Windows 7 to Windows XP

Hello,

I have a Dell Latitude E6410 and it was originally a work computer. The business for which I worked no longer exists so the Windows 7 key that I have now shows as invalid. As a result I want to downgrade to Windows XP since I already have a valid physical disc from several years ago.

When I attempt to boot from my disc drive it starts to install and then I get an error message : 0x0000007b. I read that a possible solution was to change from SATA mode to IDE in my Bios. When I look at my SATA options all that I see is Disabled, AHCI, RAID ON, and ATA.

I am a little perplexed as to how to proceed and I don't want to run a computer with a copy of windows that isn't validated because I am concerned that it will cause problems. It is running a 64 bit copy if that is of any importance.

Thank you for your time and any possible assistance.

 

Obtain a copy of Windows 7.

 

I was hoping to buy windows 10,but I wanted to install xp first just to make sure there are no other problems, both because of the error message and the inability to install xp. Also, I wanted to make sure that I haven't messed anything up permanently with all of my tinkering.

 

Thank you for getting back to me. I do have a valid copy of Windows XP. It's the original CD and the key. The issue is that it won't let me get past the blue screen and error when I try and install it.

 

Did you try to activate Win 7 with the phone support?
You will be much happier with Win 7 in any event and most valid serials are acceptable to MS if you contact them.
Barring that I am with the Mechanik, get a new Windows disk.

 

I didn't think of that, I will give it a shot. Thank you.

 

You can't install Windows XP because it does not include drivers for SATA HDDs.

 

My standard answer to anyone (other than a major geek) looking to use XP anywhere other than a VM anymore is:

Don't.

 

See if you can get the recovery media from Dell.

 

Thank you for all of your answers. It's always good to know that I am trying to do something that is both impossible and probably not the smartest. I will follow your advice and if I can't get my recovery media I will just buy Windows 10 and hope for the best. Greatly appreciated.