Pavilion dv7.. Vista to XP Solved/Closed

Question

Hello,

Basicly.. Laptop is working as it supposed to work with windows Vista, but the problem is.. I dont like that system. I would like to change it to Windows XP but whenever I try to run setup.. it crashes in the middle with blue screen saying that my hard disk might be damaged or there might be some viruses. 
I tried to install windows 2000 and even 98.. but I recive exactly the same error at the same point. My friends told me that there must be some kind of protection on hard disk not letting me do it. 

so.. my question is: how can I remove windows Vista and install windows XP?

Vanillasky · Accepted Answer

basicly the problem is with hard disk. the thing is that disk is not recognisable by XP instalator so u got to install additional drivers during the instalation of XP.

anyway.. I asked HP support how I can remove Vista and install XP.. this is what they told me.. (kind of step by step how to install windows XP on dv7 laptops)

[quote]
Tom, I would like to inform you that your notebook model is specifically designed for Windows Vista Operating System.  HP does not recommend installing any other operating system on this notebook.  Hence it is difficult to get all the drivers for the devices installed in the notebook which supports Windows XP Operating System.  Moreover, HP does not have any tested data of drivers that support this notebook on other operating systems.  

To get more information on downgrading your notebook operating system from Windows Vista operating system to Windows XP operating system, please go through the following URLs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c01274160&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid. Copy and paste the entire link in a new browser window.

To know the issues you will experience, if you downgrade your notebook Operating system from Windows Vista to Windows XP, please go through the following URL:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?docname=c01092639&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

 NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid. Copy and paste the entire link in a new browser window.

However, please be assured that customer satisfaction is very important to us, if you like to install Windows XP then I will definitely assist you in providing the installation steps and compatible xp driver for your notebook model.

Go through the below procedure to install windows xp on your notebook.

Perform the below steps to disable SATA Native support in BIOS :

1. Turn on or restart the notebook. 

2. Press the F10 key when the "HP Invent" logo appears on the screen. This will open the BIOS menu.

3. Select the "System Configuration" tab.

4. Select "Disabled" for the "SATA Native Support" item.

5. Press F10 to Save and Exit. Choose Yes for "Save configuration changes and exit now".

Now try installing Windows XP Operating System from the disk.

Follow these instructions to install SATA drivers using  Floppy (OR) CD-DVD Drive.
 
Download the driver from the below link for ICH8M.
 
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp37001-37500/sp37005.exe

Installation Instructions 

1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.
2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
 
Note: This SoftPaq is ONLY required for use with a purchased retail Microsoft Operating System CD or DVD. It is not needed if an HP supplied Operating System CD or DVD is used. An HP supplied Operating System CD or DVD has the Intel SATA AHCI Controller Driver included. Using this SoftPaq with an HP supplied Operating System CD or DVD may result in a "blue screen" event during the operating system installation.
 
Download Instructions:
======================
 
1. Download the SoftPaq .EXE file to a directory on your hard drive.
 
2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. A diskette containing the driver is created, and the driver files are also made available at c:\swsetup\sp37005. If you choose to cancel diskette creation, you will need to copy the driver files to the chosen media like Floppy or CD-DVD drive.
 
Installation Instructions for Win XP:
=====================================
 
NOTE: A USB diskette (floppy) drive is required to use this driver. If an external USB diskette drive is used, ensure that it is plugged into the system 
before starting Step 1.
 
1. Insert the operating system CD, and Power On the notebook to boot from the CD.
 
2. At the very beginning of the operating system installation, the following prompt is displayed at the bottom of the screen:
 
"Press F6 if you need to install a SCSI or RAID driver...." 
 
When the prompt is displayed, press F6.
 
3. Later in the operating system installation, you are notified that a mass storage device could not be detected. When this notification occurs, press S (S=Specify Additional Device).
 
4. When prompted, insert the diskette that was created from the SoftPaq file, and then press Enter.
 
5. Select "Intel 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller (Mobile ICH8M-E/M)" and press Enter.
 
NOTE: At this point, the following prompt MAY be displayed, depending on the version of your operating system CD. If the prompt is displayed, press Enter to use the default Windows driver and continue, if it is not displayed, continue with Step 6. The prompt reads as follows:
 
Windows already has a driver that you can use for "Intel(R) 82801HEM/HBM SATA AHCI Controller (Mobile ICH8M-E/M)".
 
Unless the device manufacturer prefers that you use the driver on the floppy disk, you should use the driver in Windows.
 
S=use the driver on floppy ENTER=use the default Windows driver
 
6. Continue with the operating system installation, as prompted.
 
NOTE: If a problem is encountered when using the external USB floppy drive, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 916196: "A connected USB floppy disk drive does not work when you press F6 to install mass storage drivers during the Windows XP installation process."

