Are there any PC retailers that will sell XP preinstalled?

starlit_2

I need to get a new computer for someone, but they're not the most computer literate person. They only hav a basic grasp of Windows XP's functions, so if they have to grapple with Windows Vista, they're just going to get confused.
Not to mention the extra processing power that I assume Vista requires.

I've had a look at a few sites that sell new computers, but they all have Vista preinstalled.
Does anyone know if there are any cheapish place sthat will still sell an XP machine.
I'm probably looking at a minimum of 2.2 Ghz and 1Gb of RAM with an 80GB+ hard drive.

Failing that, does anyone know how easy it would be to delete Vista and install XP as an operating system (Legitimate copy, but already installed on previous computer)

Thanks.

System

Have a look at Dell. On some of their machines they offer a choice of XP Pro or Vista. The advantage with XP Pro from Dell is that you get a proper XP SP2 disc and not a 'recovery' disc. So you can re-install from scratch without all the c**p.
I bought a laptop for my daughter about 2 months ago from them and opted for XP Pro.

custardy

depends what ones you mean.if its the like of pc wworld selling compas,packard bells etc they are boxed and ready to go
the likes of mesh who build them then they can build to spec

BillScarab

Komplett still offer XP home SP2b or XP Pro SP2b on their systems and they supply a genuine Windows disc.

https://www.komplett.co.uk

kitchen_buff

Contact Dave on [EMAIL="morethanahobby@yahoo.co.uk"]morethanahobby@yahoo.co.uk[/EMAIL].
Brill computer company excellent prices. Tell him you got his details from Russell.

BillScarab

Vista isn't that different anyway. My wife and children adapted very easily and quickly. I don't even remember them asking any questions.

starlit_2

Thanks for the answers.

The problem is that this person has very little knowledge of PCs.
They have difficulty with the concepts of right clicking and double clicking, and so changing the way that things look and happen will completely throw them.
I searched Dell's site for XP, and it says that you can choose XP as an operating system, and then takes you to a page where you can't.
I might give them a ring and see if they have any copies of XP lying around.

BritBrat

HP sell computers with XP, well they did a few weeks back.

EDIT

Just had a quick look again but it may have just been laptops.

I think I read if you have a VISTA system you can phone up Microsoft and they will give you an XP licence to replace the VISTA install.

It's no shock that Windows Vista isn't, shall we say, universally loved, and it's also unsurprising that a plethora of businesses have voiced their preference to keep on runnin' their operations on Windows XP. Presumably in response, Microsoft is "quietly allowing PC makers to offer a downgrade option to buyers that get machines with the new operating system but want to switch to Windows XP," but the program only applies to Vista Business and Ultimate editions. The likes of Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo and Dell all have processes in place to ensure that customers have the ability to downgrade if they so choose, and while some firms are still selling their PCs with XP pre-installed, debates are already swirling around how long that tactic can remain in place.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/microsoft-giving-vista-business-ultimate-users-downgrade-to

lozzer

Hi,
this firm sells them:
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/xp-laptops/page.asp
and will sell various others for an "extra" £40 to downdrade!!
I have just spent two weeks researching this and finally went with Vista.
No regrets

apart from the fact my camera and scanner will not work (not supported) in Vista.
Still pleased though!
lozzer

piggeh

I had the same problem, but you can make Vista look VERY similar to XP. I had to do this for someone and they can work it fine, despite probably being of a similar standard to what you're stating.

prestonblue

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/xp-downgrade/page.asp
Is it just me ? has the world gone mad only £40 to DOWNGRADE from Vista to XP Pro ............. what a good deal !!!!!!!!
Surf Safe PB (.)(.)