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26690

Dont eliminate XP just yet

26690 points posted to Operating Systems by javaprog07 02/17/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

Ok, well I know I may be chastised for bringing this up, but vista is still a young operating system with its own problems etc... I would like to see both Home and Business computers, especially notebooks have an XP Home and Pro option on top of Vista until it has at least been out for a year. For those seasoned users like me who just feel that you need to let a new OS mature before jumping right in. I am planning on buying a new notebook, and I would like to insure I wont have to format it on arrival just to have XP.
Check out the Idea in Action to find out more about Dell offering XP.




bobetsue
02/17/07
Thank you. You raised a good point. None of my favorite software is Vista compatible. Not even WordPerfect 12 is or will ever be Vista compatible. Not even Norton Anti-Virus [el al] is Vista compatible [You can't get the online Norton patch or Vista until Norton is installed; but you can't install Norton because it is not Vista compatible!]

I might have to buy used XP computers for years.
ai42
02/18/07
I doubt Dell has much choice in the matter. Microsoft has lots of rules for big OEMs and I believe by 2Q 2007 all major OEMs are supposed to offer Vista on all new machines going forward.
wisconsinbelmonts
02/18/07
We absolutely agree. We were interested in purchasing a new computer from Dell but were shocked by the lack of choice in the OS when Vista is so new. We have Windows XP Home Media Center on another computer in the household and just wanted to upgrade an older machine to that level. We are not interested in moving to Windows Vista at this time. If Dell cannot give us a choice, we will have to look at purchasing elsewhere or finding used models. There should be some choice at least for the first year that Vista is available so that consumers and other software vendors have some time to adjust.
chibacat
02/19/07
I think you raise a valid point. Many home users are comfortable with XP and have no desire to try and learn all about Vista right now. I agree that it's too new yet and the inevitable problems/patches that will occur, as with any new OS ,will be disquieting to many home users that are not software geeks.
weathersb
02/19/07
I will not buy a Vista pc.
james_paige
02/19/07
Yes. Much too early to drop XP. If it was up to me, I would wait until Microsoft stops offering security patches for it.
aridog
02/19/07
javaprog07...& others.....you want a Dell Laptop with Windows Xp Pro, choose the Latitude series or the Precsion M65 or M90 series latptops....they are still offered with XP. We just acquired a 390 Precision Desktop and Latitude D620 Laptop, both with XP Pro, to replace a D600 and 8100. The trick is to shop in the "business" sections of the Dell site.

That said, I definitely think Dell should continue to offer XP to those who want it. Before I took a buyout I worked for the Army and way back when XP was new, I had to have Win2KPro for teleworking....fortunately Dell still offered it then, as an option in the business section, to the then new XP. I would hope they will continue that policy now.
robinr
02/19/07
I have a team of developers and still have to purchase new laptops for that purpose. I've been through all the Vista Betas and the RTM and Vista just isn't ready for prime time when it comes to software development. Especially, with VS2005 & IIS7 and SQLServer 2005. Sorry that's just the facts. We'll reexamine Vista at SP1 to see if it's any better. But until then it's XP Pro only.
iamshinek
02/19/07
see http://onlinekeyboard.info/
tommythetoe
02/19/07
I am thinking about buying a macbook pro instead of the inspiron 6400 because of vista and DRM.
Pcconnection has a 150 dollar rebate with no shipping and no tax to Ca.
They also have a rebate on parrells that makes it free.
Still more expensive then a 6400 but with an ati 1600.
kmkenney
02/19/07
I absolutely agree with this, I think Dell should still allow customers to choose between Windows Vista or Windows XP as there are still several compatibility issues (drivers and applications) with Windows Vista.
brh48
02/20/07
I bought a new Dimension E521 about a month ago. I was totally disgusted that I didn't have a CHOICE of XP or Vista, and was stuck with Vista because they weren't offering XP any longer. Of course I had to immediately spend another $70 for a new modem, since my old one wouldn't work with Vista, but would have with XP.
rbgaynor
02/20/07
This is a must. I need to purchase a PC for a non-technical family member and will not purchase a Vista PC as supporting her, with all the re-arranging of options and configuration data that Vista does, would be a nightmare. I could of sworn when XP came out we had a long period where we could still order Windows 2000 as an alternate.
hkeeter
02/20/07
I agree with this whole heartedly. I want to get a 17" laptop for less than $2000, but now have to go with Vista because the only model available is the 9400. Thai is not good for a small business. I don't want the highend machines they are too expensive.
keylime
02/20/07
On my recommendation the company where I work will not move to Vista and I am recommending against it to my friends or family. The justification is explained in the article "A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection" by Peter Gutmann. I am recommending OS X instead which has resulted in the purchase of one 17" MacBook Pro already.

