As far as I can see now, there is no option to disable SATA from the F08 bios on dv6500t, so I guess if anyone wants to put a XP on the laptop should load the drivers externally when needed with the install or modify there own install CD.

 

Install XP on DV6500T

 

^Yeah robvia, I found your guide through another forum link. It's great, and even better to know that you frequent the forums so I can ask you if I have any questions.