For more information please follow the given web link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/916196

     NOTE:  The URL(s) above will take you to a non HP Web site.  HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web site.

For more information about installing SATA drivers follow the steps provided in the below weblink:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericSoftwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-54270-1&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en

     NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is
            invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address
            on the remaining line(s) and paste it at the end of the
            address showing in your browser until the complete address is displayed in the Address box.

After installing the windows xp operating system, I recommend you to install the compatible drivers. For your convenience I am providing the compatible xp drivers for your notebook below.

Audio Drivers:

Install the Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver before installing the Audio driver. 

Please download and install the Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio from the URL provided below: 

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp32501-33000/sp32646.exe 

Next, download IDT High-Definition Audio CODEC Driver from the below web-link:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&swItem=vc-58778-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the second line and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser.

NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GS/9600M GT Video/Graphics Driver
 
https://www.nvidia.com/Download/driverResults.aspx/31343/en-uk
 
NOTE:  The URL above will take you to a non HP Web site.  HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web site.

HP Quick Launch Buttons Drivers:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp40001-40500/sp40139.exe

Synaptics Touchpad: 

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33751.exe 

High-Definition Audio (HDA) Modem Installer and Driver for Microsoft Windows XP:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&swItem=ob-61861-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the second line and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser.

IntelÂ® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network drivers +XP
 
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProductID=2879&DwnldID=16617
 
NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the second line and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser.

HP Wireless Assistant

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39001-39500/sp39041.exe

HP Quick Launch Buttons Drivers:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp40001-40500/sp40139.exe

Synaptics Touchpad: 

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33751.exe 

High-Definition Audio (HDA) Modem Installer and Driver for Microsoft Windows XP:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&swItem=ob-61861-1&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the second line and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser.

IntelÂ® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network drivers +XP
 
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&ProductID=2879&DwnldID=16617
 
NOTE:  Clicking the link may give an error indicating it is invalid.  If this occurs, copy the portion of the address on the second line and paste it at the end of the address showing in your browser.

HP Wireless Assistant

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39001-39500/sp39041.exe

I believe the above information helps you. If you need further assistance, please reply to this message and I will be happy to assist you further.

We assure you of our dedicated support, 24 hours and 365 days a year.

For information on keeping your HP and Compaq products up and running, please visit our Web site 
at: 
https://h22207.www2.hp.com/us-en 

Have a nice day!

Sincerely, 

Bliss 
HP Total Care 

/quote

xpcman · Answer

The laptop might have a SATA hard drive.  Win  XP and 98 do not have drivers for that type drive.  They w3re built for PATA hard drives (also called IDE or EIDE).  See this Web site for more into:

https://paparadit.blogspot.com/2007/06/installing-sata-hard-drive-with-windows.html

kooperg · Answer

Hi, a friend of mine also bought a new dv7, and I am now trying to get xp installed on it.
this is impossible since you need to change things in the bios (according to Hp's website) and the options are just not there. the only thing that the bios displays is the boot-sequence, which is not very much... the hp website shows me this picture of a complete bios, which had plenty of options, allowing you to install XP...
any one got any clues as how to continue now...?

kooperg · Answer

yeah, HP told me the same thing
However, in the new bios there is NO SUCH OPTION  (or any other option besides changing the boot-sequence).
It also talks about a diskette, which this laptop does not feature.
All in all, they tried to make you thing they are helping, but they will make no effort whatsoever to really help. All you keep hearing is 'not supported to downgrade'...

Vanillasky · Answer

u dun have to change any option in bios... what u need is to get USB Floppy that is of course compatibile with XP installer (u can find all marks, I think there are like 4-5, on microsoft website).

and well.. thats not HP problem cos laptop was designed for Vista.. so cant expect from them much more then that.

Igster · Answer

I have my dv4 1125nr completely switched from vista to xp minus my quickplay and my sound.  I've exhausted every driver I've found for both.  I've made sure I'm completely updated on the .net frameworks and sp's.  Any suggestions?

james · Answer

you have one chance ==>setup to xp sp3 sweet5.1 I have the same probleme with the same machines

Don · Answer

what would cause USB ports not to work? I see in the device manager after installing XP on this DV5 1007cl the Intel ICH9 USB Universal Host has and ! over it. Im assuming this issue is the integrated drivers I slipstreamed into XP ISO didnt work right or something else is the issue.

the audio is be a real pain also to get working on XP.


Any help with these main items is appreciated.