Up until Vista the company and my family/friends have all been Windows users.
larry
02/20/07
It's simple, WiindowsXP works. Vista might work, later.
clyde
02/21/07
I'm a Dell user at work and actually manage a Dell EPP program for our companies retail dealers and employees. Many of our EPP participants are balking at ordering new Dell products w/ Vista. They have heard too many negative comments and are concerned about hardware and software compatibility issues. We need a continuation of XP for a minimum of 1 year. I also am ready to replace a 3 year old Sony Vaio home desktop with a new Dell product, but am hesitant over the Vista issues. Is there another alternative?
ambparrish
02/21/07
I just bought a PC for my sister-in-law this past weekend and was SHOCKED to see Vista as the only OS. Dell really needs to pull their marketing heads out of the sand and see that the majority of PC users don't want Vista as it is unproven, unstable, and SLOWER. BRING BACK XP!!!
sgguy
02/21/07
Yes, please continue to ship MS Windows XP for consumers' PC for another two to three years.
Vista is not ready yet. Little driver support and lots of software/games does not run well if at all on Vista.
daveski
02/21/07
Dell offers very good value for money with the OEM software such as the OS (Windows) and Office. However, I know that many small or medium sized businesses would be happy pay slightly more to have the older versions. I have been told that Dell (in the UK) will probably only offer XP and Office 2003 for another 2 or 3 months. A small business who purchases their software with their machines probably cannot afford to upgrade existing licenses and so ends up supporting both the old and the new versions - obviously this also increases their costs.
gx7777
02/22/07
All of Microsoft's recent OSs have been Beta-ware until at least SP1 was issued!

Windows 98 di little more than Windows 95 until Windows 98 SP2 was shipped, and you had to pay for the upgrade!
Windows 2000 shipped without compatibility-mode
Windows XP was unstable with few drivers until SP1. Security (or lack therof) was same as Win2k until SP2.
Windows Vista has few drivers. Few are backward compatible. Many promised components will not ship until SP1. Mutimedia bugs abound!

Did it take you all this long to figure this out?!!!
pj
02/22/07
MS Vista eat the power of your laptop. Eat the CPU, eat the battery. Laptop != desktop
beefman
02/23/07
I don't think Dell has the option to offer XP although I sincerely wish they would. Witness the sudden disappearance of Blu-Ray from the XPS M1710. Why? 'Cause it's not compatible with Vista at present! I went looking for a machine with a BD drive, couldn't find one. I FINALLY got one to configure on our Premier site... and the system wouldn't let me order due to Vista incompatibility. NO option to order the machine with XP so I gave up... and found the BD drive on Ebay. Ebayer is now +$699, my older XPS Gen 2 now has a BD drive in it and Dell didn't sell a system. No, I DO NOT think they yanked XP by choice.
phubert
02/23/07
Yes, the difficulty for vendors in any question of offering back-rev OSes resides in the agreements with the PROVIDERS of said OSes! The same might be true for Red Hat Linux, for example.

Nice thought, but indeed something Dell may have NO control over.

Better alternative: Linux with CrossOver Office!!!
keter
02/23/07
I never migrate to a new MS OS until it's been out at least a year and has at least one service pack out! I bought 2 laptops before I was ready for them because I didn't want to risk being forced to jump to Vista -- and risk losing the use of some of the software I rely on, or worry about unknown issues. I just don't have time to deal with new OS issues.
blvdking
02/24/07
Eliminate XP. I would be very disappointed to configure a PC or laptop only to find out that Vista is not an option. I think a better idea would be to make sure all computers are Vista Capable.

bhennon
02/26/07
My guess is that Dell has no control over this. If MS wants Dell to provide Vista, then Dell must include Vista.

vb4pgmr
02/26/07
Although Dell probably cannot change this, I would certainly like to see it changed. I'm planning to buy a laptop in a few months but don't want to spend the money to upgrade the hardware such that Vista will run as quick as XP. It'll come down to who offers XP or who offers a sale good enough that Vista hardware upgrades don't break the bank.

