So...

I have been having trouble with my laptop for a while now. For some reason it thinks it isn't plugged in when it is. The problem is the computer is 5 years old and the battery doesn't hold a charge. So that means it just shuts off. I changed the settings so it lets me know it is on battery power as soon as it does it so that I can unplug it and plug it back in. This worked for a while. But now I can't get it to turn on at all or if it does it immediately turns back off. I got a new laptop but some of the software (QuickBooks, FrontPage, my printer) apparently isn't compatible with Vista. I finally got Quickbooks to work but the copy of my backup file won't load. I am at my wits end. I have to have QB for the business. And I still haven't gotten last years taxes done so that is all in the old computer that I can't get turned on. So HELP!!! Any suggestions on what I can do?

Also, is there any way to have a new laptop use XP instead of Vista? Or isn't that even worth it?

Laptops can still be ordered with Windows XP 32-bit from some manufacturers.

Since you already have the new laptop, if you have an OEM Vista for Business edition on it there is a way to downgrade to XP for free. It is a process that is allowed but deliberately not made easy.

If the new laptop has Vista Home edition, you would have to go out and buy a Vista license.

As far as XP on a new computer. Sure, just buy a copy of XP and install it on the computer. The power issue may be related to a BIOS setting. You could also look for a NOS battery. Just google the model # of the battery and you should be able to find one that doesn't cost a bunch.

Get a new battery.

The computer came with Vista so I am assuming it is just the home edition.

So if I have XP disks already (not sure but I may have them) how hard is it to downgrade it?

I really didn't want to put any more money into the old one since I already bought a new adapter for it and that wasn't the problem. But I may have to get a battery if that is the only way to get the data off of it.

^

DING! DING! DING!

WINNER!

Lauren,

Email me I'll see what I can do.

#6 for #4

EMS

Thanks.

EMR