DJBuglip · Answer

Wow! Vanillasky, you got a lot further with HP support than I did. I had to argue with tech support for the better part of an hour before I got her to admit that it was my laptop, and I could do what I wanted with it (which was set up a dual boot with XP so I could use all my  pro audio software and hardware). I finally got the address to an HP FTP site, where I could download the NVIDIA driver for vista, which was unavailable at the HP website at the time. I never, however, found drivers for the other functions of the laptop, so I eventually gave up on the XP partition (this was about the start of the fall semester). I just finished setting up a dual boot with Ubuntu Linux today, and am now looking for drivers for that OS, with the intent of writing my own if necessary. I'd take the links Vanillasky put up and run with 'em, y'all. As to how, you do have to slipstream SATA drivers into your XP install CD, at least for the Pavillion DV7-1025nr. Anothe r post I saw elsewhere led me to suspect that Realtek audio drivers might work, even though mine uses IDT straight from the factory. I'm going to try that in a minute. As to USB drivers, I would think you're probably right, it's the drivers you slipstreamed into your image. Try getting a different release from your MOBO manufacturer's (Intel?) website, a little experimentation should solve it. For quickplay, HP's about your only source. I'll see if I can find that FTP address, and up it so you can search there. Otherwise, contact HP support and try to schmooze 'em into turning you on to the set you need. Good luck, all. I'll report back if I get anywhere.

bandw · Answer

Hi, Guys,

It's really good to know that there are folks like to put XP on DV7 notebook too. It has great looks and good specs.

I had a DV7z, with AMD processors. What I found out is also the hard drive, it is behind a SATAII control, SB700/SB800 for AMD platform. The driver that worked for me can be found here:
http://www.drivers-software-download.org/download-msi-k9a2gm-fd-ati-sb700-raid-driver-31154068-for-xp.html

You will need to use slipstream, with software nlite, to put it into the XP installation CD-ROM. WinXP can only load 3rd party driver from sloppy drive, which there is none in the laptop. Other driver can be solved using Windows Update.

You do need to load driver for the flash reader, google for "JMB38x". I still have some problem with the quick launch button. The mute button can change the speaker setting, but the speaker is mute all the time and the indicator is always orange color. The wireless switch works, but the lights works the reverse pattern, orange--works, blue--switched off.  Odd, still need to tweak a little.

Forrest · Answer

I have a DV7-1135nr as well.  I'm trying to install XP, and I first tried installing an unmodified copy of XP.  I got through loading all the drivers, but when it said "Setup is loading windows," I got a blue screen.

Then, I downloaded some XP ISOs that had been slipstreamed with AMD SATA drivers.  I burned these ISOs onto CDs.  Then, I tried loading each ISO, and all of them performed exactly as the legit copy of XP did; they loaded all drivers and blue screened when it said "setup is loading windows."

Finally, I downloaded the AMD SATA drivers and made my own slipstream of Windows XP with nLite.  I tried slipstreams of both XP win32 (with win32 drivers added) and win64 (with win64 drivers added).  All of these yielded a blue screen in setup.

I've blown the better part of a weekend tinkering with this, and I'm stuck.  As it stands, my machine still runs Vista, but I do *not see Vista as functional operating system.

Forrest · Answer

I'm returning my DV7-1135nr.  It's complete crap.  Despite the 4gb of ram, it lags like crazy in Vista.  I'm swapping for a Dell Inspiron 1525.  Dell has much better XP support.

bff · Answer

hello guys

i bought a HP Pavilion DV7 1025nr (centrino 2 core2duo 2.23ghz, 4gb ram, 320gb hd, nvidia geforce 9600M GT, infinity 17") with pre loaded vista 64 and it is very very slow. I want to install XP but im getting several problems.

 searched this forum and found very useful information to start it but im stuck.

What I have done:

1)Created another partition from within vista 64.

2)Slipstreamed the intel sata controllers drivers on a SP3 (and a sp2 too) disc.

3)I got into the text-mode part of installing XP, formatted the desired partition, copied all files and rebooted.

Then, after rebooting, I got a black screen with random colored ASCII characters and nothing else. It is stuck.

I searched alot and I found another users who had the same problem and I can't figure what is causing this.

Can anyone help me?

Khallows · Answer

I read in the help and support that your supposed to install windows xp and then vista if you wanna have them bootable, if not you could make your pc inoperable, ya WELL THATS NICE MICROSOFT WHY DONT YOU ALL GO F YOUR SELVES!, sorry bought that, anyway you have to empty your pc, no operating system and then install xp, then vista, I reccomomend to google virtual machine 2007, and mocrosoft is giving it free, this allows u to run too operating systems, so after u re format ur pc causing all data to be delted then you can install xp and then instal https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/OS-Enhancements/VirtualBox.shtml forget what I said about virtual machine this is javas vitural machine and it worked when I installed linux side windows, and micosoft's didnt work, anyway this will allow u to run windows, and if u feel like it bring up vista, with out having to reboot , it will be like using any other application. srry if this does not make sense, email me and I will get ur problem sovled and I am not to be blamed for any difficulties u have as u should have not bought vista and it is unstable

Bearhntr · Answer

I have been reading these threads for over a month now and have decided to put in my 2Â¢ worth here.  