I should mention that I'd like XP as an option for all computers, not just the Business ones.
nccastle
02/26/07
I think it would be great to hang on to xp because a lot of people aren't ready for the upgrade to the shiny new vista os
kobygao
02/26/07
Yes.Many sofeware only run at XP.
bmchan
02/26/07
Guys, buy with Vista Ultimate or Business and use the downgrade rights to use XP Pro... they can send you the XP SP2 OEM Disk for free. If you get your computer with the one of the two verisions that have downgrade rights you can legally get Vista now, reinstall using XP and upgrade to Vista later. I think it's a win-win.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/2/3/d23b9533-169d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe1...
henrieb
02/26/07
I am looking to buy a laptop, but Vista will not be on it. I am in support so I need the operation system of my clients. Corporations are not switch for many reasons.
gimiguel
02/27/07
Our company produces a product that relies on certain system configurations including the operation system. Nothing very extraordinary, just a certain combination of OS, CPU speed, disk speed and video requirements. This Vista only approach has broken what has been working. As a small company we do not have the resources to update our product to the latest new product as soon as it is released. The transition has to be smoother and over a longer period of time. Likewise, our clients already have a significant installed base of technology that they are not looking to migrate to Vista or to bring in a system that is odd ball from the established base.

Sadly, Dell's decision (forced or not) is forcing us to stop recommending and using Dell products with our product and clients. We have to support our customers and that now can mean referring them to other system providers that still offer XP.
littleprince
02/28/07
Agree. Dell should conitnue offer Windows XP on Inspiron and Dimension.
dknight526
02/28/07
One option, though maybe not to everyone and especially companies looking to purchase a quantity of systems, is to look at the Dell Outlet store. I've purchased decent desktops there, and know of at least one company who has purchased laptops. Service and support was good too. It gives you the option of looking for a system with a specific OS. Just my two cents.
rbgaynor
03/06/07
bmchan - I would hardly call the "Vista Ultimate or Business downgrade rights" a win-win, they are an expensive premium over the base Vista just to be able to run XP. Not to mention many who want to order XP will do so for a family member who will not be able to perform the so-called downgrade on their own.

For example my Mom needs a new PC, she's 2,500 miles from where I live. Whatever gets shipped to her is what she'll use. I'd love to be able to go online, order a modestly priced Dimension WITH XP, and be able to talk her through setup over the phone. After the fact, expensive re-installations are a non-starter.
coopersecurity
03/10/07
Dell should contnue to develop drivers and BIOS updates for ALL of their computers. This is a huge problem for older Dell computers, because they are so well made, they are around alot longer then originally expected.

I hate Vista, but love XP, mainly because Vista sucks. As an IT administrator, Vista isnt exactly the best operating system for domain use, since the whole classic login feature doesnt exist any longer, plus the security features are just annoying.
I look at the new hardware required to run Vista as a good thing, since now XP will run even better.
cantormath
03/13/07
no one said elimate XP. Just accept linux.
sully
03/16/07
Its an absolute disgrace to see XP just gone, without any explanation. Vista is only out a month and you just take Microsoft's word for it, and use it as the only Operating System to run Dell Systems on? I wanted to purchase a new PC, but refused to do so from Dell if its Vista only. I did contact support, but my email went ignored.

A lot of the IT people out there are posting on blogs, or writing reports for big IT companys advising them not to switch just yet. Besides the price, the different types of packages are as confusing as running the system itself. Vista is a whole new era of Operating Systems, and its just awful to see your not allowed have XP anymore on a Dell PC.

Come on Dell, get a grip here. Its WAY to early to kick XP of systems and go with what Microsoft say.
gordongraham
03/21/07
I agree. I am shopping for a new laptop and will probably not buy a Dell unless I can find a used one running XP. I have a small business and I want all my machines to run the same OS. I have no use for Vista at this time. Push back against Microsoft, why don't you! Vista is still experimental.
areteas
03/26/07
Boycott Vista.
reg
03/28/07
YOU MAY WANT THIS RIGHT HERE:



