I need a new low-end laptop and to play it safe I want an HP. Unfortunately they all come with vista. Vista on a low-end machine is not a good option (hardware too slow) and because of software incompatibility it would be a nightmare.\
Linux is not an option because I like office and I like dreamweaver (to name just a few).

So the question: is it possible to get the HP laptop and erase the whole drive and re-install my original windows XP (which is a full version but I bought it before SP2 came out).
Thanks for the help.

Hi there jeffjenn1234,
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Yep, you should have no problem formatting the drive and installing XP in the usual way. Just make sure you have all of the drivers you may need along with SP2 and antivirus, anti-spyware and [if you do not have a hardware-based one] firewall software that you should install before connecting to the 'net with it.

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Well, I will not have any drivers that are not on that original windows XP disk, but couldn't I just go to the MS site and get SP2 after I install it? Also, I would just reinstall the other programs (like dreamweaver) and I could update any drivers I need on the web right?
Are there drivers on that Vista HP I would NOT be able to get after replacing it with my XP disk?

Yes, you could download SP2 after you install it, but I suggest downloading it while installing it and installing SP2, but it's better to have these handy. Also, I suggest having at least the drivers for your network interface [Ethernet or wireless, whatever you are using] and your antivirus software before going online to download the rest of the drivers.
If you could provide me with the laptop model, I can see if there are any drivers you won't be able to get for XP [but doubt this]

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Ash
CF Founder
Great Webhosting. Shared starting at $2 per month. VPSes starting at $6 per month.
www.Centicero.com
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