  The things that I have noticed are as follows:

1)  Everyone HATES VISTA.  I have only one POSITIVE thing to say about it....  "It Is PRETTY".  It pesters the hell out of you. Everytime that you want to do something, you are prompted....ARE YOU SURE??? Yes, I realize that you can change this, but why should I have to.  It should be defaulted to the other way....let me F***ing turn it on if I want to be hounded by the mother-in-law from hell with the spiked rolling pin.  GEEZ!!!!

2)  I spent more than three hours on the phone with HP when I bought my new DV6807US entertainment laptop in October 2008.  They were telling me "sounded like a robot" - YOUR MACHINE DOES NOT SUPPORT XP.  I got to the point where as soon as the tech said it, I asked for their supervisor.  I was finally able to reach a tech that send me an e-mail with links to all of the files that I needed to get XP installed.  Using an SP2 slipstreamed CD you do not need to use the SATA drivers floppy (Press F6 function during installation).  Once I got XP installed, I started systematically installing the drivers to get the UNKNONW DEVICES out of the device manager.  The one which was the hardest was the 1394 device.  I found that I had to drop my BIOS to the F.28 level (or below) to get rid of that bastard.

3)  I then used BCD Pro to re-do the VISTA boot manager so that I could use both OSes for a while, until I decided to get rid of it all together and using only XP Pro (now at SP3).  I then noticed that the QUICKPLAY features of the bar across the top no longer worked, and I began my journey into the Internet again to get the software to get that working.  What a task that was.

4)  If HP knows that there are so many of us out there who do not want VISTA, WILL NOT USE VISTA, and want to go to XP....why do they not just create a RECOVERY CD which can be purchased (or sent for free to users still in warranty - or within the first 90 days of purchase) which will remove VISTA, and put a fully working version of XP on the machine?  Would that not seem to be the logical choice???

I wanted to give UBUNTU a whirl on my laptop, and I am not finding it just as difficult to get anything out of HP for doing this installation.

I am to the point where I am going to start a CLASS-ACTION SUIT against HP.  I mean I paid almost $1000 for this laptop, and G** DAMMIT, I want to run what ever F***ING Operating System on it that I want.  If I am willing to buy a license to run another OS on """ MY """  F***ING HARDWARE, what gives HP the AUDACITY to tell me that you can ONLY RUN VISTA!?!?!?!

If anyone is willing to, or has also considered filing a clas-action suit against HP over this whole madness, feel free to respond.

yousaf · Answer

Dear sir 

My (Pavilion dv6000 Vista to XP) Note Book's Origenal Vista Win was Crapt. Now I Try to instal win Xp but this win showin an error (Hard drive Not Found) Therefore, please help can I install win xp


thanking
you


From yousaf ali kazmi

yousaf · Answer

Dear sir 

My (Pavilion dv6000 Vista to XP) Note Book's Origenal Vista Win was Crapt. Now I Try to instal win Xp but this win showin an error (Hard drive Not Found) Therefore, please help can I install win xp


thanking
you


From yousaf ali kazmi

xpcman · Answer

Windows XP install does not support native mode SATA hard drives - which is what your HP has.  Please read the other posts there is good info in them on how to work around this problem. Since HP never supported Win XP on most of the PC's that came with Vista they will NOT supply drivers for XP.  Good Luck on your conversion.  My personal opinion is you should not do the conversion, download SP1 for Vista and the following TweakVI and Norton replacement for UAC
http://www.nortonlabs.com/inthelab/uac.php

These download will make Vista work the way is should have from day one.

AfricanJoe · Answer

I just finished install winxp sp3 on a CQ60 and DV4 laptops, it was a great adventure - integrating the Sata drivers (Intel ich7, 8, 9; nVidia and silicon) into the OS. I will upload on my site very soon, but that mite take eternity bcos d iso file is 689mb. can any one suggest a better alternative.

aatu · Answer

hey
i just downgraded vista to xp, and got almost everything to work. some yellow marks in device manager,but cant find drivers for them and dont even know what those are. so is there any way I could get drivers to them?

also, I would need better sound drivers, because I dont have that IDT audio panel in control panel, where I could setup sound card stuff like bass and such. so anyone know where I could get it? 
that would be very nice..

thanks
-aatu

aatu · Answer

hi!
well that didnt help, I already kinda have installed those mentioned? I think. my laptop is dv7-1110eo.