Windows XP Pro SP2 - OEM

glent
04/09/07
Here's an idea: if Microsoft has forced a restriction on the distribution of XP machines, offer the option of no pre-installed operating system (along with the corresponding reduction in cost). That way, at least we can have a choice of obtaining XP ourselves, and we are not forced to pay MS twice (once for Vista, once for XP). If THIS contravenes MS's distribution rules, then it should be looked at under existing anti-competition laws.
chiefmanyrabbitguteat
04/11/07
If Dell offered a wide choice of OSs, XP, Vista(Which I had, hated, ditched), Ubuntu, SuSE, etc., they would win me over probably for good.
premcv
04/19/07
Offer me a choice of OS flavours. Windows XP Home, XP Professional, Vista (all the flavours) and I should be able to choose the one I need. Though, I would definitely settle for Ubunto, Suse or any of the Linux flavours, any day! :)
fld
04/19/07
I am now looking for a notebook but unfortunately they all have a version of Vista preloaded.

Only Dell is offering the options to the buyers: whether to go with Win XP Pro or Vista, which is good.

None of the computer professionals are using Vista and have not yet planned to in the near future.

So, I have already had 3 Dell notebooks, and am guessing that the next one will still be a Dell provided that they still offer Win XP Pro as an option.
greenbox
04/19/07
I highly approve of offering Windows XP as an option on the entire line. In fact I'll go one step further down "Memory Lane" and suggest that Windows 2000 Pro be offered. I run XP Pro on my 2 year old Inspiron 700m and 2000 Pro on my 6 year old IBM NetVista A60 and I still think 2000 Pro is the best operating system Microsoft ever came up with. 2000 Pro allows much more customization and the help utility doesn't make one guess what category one's question might fall into. Also, I hate that dog cartoon that pops up with the search utility.
leo
04/20/07
Vista make us crazy!
gaustralia
04/20/07
Small Business.

We have a large Toshiba 210c printer/copier. Toshiba now says that they will have VISTA ready driver by July/August. While the company is relatively large and well known printer/copier company, it appears no one told them VISTA was coming and they are taking their time to be compatible - I view it as a violation of our service agreement. It means if we or one of our customers who print to the Toshiba get VISTA, that means they will have to wait a few months before they can print - unacceptable!

Our SMS computer software provider are SAYING June for Vista compatibility. In this there could be delays and we would not want to be the first VISTA company to use their software.

Point to Dell, you have to keep offering XP with VISTA upgrade, because there are a lot of software/hardware providers who need lots of time to catch up.

I called Dell business the other day and they said for an extra small sum of money that they would ship with XP with option to upgrade later to VISTA. Very good. However, there seemed to be some hesitation when I said I wanted Office 2007 but with XP. Also, I don't want any end date on the upgrade to VISTA option.
gene1138
04/20/07
I applaud Dell for doing this and they should be doing this for all their machines. I like Vista but I switched back to XP on my 1505 because the video driver performance while gaming was just pitiful. Driver support has been just atrocious from a graphics card perspective. And I really don’t blame MS. I blame the vendors. They seem to have been caught completely flat footed and there’s no excuse for it. They’ve known Vista was coming for years.
reg
04/20/07
Look at the Endless VISTA - of games you can't play anymore!!!
rclerdahl
04/20/07
I have just purchased a DELL Inspiron 1501 laptop for home use. It has 1G RAM and is pre-loaded with VISTA. It is horribly slow and I have talked with a DELL tech to see if it could be configured differently to speed it up; he said it needs at LEAST 2G RAM and that may not be enough due to the way VISTA uses so many system resources. I prefer XP PRO and will contact DELL to see if I can move BACK to XP!
vineets001
04/20/07
I bought a laptop with Vista. Amount of time I spent I spent in figuring out the problems and getting frustrated is not worth it. I have stopped using that laptop. For example, even Outlook doesn't work right. Messages and attachments disappear mysteriously. Dell should offer XP to the customers who have been forced to buy Vista.
polarbear1876
04/20/07
I tried Vista out, and found it somewhat sloppy and annoying. Based on Microsoft's current Vista release, I'd take XP anyday.
reg
04/20/07
Back to the Refund Idea:

EASY Vista/Works Refund for Dell Customers.
premcv
04/20/07
reg, your comment about a paper weight is more or less true w.r.t. vista. I've come across multiple issues with printers and Vista. Especially some of the older ones, like a year or two.
ardentfreaker
04/20/07
My friend who bought a notebook recently had to upgrade Vista from Home to Ultimate whatever edition for I believe a whopping $150 just to make some COM component working in Visual Studio. He later figured out that something else was missing in Ultimate or rather it had no support to some feature of .NET 2003 and bought an XP disc. Net loss of $300 .. all for XP.

