Going to XP from Vista

So it's been a little while since I've run XP, and I just want to make sure I'm still on top of things. Couple of questions:

• Reinstallation. I've never successfully installed an operating system. When I tried to upgrade my last computer from XP Home to XP Pro, I somehow managed to get rid of all the drivers on my computer, to the point that I couldn't even plug in and connect to the internet. Yeah. It was bad. What exactly do I need to do to make sure this doesn't happen?
• SP2 or SP3? I'm assuming SP3 but we all know what happens when you assume.
• Can someone give me the most up-to-date/best driver for the GMA 950? Last time I installed a driver it screwed up on me.

I've reformatted my computer plenty of times. I would grab a USB stick and store your drivers on that in case you get those network drivers that have to be installed. I'm running SP3 so unless it's into it then upgrade to that.

http://www.softwaredriverdownload.co...indows_xp.html

Those should be the lastest GMA 950 drivers. There for XP as well.

If you have the install disk for the mobo that came with the PC, you're good. Also the install disk for any bits and pieces you've since added - vid cards, network cards etc. I think even ol' XP is pretty good at recognising most stuff without needing 3rd party drivers, but it's good to have them just in case.

Clean install - format the lot. Not that it's an option when downgrading from Vista (I believe).

SP3 - you're gonna need it sooner or later and a fresh install with SP3 straight away is better than doing it the long way and ending up with a Windows folder full of outdated and possibly conflicting crap.

EDIT: Bugger - it's a laptop, isn't it?

http://support.intel.com/support/chi...S-020683.htm#a - The GMA 950 page on Intel's site leads to the 945 chipset drivers, so I assume that must be right. Check out all the "Identifying your chipset/graphics chip" stuff to be sure.

A friend of mine tried this and it didn't work for him because of drivers.

That's funny - just clicked on the link to this thread as I saw your response pop up, Tarun, and I got this:

Was that you?

No.

eSafe? That sounds familiar and I've heard of numerous FPs from them...

I tried this awhile back with a newish laptop, and it failed miserably. I'm not saying it won't work, but be sure you have a vista restore disk just in case. In my case the Wireless Card, Ethernet port, AND the video card (ATI integrated) wouldn't work right in XP.

Ew. That would be a good thing to make sure of. What was the laptop you did this on? I've got a Gateway MX8738.

Gateway t-1625, it's the AMD flavor of the series.

the thing with downgrading to XP is drivers, since laptops generally use nonstandard parts.

search on google with your laptop model, and you'll probably find guides on how to do it. that's what i did with my HP laptop.