HPpickle · Answer

Anyone having any luck finding Windows XP drivers for the hardware on this?


http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01634428&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3866477

mythology2 · Answer

This is not completley legal but what I did was download a version of xp called 'xp dark edition v.6' (just do a torrent search. You'll need to burn the ISO to disc) On boot it has an option to install with all ata/sata drivers.(if that one doesn't work, try one of the other install options) xp installed fine. I then used an xp keyfinder and changed the serial number for the one that came with my legal copy of xp. Doing this validates your xp and you are good for all updates.


I can't believe HP make you go to all this trouble to put an operating system on of YOUR choice.

Bunch of a**holes.

Anyway, good luck with this.

mythology2 · Answer

for the driver install side of things, has anyone tried using something like 'driver genius' ?
https://www.driver-soft.com/

a lot of the drivers for vista will probably work for xp.
backup drivers in vista with driver genius, save them off to thumb driver or whatever. install xp (see above),install driver genius, reinstall drivers from thumb drive and then let driver genius search for updates.

long winded but might work.

mythology2 · Answer

OK. Final update.
One of the options when installing "xp dark edition v.6" is an 'all driver version' If you install this, your computer will work fine without you trying to dig around looking for the correct drivers, or in my previous mail, use driver genius.
I have sound, video and internet connection. 

If you do not trust keychanger software, you can follow this link to show you how to do it from within the msconfig.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Windows-XP-Product-Key

That's the best I can offer you guys.

Good luck with all!

mythology2 · Answer

sorry, regedit, not msconfig

Vista2XP · Answer

How To Remove Windows Vista And Install Windows XP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EufVizUCSOI&


https://www.youtube.com/user/mobilephone2003

xpcman · Answer

this site has ALL the answers fo the XP conversion:

http://www.laptops-drivers.com/hp-laptop/installing-windows-xp-hp-pavilion-dv7t-series.html

rajbind kumar · Answer

i  have a hp laptop with vista I want to format but it is not happening .i have also a vista cd but it will not help me

aatu · Answer

ok
now I know that I have IDT 92HD71B7 sound card/chipset in this dv7-1110eo.
any idea where I could get proper drivers and software for it?

and the rest of those unknown devices are:
keyboard filter
HP Mobile data protection cencor
Direct application launch button
Direct application launch button
Direct application launch button
Direct application launch button
Direct application launch button
Direct application launch button
ENE CIR receiver

what are there? and any idea where I could cop the drivers for them?

thanks
-aatu

shark · Answer

hello to all , have a problem with getting the right drivers for pavilion dv7-1135nr. I just installed XP without any problems with the SATA drivers but now I have many devices not installed. Can anybody help me? The chip is AMD Turion based not Intel that's why could not find any info here.

joyride_2 · Answer

this is hillarius! Not much people like vista. At the store where you all purchase your laptops, you all knew it came with vista. Why the hell did you buy that laptop in the first place anyways? Im trying my very best to put XP on a hp dv7 because my customer is stock with it. 
You probably didnt notice that Toshiba still offers all the support for XP and some of the model both OS comes with it on dvd. But you guys dont know that, you bought an HP laptop. 
Toshiba cares for their customer. Think about that when you are fighting to install those damn sound drivers in xp.

enough · Answer

People with modern laptops bought within the past years should stick with Ubuntu and subscribe to the latest modified unauthorized versions of windows xp.  Microsoft got enough of my money for the past decade, especially with this Vista pre-installed p.o.s. to clarify my ethics.

It's a pain in the ass trying to follow the slipstream bullcrap.

enoughisenough · Answer

joyride_2, on Tuesday February 17, 2009 02:56:04 AM
this is hillarius! Not much people like vista. At the store where you all purchase your laptops, you all knew it came with vista. Why the hell did you buy that laptop in the first place anyways? 



HP Pavilion dv7-1232nr  for $600  was a way better of a bargain (in terms of specs CPU, video, monitor size, & ram)  than any Toshibas on sale at the time.  (And still is)

tweak · Answer

Windows XP Ultimate Edition (by Johnny)  is hopeful.

xpcman · Answer

This is a link to the SATA drivers you need to slipstream in  Windows XP

http://icrontic.com/downloads/slipstream_windows_xp_drivers

Woofa · Answer

What a bunch of complete ass hats. First off there's nothing garbage about Vista. What we have here are a bunch of stupid, whining, know-nothings that want to pretend they are techs or even know what they are doing.