Seriously, Vista promotes a complete change of usage of the PC and which is not quite suitable to many professionals out there. So, I believe you should still have XP as an option for OS. Linux would be ideal.
reg
04/20/07
sigh.
ardentfreaker
04/20/07
Forgot to mention, if you get XP back, you will get customers of HP, Toshiba, Acer and others for free.
premcv
04/20/07
MyCrowSoft was thinking, where we want to go today? I just told MyCrowSoft, I'm going to My Friend not just today, but forever.
chrisp8
04/20/07
How stupid to force people to buy a brand new OS without it al least being in the mainstream for 6 months. Gee, problems with Vista? Wow what a surprise! I've been arguing to bring back XP and keep it for at least 1 more year.
premcv
04/20/07
And Windows XP will be there for much longer than a year.
masterofhisdomain
04/20/07
Vista will be just like Windows ME, it will be gone as soon as the new version is out.

There is no reason not to have XP be an option on every single PC.
premcv
04/20/07
yes, i've used windows 98 even when ME was available. Simply because it wasn't worth the upgrade.
sparkyguy
04/20/07
My XPS 410 arrived yesterday, my umpteenth and probably my last Dell desktop. I resent being *forced* into a computer with Vista installed. Before placing the order, I fussed and fumed with Customer Service and Sales -- to no avail. So now I'm stuck and will make do, but I want Dell to know that this long-time customer (in addition to the desktops, I've purchased an Axim, several monitors, a laptop) is very unhappy, will be better prepared the next time it's time to buy a new computer, and doubts strongly that it'll be a Dell. Shame on Dell for caring so little about its customers!
premcv
04/20/07
Dell's Loss, will be someone elses gain!
drkoontz
04/20/07
I agree ........
I have just bought a new high end dell system ,I choose XP pro over vista for my OS.
If I was only offered Vista I would not have bought my system through dell.
I have used Vista and not liked it at all.
Windows XP Pro is shown to be stable and very capable of doing what windows users what .
firefox_and_xp_rule
04/20/07
xp works. vista ... hmmm ... can someone say bloated ... hmmm
ghost13
04/20/07
I expect to be in the market for another workstation by the end of this year hopefully. I don't need any of Vista's over bloated graphics n other eye candy competeing for resources with my programs. I figure I'll need one of the quad core workstations to take over as primary for my current Dell Duo, if I can't get the computer with XP then I will find someone who can or find another OS. I've lived thru several buggy new OS's and need a basic stable enviorment on a system that is compatable with my current programs.
premcv
04/20/07
Dell will continue to ship XP for the Desktops and the Laptops, but I'm not so sure about the Workstations. Will have to wait and see for any updates.
pgeneste
04/20/07
All I can say is Vista is BLOAT WARE ! ! What ever happen to tight code, Microsoft has gotten lazy with all the power now available, just for fun try and load a windows 98SE and see how fast things get then use XP with clean up done with "XPlite" then see the real performance of XP come alive! I will continue to use Linux and XP NOT Vista, they should make it boot on minimal drivers then add / start as required by programs are started. BTW Vista is one of the BEST reasons to look at a Mac or moving to Linux period.
ncompass
04/20/07
Lose it... get with it people, XP is history and Vista should be promoted in ever way possible.
premcv
04/20/07
Vista has problems. Ubuntu for me.
sparkyguy
04/20/07
Just now I learned that iTunes doesn't work properly with Vista; there goes my iPod:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4433275�

It also turns out that my printer and scanner are obsolete, as is my modem. And I've only just begun the conversion, I bet more surprises are to come.

If Dell wants to make things right, they should offer us XP and VMWare software, along with instructions on how to set up an XP virutal machine on our Vista boxes.

