Can I install newer OS on an older system?
There is various things you need to investigate before trying to install an older operating system on the computer
- Warranty on the computer
- Check to verify that there is drivers available for the older OS
- Will programs that you have run on the older OS
- Product key and software
- Steps to install the operating system
- What to do if the install fails
If your system has a warranty verify with the vendor that changing out the operating system will not void the warranty. Most manufacturers will not void the warranty if you change out the operating system but you should check with them first.
However the manufacturer will not support the operating system unless it was the one that was purchased with the system. If you call for technical support, they may not assist you unless you put the original operating system back on the computer. Again, you should check with the manufacturer on this.
Check to verify that there is drivers available for the older OS
Before wiping the drive, make sure there is drivers available for the older operating system. If you do not have the drivers that are specifically designed for that version of the operating system, the system will not function properly.
NOTE: even after getting the drivers, you may still have problems installing the drivers. It is a rare situation that a computer will not accept drivers for a specific operating system but it does happen. I had it happen to me and was unable to install the older operating system. Unfortunately you won't know this till you try the install.
Will programs that you have run on the older OS
Verify that the programs that you need to run on the system will run on the older operating system. Go to the manufacturer's website of the program and they should have information on the operating systems it will work with.
You will have to have the software for the older operating system and the product key in order to install the software. If you do not have the software, you will have to purchase the software. Most operating systems are not free and you will have to purchase the software.
You need to also make sure you have the software and product key for your existing operating system. If your older operating will not install on the system, you will have to reinstall your existing one and will need the CDs and product key for it. I would verify that you have it before doing the procedure, because once you start, your system will be unusable till you finish the install.
Most software has an upgrade feature, however you cannot use the upgrade feature when installing an older operating system so do not use the upgrade feature
Steps to install the operating system
Here is general steps on installing the operating system (for better instructions click on the "instructions to reinstall the operating system below)
- Check the warranty to verify installing the older operating system will not void the warranty
- Verify there is drivers for the older operating system.
- Download the drivers for the older operating system.
- Make sure you have the CDs and product key for the older operating system and the existing operating system.
- Verify your programs will work with the older operating system.
- Delete the partition. To do this create a bootable floppy or CD with Delpart utility. Click here to download the utility and information on using it.
- Install the operating system. Instructions to reinstall the operating system
- Install the drivers for the system.
- Install your programs
- Do the windows updates
What to do if the install fails
If the install fails, here is some steps to follow
- Verify you followed the install procedures correctly
- Did you disconnect all peripheral equipment such as
- Scanners
- printers
- Zip drives (Internal and external)
- Flash card reader (Internal and external)
- Any other unnecessary equipment not needed for the install of the operating system
- Check the bios version and see if there is a newer version available
- Verify that you have the correct drivers
- Google any issue or message to see if there is a solution to your problem
- Contact the manufacturer of your computer to see if they know any fixes (they may not assist or charge for assisting you)
- Contact the manufacturer of the operating system (they may not assist or charge for assisting you)
- Try a computer forum such as Smartcomputing.com
- Try re-installing the operating system again.
- If all else fails, you will have to install the newer operating system back on the computer.