Downgrading to Windows XP from Windows XP 64-bit

I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several
pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,
Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade to
the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I loose
all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the OS
so that all of my data is preserved?

Ryan

Allan
Sun Oct 21 06:34:38 PDT 2007


"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2EEC0889-87BC-4424-8DAD-8E37ABDB4D57@microsoft.com...
>I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several
> pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,
> Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade
> to
> the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I
> loose
> all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the
> OS
> so that all of my data is preserved?
>
> Ryan
You may want to consider dual-booting as described on the MS website. You
have to partition your system drive to make room for the 32-bit OS. You may
also have to reinstall Pro x64 on the new partition. Back up your data to
removable media such as CD, DVD, or external drive first to be safe.

Charlie
Sun Oct 21 07:28:41 PDT 2007

Your "data" can be preserved, if it's not on the same partition as your
operating system. If, however, it is on the same partition, you need to make
a backup copy of it and restore it after rebuilding your machine. There is
no upgrade or direct conversion between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. You must
install to a clean empty partition when moving from one to the other.

The Files and Settings Transfer Wizard can help with saving off your data
files and your settings. Run the wizard before you do the conversion, saving
to a separate partition, or an external drive or network share. Then, do the
install, download all the latest service packs and updates, re-install your
programs, and run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard again to restore
your data.

--
Charlie.
http://msmvps.com/xperts64
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/charlie.russel


"Ryan" <Ryan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:2EEC0889-87BC-4424-8DAD-8E37ABDB4D57@microsoft.com...
>I have Windows XP Pro 64 bit and do not like it at all! I bought several
> pieces of hardware and software for audio production (M-Audio NRV10,
> Pro-Tools) which are not compatible with this OS, and wish to downgrade
> to
> the 32 bit version, or simply go right to Vista. If I do this, will I
> loose
> all of my data, or will the computer automatically upgrade/downgrade the
> OS
> so that all of my data is preserved?
>
> Ryan