AndyM4c · Answer

Woofa Your msg has displayed your ignorance and proved you to be just another Vista fanboy. I am a qualified IT Tech having over 14 years experience of Microsoft products. I hold CompTIA A+ 601 & 602 having scored 100% on both exams. I also hold Cisco IT Essentials ( passed a 20 week course in 20 days) as well as CCNA. My CCNA tutor is one of the highest qualified Cisco instructors in Europe and we both agree that Vista is an awful OS. It is the biggest backward step Microsoft has taken since they rolled out Windows ME. You just have to look at the goings on at Microsoft that they know this too. When MS released ME in under 2 years they released XP. XP was MS most stable OS for 6 years before they even conceived Vista and now in under 2 years Windows 7 is set to replace it. In a fairly recent interview on MSDN a high ranking MS executive described Vista as a work in progress which translates as Vista is a beta and we are all testers. I have contacts with all over the country both in the IT industry and also in business in general and it is widely held in business that they will not even allow a Vista machine on their networks. This is not just because Vista is too demanding on hardware although that is a major factor but also that because it is too different from XP and would require major retraining of their staff.
While I totally agree with an earlier post that people who knowingly bought a machine with Vista have little room for complaint because they did not do any research prior to shelling out their money what about people like me?
My employers not me purchased a DV7 admittedly without having done any research and wanted to put it on their domain. They are a charity and do not have funding to buy an upgrade to ultimate. Nobody at Dabs.com told them that you needed either business or ultamate to go on a domain. So I am now left trying to downgrade this machine to XP for which they hold at least 20 spare licenses.

So Woofa before opening your mouth perhaps you should consider how foolish your comments may make you appear. Instead of criticising how about helping. It is obvious from these posts that people are desperate and in need of help not mockery.

SURFER · Answer

ACTUALLY IF U HAVE BOUGHT A LAPTOP OR A PC FROM A VENDOR LIKE HP,DELL,HCL, OR SOME THING LIKE BRANDED THEY PROGRAMS THE HARD DISKS TO BE COMPATIBLE ONLY TO THEIR OS ONLY. THAT'S THE PROBLEM IN GETTING BRANDED PC.

VISIT: WWW.SHARE2CHEER.BLOGSPOT.COM FOR MORE INTERESTING THINGS

Bgg · Answer

Forgive me for pointing out the other side of the coin, but you BOUGHT you laptop with VISTA. You paid for VISTA support. You paid for VISTA hardware, you paid for VISTA drivers. I agree you can do what you want with your laptop, or computer. I has two that boot to multiple OS and are not the ones that came with the machine. However, you didn't pay for a XP Laptop, with XP OS, with XP hardware, with XP drivers. Get the picture? 
If you want to chanage the OS, it is your problem if you can't figure it out. HP support was good enough to help some. As for Vista, I just turn off the features I don't want, and it is a great OS. As an IT professional I also support Linux, Win98, 2k, XP, Vista and now Win7, along with server os's, 2k Server, 2003, 2003 SBS, WHS and learning 2008. You got what you paid for. I suggest you get a group together, or start working as a group to find a fix for downgrading Vista to XP, and make the HP slipstreamed CD for it. You all seem to have a massive amount of exprience from working on this project, I have faith you could find an answer. BTW, I am typing this on an Acer, :D

diddlerdink · Answer

Ubuntu 8.10 works pretty good on  HP dv7.  Why do you suppose it so hard for big hardware developers to make their modern components compatible with Windows XP?   I think it's for no other reason than some underhanded control issues and contracts with Bill Gates's empire to keep the revenue to microsoft flowing.  The rate at which pirated Windows XP  is modified and in improve makes it tempting and way more convenient than dealing with that Genuine Advantage WPA b.s. from buying a legitimate XP copies ---- so there's no incentive for microsoft and the big laptop producers to keep supporting  Windows XP.

The people who keep saying we're asshats and whiners for buying this p.o.s. built for Windows Vista are microsoft and propriety hardware and software shills bitter with fear from revolutionary open source technology.

zeus · Answer

hey guys if anyone still is having trouble installing xp heres a link I found about dv7 1130us that has step by step instructions and drivers on how to install xp on the laptop.

http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/questionanswer.do?admit=109447626+1238437943124+28353475&threadId=1321065

I just went through the whole thing and I got a fully functional laptop with everything working fine except the internal speakers. The headphones work great, so I recommend this tutorial to anyone who wants a step by step guide with links to drivers for all the hardware. 

ps: if anyone has any idea on how to get the internal speakers to work, please let me know. Thanks!

zizala69 · Answer

If you want boot image CD for XP for hp dv7 1250eg send me e-mail. I send my rapidshare link. All is free.

richard77 · Answer

HP Pavillion DV7 1103ea AMD64 Downgrade to XP (Dual Boot XP or Vista)
Success!!!!!!