XP may be history, but right Now, XP works and Vista doesn't.
premcv
04/20/07
iTunes is incompatible. Until Apple comes out with an update for the driver for Vista. Will they, is a good question. My reason enough to go to Ubuntu.
soros
04/20/07
I have just purchased a DELL Inspiron 1501 laptop with dual-core, 2G RAM, 256 MB vidio card, 5.4K hard-drive and pre-loaded with VISTA Business. It's very, very slow. This was supposed to be my new development laptop but I find my 3 years old Toshiba M30 laptop with XP Pro, 1.5G RAM, 7.2K hard-drive, 32MB vidio card and single intel CPU a little more responsive.
premcv
04/20/07
Crash the HDD and rebuild with Ubuntu with Beryl! IMHO, you would like it!
jonnylotto
04/20/07
A good friend recently bought an XPS410 (with the XPS premium price) because he was impressed with my XPS 600. He upgraded for two reasons: MS Flight Simulator X and to run CAM software for his work. Unfortunately the CAM software will not work in Vista no matter how I tweak it and he doesn't want to buy a retail copy of XP for his brand new computer. You've made XP available for some of the Inspiron and Dimension line; it should be available across the XPS line because the XPS are offered as Dell Premium systems. As it is my friend is ready to eBay his Dell and go with any other retailer that will let him have XP pre-installed.
premcv
04/20/07
It is always important to have a look at the software applications that you would plan to use on Vista before you actually go for Vista, lest you are left surprised. There are quite a few s/w apps that are still not compatible with Vista. SEE what I mean!
spoonman
04/21/07
i´d also suggest this, because vista will maybe be stable with servicepack1 but surely not yet...

@ bobetsue
sorry man, but who uses seriously norton antivirus? that u can get the update only if NAV is installed, but you can not install without the update tells realy everything about the competence of this lousy company....
marius1930
04/21/07
Talked to support, would not deliver it with XP or without an OS.

Bought an ASUS instead.
xiphi
04/21/07
I refuse to ever go back to XP. I've found vista to be stable, much easier to use, and all my programs installed and work with no problems. Not to mention, Vista runs better than XP ever will. I've bought an Inspiron 1505 with 2gig RAM and it runs GREAT. Anyone who says Vista runs like a dog is just spewing FUD.
nmariani
04/21/07
After trying Vista, there is *no way* in hell that I would upgrade to it. The copy that I was testing on two of my machines here in the office were *very* slow after loading Vista, and one of these were rendered literally "useless", even after disabling the Aero interface to help speed things up. I ended up reimaging both boxes and reloading XP Pro which works very smooth as before.

I am considering buying an XPS Notebook from Dell, but I want it with XP Pro, NOT Vista! If I can't have Vista, then I will just buy a used one on eBay that has XP, or I have to re-image the new machine on arrival from Dell. It might just be cheaper to buy a used notebook anyway. The XPS notebooks rock, BTW!

Also, Vista contains all the DRM crap, TONS of security alerts, etc, etc... These are more reasons to avoid it at all costs! Dell, LISTEN to your customers and offer XP and let Microsoft know your customers want CHOICE and not to be railroaded into a new OS which is unproven and not liked by your valued customers. Thanks!
daveski
04/21/07
Good news that Dell are offering XP again in the US, but what about the European and other world markets?
glen1
04/22/07
Please make that offer in Canada.
eddiegi686
04/22/07
Yes europe should have this offer too.... XP is a very popular operating system, i would even go so far as to say it's microsoft's most popular home operating system... although i know people who prefer a lot of things from 98.. but the lack of reasons to upgrade to vista and the amount of broken software and hardware makes it a bad choice for an OS ATM... maybe in 10 or 12 years when everyone has powerful enough hardware to run the supposed features that will innevitably slow things down overall.... i would certainly be more comfortable buying a PC with XP than vista... xp should really be an option on all less-powerful machines.
mirk
04/23/07
I think buying XP today is a very stupid thing, because XP is an obsolete OS born in 2001.
Windows Vista is the best OS.
I bought Windows Vista and I'm very happy with it, everything works fine.
wattron
04/23/07
Thanks a million for providing the XP option! I'm delighted. Vista will not run many of my favorite software programs which run just fine in XP.

Here's something else that folks often don't know about Vista. For some reason, Microsoft won't include a key file which is necessary to run the help system for hundreds of software programs. So your favorite program may run, but you may find that you are unable to access its help system.

The help system in these programs worked fine in every operating system since Window 98. What do users have to do to get the help system to work? Microsoft requires you to download a special file from their website. One more bit of inconvenience added to dozens of others. Fortunately, if you use Windows XP, you don't have to worry about it. Your programs work -- and their help systems too.

