topic Re: Windows XP in PCs & Accessories

Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Carelino — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 13:16:44 GMT

IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS PRINT THIS so you can follow steps when your computer is installing vista.....

Many people are upset by the fact that the economical, "upgrade" version of Vista won't accept a Windows XP or Windows 2000 CD-ROM as proof of ownership. Vista Upgrade is said to install only to a hard disk that already has XP or 2000 on it.

But I've tested a method that allows you to clean-install the Vista upgrade version on any hard drive, with no prior XP or W2K installation — or even a CD — required. (Brian Livingston)

Since I know Sony and the world isn't completely ready to be using windows vista i wanted to have a dual boot untill everything on Vista is properly installed. This way I can get used to Vista and find all the nesecery software the coming weeks for Vista. Meanwhile I want to be able to use Windows XP. When the time comes I will remove windows XP and use Norton Ghost to backup my installed Vista and move it to my C drive. FOLLOW THESE STEPS CORRECTLY AND CREATE A BACKUP OF YOUR SYSTEM EN AND STUFF. I did it myself and nothing went wrong, it's just be shure. This guide has been made possible by Windowssecrets.com.

IF YOU WANT DUAL BOOT SYSTEM LIKE ME START HERE
First you have to create a a new partition with Norton PartitionMagic or some other kind of software. Make shure it is at least 18GB and a primary disk and pick any name 😧 of G: or V: doesnt matter.

START HERE TO DO A CLEAN INSTALL WITHOUT WINDOWS XP ON YOUR SYSTEM
Here's a simplified overview of the steps that are required to clean-install the upgrade version of Vista:

Step 1. Boot the PC from the Vista DVD.

Step 2. Select "Install Now," but do not enter the Product Key from the Vista packaging. Leave the input box blank. Also, turn off the option Automatically activate Windows when I'm online. In the next dialog box that appears, confirm that you really do want to install Vista without entering a Product Key.

Step 3. Correctly indicate the version of Vista that you're installing: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate.

Step 4. Select the "Custom (Advanced)" install, not the "Upgrade" install.

Step 5. Vista copies files at length and reboots itself one or more times. Wait for the install to complete. At this point, you might think that you could "activate" Vista, but you can't. That's because you haven't installed the Vista upgrade yet. To do that, run the DVD's setup.exe program again, but this time from the Vista desktop. The easiest way to start setup again is to eject and then reinsert the DVD.

Step 6. Click "Install Now." Select Do not get the latest updates for installation. (You can check for these updates later.)

Step 7. This time, do enter the Product Key from the Vista packaging. Once again, turn off the option Automatically activate Windows when I'm online.

Step 8. On this second install, make sure to select "Upgrade," not "Custom (Advanced)." You're not doing a clean install now, you're upgrading to Vista.

Step 9. Wait while Vista copies files and reboots itself. No user interaction is required. Do not boot from the DVD when asked if you'd like to do so. Instead, wait a few seconds and the setup process will continue on its way. Some DOS-like, character-mode menus will appear, but don't interact with them. After a few seconds, the correct choice will run for you automatically.

Step 10. After you click a button labeled Start in the Thank You dialog box, Vista's login screen will eventually appear. Enter the username and password that you selected during the first install. You're done upgrading to Vista.

Step 11. Within 30 days, you must "activate" your copy of Vista or it'll lose functionality. To activate Vista, click Show more details in the Welcome Center that automatically displays upon each boot-up, then click Activate Windows now. If you've dismissed the Welcome Center, access the correct dialog box by clicking Start, Control Panel, System & Maintenance, System. If you purchased a legitimate copy of Vista, it should quickly activate over the Internet. (You can instead activate by calling Microsoft on the phone, which avoids your PC exchanging information with Microsoft's server.)

NICE IF PEOPLE WOULD REACT IF IT WORKED OR NOT SO PEOPLE KNOW THEY CAN TRUST THIS>>>>

It worked perfectly with me!