1.	Downloaded the drivers into a folder from the forum links.
2.	Bought a new hard drive as I needed more space.
3.	The first softpaq ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp37001-37500/sp37005.exe or use SP39719 .exe was run to create a folder off of the c drive SWSETUP. This is where the SATA/RAID Driver is placed. 
4.	Use program nlite to merge SATA/RAID driver to XP install files.
(NOTE I made the mistake of using RAIDtxx/x64 for the amd64 processor, use the x86, otherwise you get the corrupt error on xp install, x64 is for xp64bit and does not relate to amd64 processor)
5.	Burn Install disk, this bypasses the use of a floppy drive.
6.	Burn all other drivers to another disk.
7.	Opened the back, unscrewed and replaced the hard drive.
8.	Boot and install XP.
9.	Next I installed the Realtek Ethernet Card Drivers.
10.	Video drivers were retrieved from the ATI Website,. You need to download the main video driver file (VGA_M82XT_v8.479.1.0.zip).
11.	Run the install, which will create a new folder with all files.
12.	Downloaded the MMDotNETSetup.exe file from ATI,. Run this to start the conversion program, point it at the above folder and a new setup file is created. Run the new setup file, this will install the converted video drivers.
13.	(Run sp40139.exe to create driver files for HP Quick Launch Buttons now on CD). Open control panel, New Hardware. Let the scan complete,choose Unknown items (4-5 times)  choose radio for installed hardware, next choose do not install, next choose auto install and point to CD to retrieve the sp40139 driver files. Do this for all unknown items which are  the quick launch items.
14.	Wireless installed, although did not get recognised until later reboots.
15.	Touch pad drivers installed fine.
16.	Modem driver installed fine.
17.	Audio was difficult. Need to install MS HD Driver first. This causes the audio hardware to be detected, then used the HP Vista drivers for the ATI Audio install.
18.	Everything works except the wireless blue light, stays red
19.	Next I have inserted the original vista hard drive in the second drive bay. I opened the bios to delay the hp startup options to 5 seconds, this allows me to choose which hard disk to boot with (ESC key at logo, then F9 key to choose hard disk).

Other driver resources
HP Vista Drivers
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=3812369&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3756677&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=2093

HP XP drivers
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=3812369&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3756677&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=228

richard77 · Answer

HP Pavillion DV7 1103ea AMD64 Downgrade to XP (Dual Boot XP or Vista)
Success!!!!!!

1.	Downloaded the drivers into a folder from the above forum links.
2.	Bought a new hard drive as I needed more space.
3.	The first softpaq ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp37001-37500/sp37005.exe or use SP39719 .exe was run to create a folder off of the c drive SWSETUP. This is where the SATA/RAID Driver is placed. 
4.	Use program nlite to merge SATA/RAID driver to XP install files.
(NOTE I made the mistake of using RAIDtxx/x64 for the amd64 processor, use the x86, otherwise you get the corrupt error on xp install, x64 is for xp64bit and does not relate to amd64 processor)
5.	Burn Install disk, this bypasses the use of a floppy drive.
6.	Burn all other drivers to another disk.
7.	Opened the back, unscrewed and replaced the hard drive.
8.	Boot and install XP.
9.	Next I installed the Realtek Ethernet Card Drivers.
10.	Video drivers were retrieved from the ATI Website,. You need to download the main video driver file (VGA_M82XT_v8.479.1.0.zip).
11.	Run the install, which will create a new folder with all files.
12.	Downloaded the MMDotNETSetup.exe file from ATI,. Run this to start the conversion program, point it at the above folder and a new setup file is created. Run the new setup file, this will install the converted video drivers.
13.	(Run sp40139.exe to create driver files for HP Quick Launch Buttons now on CD). Open control panel, New Hardware. Let the scan complete,choose Unknown items (4-5 times)  choose radio for installed hardware, next choose do not install, next choose auto install and point to CD to retrieve the sp40139 driver files. Do this for all unknown items which are  the quick launch items.
14.	Wireless installed, although did not get recognised until later reboots.
15.	Touch pad drivers installed fine.
16.	Modem driver installed fine.
17.	Audio was difficult. Need to install MS HD Driver first. This causes the audio hardware to be detected, then used the HP Vista drivers for the ATI Audio install.
18.	Everything works except the wireless blue light, stays red
19.	Next I have inserted the original vista hard drive in the second drive bay. I opened the bios to delay the hp startup options to 5 seconds, this allows me to choose which hard disk to boot with (ESC key at logo, then F9 key to choose hard disk).