Thanks again from bring XP back!
premcv
04/23/07
Vista still needs quite a bit of a time to get most of the software applications compatible with it. in its present stage, there could be quite a bit of disappointments. But sooner, hopefully not later, most of the support should start coming through. But that's just me, thinking it will happen soon. Whether it does, and when it does, is a different question altogether.
lord_kiron
04/23/07
Yes our company release medical software sold with Dell systems that is not Vista compatible , we really need Dell to continuee shipping computers with XP Pro.
May be it's not much but we do sell 300-400 Dell PCs in a year
premcv
04/24/07
XP will be continued well into mid-2008!
huper
04/24/07
While I applaud Dell's desire to keep their future customers happy this decision does nothing for all of the people who are stuck with Windows Vista. When I purchased my Dell Computer w months ago directly from Dell, after my 3 year old HP Computer crashed, they did not offer XP as an option. This Dimension E520 has a 2.8Ghz Duo Dual Core processor, 2GB of RAM, 800FSB, 256MB of RAM on the video card & 2 250GB SATA Hard Drives. I have never seen such poor performance from an operating system as with Windows Vista (except maybe BOB or Windows ME), & I started with DOS 1.0 & have used & supported every OS client & server software that Microsoft has offered. Nothing can excuse this bloated OS & Microsoft's desire to render most of the existing software which currently runs on XP obsolete. Unconscionable!

Dell still will offer upgrades from XP to Vista for those customers who are within a certain buying period. How about offer a free downgrade for people like me who do not want to provide free bug uploads to Microsoft for their still beta software. I called Dell & got the run around telling me I could buy a new copy of XP. They are selling this Dimension E520 with software that does not allow me to run 90% of my existing programs & generates blue screens & account management is really bad. Sure I can turn it off but not allowing me to delete a directory which I just created. Terrible! I predict the decision to stop selling XP will come back to haunt Microsoft. Consider me a potentially disgruntled former Windows Vista user & MCSE since 1996!

I am going to continue to complain as I have made my 5th unsuccessful technical support call about this problem. I will happily surrender my Windows Vista disk. If I don't get a free downgrade of XP from Dell I am switching to Umbutu, Lindows, Xandros or one of the other UNIX flavors available either as a bundle or in open source.
reg
04/25/07
huper - promote the EASY Online Refund Form for MS Vista and Works .

Then contact dell customer service and respectfully request a refund, or return the whole unit.

Windows Vista = Product Defect ! It just doesn't work for you...
Too many people have thousands of dollars invested in Windows XP software and hardware,
and they don't feel up to spending thousands more just to get stuff that will work with windows Vista.
fargo
04/25/07
what is the point of offering xp os on some models and not others, makes no sense to me. I was interested
in buying a xps 410 but I see xp is not offered on them. If your going to offer xp make it available for every-
body what ever their choice!
premcv
04/25/07
Good One, reg! :)
txgoodie
04/27/07
I just took delivery on a Dimensions XPS 710 and I chose the Media Center 2005 XP version BECAUSE I could get it over Vista. Yea, Dell! I bought enough muscle to run Vista when forced to, but until then I know my software and hardware will work and I can get to work without worrying compatibility issues. Thanks, Dell.
abqaussie
04/27/07
So good for Dell for listening and offering XP on some systems. BUT I just chose today not to buy a Dell Dimension desktop offered at $300 off in a 4 day sale because guess what - THAT Dimension doesn't have XP as an operating system option. So good work Dell, you sent me an email with what I wanted on SALE but failed to give the OS option. Your loss. Please be consistent in your offerings. Give us options and let us choose what we want, it will result in more sales.
premcv
04/27/07
These are some of the systems on which XP will continue to ship out.

Inspiron 1405, 1501, 1505, and 1705
Dimension E520, E521
XPS 710 and 1710 (these systems were offering XP in addition to Vista for game compatibility)

Not sure about the rest, maybe they are, but there's no writeup to say that they will be. Will have to check.
claudet7555
04/30/07
Merged Idea originally posted 04/22/07
KEEP OFFERING WINDOWS XP

I WISH TO SEE DELL KEEP OFFERING THE WINDOWS XP OPTION AS OPERATING SYSTEM AS IT WORKS FINE AND I HAVE NO USE FOR VISTA
benjesuit
04/30/07
Merged Comment originally posted 04/22/07
Until Jan 2008. That's they day MS stops selling licenses. And the next systems to debut in June/July most likely will not have XP drivers for certain aspects of hardware.
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