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Is it a conspiracy?

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by stangg

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So I've ordered a new laptop from HP for one of our users, first issue came with the operating system, no matter how hard I tried I couldnt get a laptop without Vista pre-installed. Fine so I ordered it thinking I would just be able to format it and install Windows XP... wrong.

It seems that there is some sort of block put on the hard drive which doesn't allow you to downgrade from Vista to XP, after ringing around a couple of countries before finally finding the HP support I needed I am told that I need a recovery disk that only HP can supply to downgrade, and it will take 8-10 working days to deliver.

All over HP's website there are notices about how HP really wouldn't recommend downgrading from Vista to XP, yet in the same place it advises of the recommended specification for running Vista, which the laptop I ordered doesn't meet. Whats wrong with these people.

This is half a moan, but any thoughts on this, I don't see why Vista should be forced on consumers, especially by a company like HP.

22 replies

by ed woychowsky

First I agree with G-Man, HP has issues. Nevertheless, putting XP on the machine is a two-step process.

1. Install Linux, wipping out Vista.
2. Install XP, wipping out XP.

That's all there is to it, although some here would suggest stopping at step 1.

by tig2

You get that HP up and running for your user, it will have broken several parts and become a boat anchor anyway. Slap a Linux on it and call it a day!

Seriously now, I think that HP is developing some nasty PR and for the life of me, I cannot figure out why.

Were it me in the same situation, I'd send the bloody thing back and order a Dell- they at least give you options- like XP when you order. This HDD lock is the first I have heard of.

HP sent me notice last night that I need a critical BIOS upgrade for a computer that has been unplugged for the past 2 months and doesn't work well enough to waste the electricity on. The very same computer that I fought them to stand up to their warranty on. In fact, the same computer that was replaced by a shiny new Mac because of the Vista virus.

The monopoly that is Microsoft currently has HP by the short hairs and HP is allowing this. Why? Who knows? You're right- as a corporate purchaser, you should be allowed to dictate the OS because you likely have a strategic plan for your infrastructure that doesn't include Vista at this time. Why HP would make it difficult for you to have what you need is beyond me. And why the average consumer should have it shoved down their throats baffles me.

All this does is remind me once again why I am taking on a learning curve today. I hear a lot about not buying proprietary hardware- I do believe that with this move, HP has more than outdone the Mac. I, at least, can install the OS of my choice. It appears that this is not the case with HP.

by dumphrey

Mac hardware is hardly proprietary (other then motherboards). In fact, they use commodity ram, hard drives, video cards... They just select versions of the product they will use and distribute with their machines.
Toshiba and HP/Compaq, and even Lenovo have all started putting various "locks" on their hardware to prevent it from being used in other machines, as well as only allowing their version to be used as a replacement. Wireless cards are a fine example. This is no different then what Dell and gateway did with power supplies (though less potential for hardware damage) in the late 90's early 2000.

by jaqui

I sent HP an email when I was looking at laptops, told them that with no Linux or bare metal option, they lose the sale.
They can take that malware from MS and stick it where the sun doesn't shine.

by naughtymonkey

as no OS. I had the option to do XP or Vista as well. There were still a few on their site that offered XP. Is it the home lines everyone has problems with, because we use HP exclusively for laptops and i have no issues except for the 6820s that just came out. The network driver wasn't stable for XP but it was fixed within a day after I called them about it.

by stangg

the laptop is a 6820s, i ordered it from a third party rather than HP direct, though apparently they are a "hp preferred partner". And when ordering i was told there was no way i could have anything except Vista. Do you have an enterprise agreement with HP, could explain why they are more leniant?

Im not going to mess around with installing linux, i don't particularly like the user anyway so ive got no problem with waiting for the disk and using the only good thing i found in vista as a relaxation tool (those beautiful screensavers :)

Whenever ive spoken to anyone Hp has always been in high regard, but now im starting to doubt it. Luckily im buying all our desktops from fujitsu, which seem to be the opposite end of the scale and more than accomodating. Though that may be because of the huge contract i set up with them :P

by ed woychowsky

You've corrupted me! I've now got 4 Linux books and have PCLinuxOS running. A couple of days ago I installed the games, MySQL and Mono. I'm really enjoying this!

Vista is the best thing that's ever happened to Linux. It didn't take any flashy GUI for Linux to beat Vista, just had to wait for Microsoft to shoot itself in the foot. By the way, I think that the lever was set to full automatic.

by jaqui

I did not corrupt you, I saved you from the damnation that is windows ;)

by naughtymonkey

Usually purchase through CDW which still has some XP models but those will run out eventually. This last one needed to be fast and CDW didn't have any that were as cheap as the one from HP direct. When I was looking around there were still some with XP but they will probably go away just like everyone else. Manufacturers will not be able to offer it forever, just until their license supply runs out.

We have volume licensing so I try to get out of paying for an OS if possible since I just load our image on it. I end up with a bunch of OEM keys with laptops though.

by stangg

I cant shop at CDW it seems, unless i want to pay for shipping :D

Though it seems I may have to push harder for stuff without anything installed at all. Or just get someone else to order the laptops and deal with.

At least with our desktops the supplier is going to load our image on to it for us so its desktop ready. That is a godsend.

by the listed 'g man'

Hope those images are not pre-activated. Your VLK may well be all over the Internet by now. I would not trust anybody with my VLK.

by jaqui

premiergent.co.uk

bare metal systems available, prices reasonable.

and they really like UK based business :p

by Former member

HP currently has several problems, I would suggest that you look at another manufacturer.

Some of HP's bios will not allow an install of XP with reverting to an earlier bios. Be wary of any bios above 3F.

HP wants to talk to me about how I defeated their bios in this matter; for the record, it is called Phoenix Bios Editor.

In all likelihood you can boot Knoppix live and run Qparted to delete the partition and install a retail version of XP. Just be certain that you get all the XP drivers for the series before you start down this path.

If this does not work then exchange the hard disk; if it still does not work, you have three options: 10 return the computer and purchase another brand, 2) take a chance and edit the bios, 3) sue HP.

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