Other driver resources
HP Vista Drivers
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=3812369&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3756677&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=2093

HP XP drivers
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=3812369&prodTypeId=321957&prodSeriesId=3756677&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=228

hieuht · Answer

Hi everybody!
I purchased a DV7 1285dx laptop and it works well with vista. But I want some soft which only runs with xp so I installed winxp pro sp3. I did it successfully on drive D, dual boot with Vista. I've got the drivers for video card and wifi and they works. But I can do nothing for sound. My pc now sounds nothing at all when I boot winxp. Beside, I found in the Device Manager there's still a several devices unknown and I dont know what they are and which drivers are needed. Is there any one could help me solve this problem, especially about sound?
So sorry for my bad english.

aloneball · Answer

Have anyone solved the missing audio issue on Pavilion dv7-1080oe?

I have managed to get XP on mine and updated almost all drivers except a few by using the XP Dark edition. Drivers I ended up with was a mix of HP Vista drivers and by using Driver Detective (trail version) to get a hint on which drivers were not up to date and then googling. The 7+ unknown devices I found out to be quickbuttons which I found a driver for at http://www.mediafire.com/?nnnzjmojcjy

Now my system is reporting "Serial" to be not working, along with 3 Base System Device. The last 3 I guess is not important.

Microsoft UAA Bus Driver For High Definition Audio is looking good, but the red led is still showing and there's not Audio devices detected yet. All the installations for IDT PC Audio is not working so far. So if someone out there has a workable solution, im very happy to hear from you.

Btw. I downgraded to XP because I mostly play on my labtop and get horrible FPS. As a comparison with a clean fully patched Vista installation I ran 10fps in a game, compared that to the XP installation I have now and I run 25fps. Damn that sure sux for Vista :P

Anyhow... Hope to hear from some of you, my fellow dv7 owners.

SimplyImpossible · Answer

Just thought I would let all that are trying to install windows XP and having a hard time in on a little secret.  Most of the laptops that you are mentioning are high end 64 bit systems. Most will have at least 4 gigs of ram if not 8.  The windows XP 32 bit edition that you are trying to install will not work with more then 3.5 gigs.  Drop your machine down to 2 gigs and then install XP 32 bit. Why you would waste your System running something that will n to use the hardware I do not understand.  Install XP 64 bit and you will not have the memory limitations.

I would just learn to use Vista 64bit or Play with windows 7 Beta.  It rocks on the DV7 family of laptops and out preforms windows XP and Vista.

Xavier Person · Answer

Would someone who has experiences installing XP on dv7-1232nr or similar makes and models please care to share your experiences and opinions about these instructions: 

Downgrading from vista to xp on dv7-1232nr: 

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/psg/board/message?board.id=OS&thread.id=7021

Paula · Answer

Does anybody know where can I find the SATA driver for my HP DV7-1133cl so I can install Windows XP? Also, what XP drivers can I use for this model? Some of the Vista drivers on HP website work, some don't. This model has AMD by the way. Thanks!

Mink · Answer

I've just downgraded my dv7-1121tx to windows xp x64

Slipstreamed the sata driver into the install cd very easy.

Since there is two harddrives I just swaped them around to install xp, if I need vista back I can just swap them back.

Managed to get sata, wrieless, graphics drivers working fine but have had no luck with sound.

When running the ITD driver installer I get the error "The hardware detected is not supported by this IDT software package. The install will be aborted"

Any ideas?

Brain · Answer

The VISTA IDT Sounddriver for the DV7 1448DX works fine under Win XP Pro SP3.... http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareDownloadIndex?softwareitem=ob-68687-1&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3998672&os=2093&lang=en

worshipgeek · Answer

Okay, I have been mostly successful downgrading my HP dv7-1247cl, thanks in large part to the information from this discussion.  In the end what worked for me was a slipstreamed XP CD (even though I was using an SP3 disk, it required the ATI AHCI drivers for my SATA controller).  I also ended up having to use an external USB DVD-ROM drive to get past the initial BSoD.

So, I have succeeded, with one small problem: XP does not see my internal optical drive (the Lightscribe, Super-Multi, blah, blah, blah...).  I assume this is because it's also a SATA drive, and I need to tell XP it's there somehow (because the ATI SATA drivers actually install as SCSI drivers).  But I am at a loss as to how to do that.  I can't find any decent information online about doing such things.

I am far from dead in the water: the machine just "screams", and I have been able to install all the drivers, including wired and wireless network, audio and even my webcam.  And I do have the external USB CD/DVD burner that works fine.  I would just like to be at 100%.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

mink · Answer

I have dv7 1211tx have been running downgraded xp x64 but just installed windows 7 x64 the other night. Everything works fine, all drivers including raid drivers were already on the windows 7 cd and also update through windows update, just the media shortcut buttons dont work but I never use them anyway.

I think windows 7 is good compromise between vista and xp, so if ur having troubles with xp u should consider installing windows 7.

Pavilion dv7.. Vista to XP

54 responses

Similar discussions

Subscribe To Our Newsletter!