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Sebby — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 21:49:17 GMT

This is very useful information, especially for people (like myself) who own XP and so don't want to shell out for the full version of Vista.

I was under the impression that with a Vista upgrade DVD you could only perform an upgrade of an existing installation. However, contrary to that, I've read that if you have XP installed and launch the Vista setup from there, you can still perform a clean install of Vista. I think this is the method I'll go with, especially as I have XP installed at the moment anyway.

I'll post back once I receive Vista and hopefully be able to back this claim up.

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Carelino — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 07:42:22 GMT

Nice to read. I'm working now for a couple of weeks with the dual boot system. Most of the time i'm using XP. Vista problems like no software or when I close lid I keep getting black screen when I open it again. Lot's of problems with Vista. But it is nice to play around with it a little bit to get used to it.

Only downside of this dual boot that you are using harddisk space for 2 systems. But since I have 160 GB I have no problem with it.

Well good luck people. It works perfectly with me.

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Sebby — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 19:59:22 GMT

when I close lid I keep getting black screen when I open it again.

There's a BIOS update to resolve this.

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Carelino — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 18:20:20 GMT

Already Installed the BIOS update for FE31M still have the same problem. Believe me I'm not the only one.

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Blencogo — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 18:31:06 GMT

Already Installed the BIOS update for FE31M still have the same problem. Believe me I'm not the only one.

Hi Carelino,

Have you tried the Vista BIOS Upgrade for the FE41Z which fixes this problem.

Use BIOS Update R0200J3 Download

It works for some people (if not for everyone).

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Carelino — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:16:38 GMT

Hi,

Thx for the tip, but no i did not. I heard that if I would update to that BIOS I would get problems with my XP wich I wish to keep. Strange for me to use a BIOS update of FE41 to fix the problem.

Thx for the tip, but I still want to be able to use xp AND vista.

Maybe there is somebody in this forum who have a fe31m and using the BIOS wich you discribed above to me. Ofcourse he/she needs to have a dual boot like me to test it. I certainly dont want any problems with it.

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

dazwan — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 19:05:26 GMT

i dont get it, people post about UPGRADING to vista, so what about downgrading and keeping vista and XP?

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Thalamus. — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 19:10:23 GMT

i dont get it, people post about UPGRADING to vista, so what about downgrading and keeping vista and XP?

Hi dazwan

Blencogo has replied to your earlier post here

Re: Windows XP

soewana — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:57:46 GMT

Hi..

Can I install XP on my VGN-FE41S ?
And Does all my function are work or not?
such as bluetooth, W-LAN, camera , Mic , e.c.t...
Please , anyone know about this let me know.
Thanks for reply me sort this out.
Cos, I want desperate to get XP, i dont want vista.

regards

SOE

Re: Windows XP

Thalamus. — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:56:51 GMT

Hi SOE

Have a look at Blencogo's reply in a similar post here

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

Unknown460 — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:28:28 GMT

Hiya, I followed your guide for Dual Boot as that's what i wanted in the first place, not a problem through the whole install.

Thankyou very much for the guide! very useful :smileygrin:

Re: Windows XP

robert.pirker — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:04:34 GMT

Hi, I am new in this forum and hoping for help. A month ago I bought a brand new VAIO notebook VGN G11XN/B, it has VISTA on by default, which makes problems with my old hard and software. After a month of bothering (downloading drivers, trying several live-chat programs, even format c:, etc....) I am upset enough to kick out VISTA entirely. But it seems even after format c: VISTA is still somewhere present on the HD because it is not possible to install my old Windows XP. Can anybody pls. help me with this? All I want is getting rid of VISTA entirely and install Windows XP on my VAIO. Sony e-support is not helpful, I placed a case but got no answer so far...

Re: Guide how to CLEAN Instal Vista Express Ugrade WITHOUT overwriting Windows XP or having XP installed

dewouhihi — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:48:37 GMT

I did the clean install.

Guide works PERFECT :smileygrin:

Thanks dude