[NomDeKeyz]

Long story shortened, but not exactly short...
I now have my new computer running, but it is so new it doesn't run my old stuff...
which makes my new computer as obsolete as the old one which doesn't function at all.
I will find new stuff for my new computer; and I expect I will be happy with it in time.
In the mean time, I am seriously jonesing for my old programs, especially my games...
So, as a simple solution, I decided to get an older machine just to run my old games on.

The Point...
I am looking for a laptop w/ XP32 that will be compatible with my older games.
I don't want to have more than one tower at my desk, so a laptop is preferred.
Refurbished is fine. I'm looking for something under about $200. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

BTW
the list of games I desire to revisit include:
Morrowind+Oblivion
Vampire Masquerade
Star Wars Series
Various DnD games
NWN1 in particular

P.S.
I wasn't sure if this should go here or in software since I require XP32
but since the unknown variables are hardware related, I posted this here.

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 17 June 2012 - 03:44 AM.

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Hi NomDeKeyz

Have you tried Compatibility Mode http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301911 and http://windows.micro...sion-of-windows

[phillpower2]

Hi NomDeKeyz

Have you tried Compatibility Mode http://support.microsoft.com/kb/301911 and http://windows.micro...sion-of-windows

[NomDeKeyz]

Hi Phillpower2!
Nice to see you again! I hope all goes well for you at home and online.
Besides my gaming hiccup, computing/internetting goes well, as you can see;
I am currently sitting at the new computer and using it to type this post.
Unfortunately, I am home ill, and I miss gaming when stuck at home to heal.
I am sure that's more info than you need, but this way you understand why I
am jonesing so hard for my old interactive distractions at this time.

No, I have not tried compatibility mode for a few reasons...
1. We currently have Windows7home, which does not have compatibility mode.
2. I am ordering Windows7premium later today; probably from NewEgg/TigerD.
3. I have read in several paces that some of my older games still do not
___function optimally in windows7; even if using XP32 compatibility mode.
4. I have also read that Oblivion does not play nice with my new CPU.
5. I am so tired of trying things that don't work after hours of effort,
___that I want to try something that will work instantly with XP32 on it.

I figured the simple way to get me gaming again would be to buy a laptop with XP32.
Also, it would be a boon to have my games in a machine that is compact and portable.

[Macboatmaster]

If it is not too late and you have not already ordered windows 7 home premium, and as this is the new system you built a far more effective option is to install another hard drive If you HAVE a Windows XP 32 bit O/S disc available to use, you install that on the the new additional hard drive

It WILL depend on drivers for the XP 32 bit being available for the motherboard etc, but if they are, you then simply choose which system to boot into.

It is far easier than partitioning and installing dual boot on the same hard drive

It will cost you less than the reconditioned laptop you propose - the reliability of which you will not of course know, and in any case, generally speaking gaming on laptops in never really good, certainly on the sort of laptop you are proposing.

See this

NOTE: If you want to install XP on a separate internal hard drive instead, then skip this step and go to step 2.

on tis link
http://www.sevenforu...ndows-7-xp.html

and this
http://neosmart.net/...fter+Vista+or+7

NOTE
If you can find the drivers, this will work far better than installing XP 32 bit as a dual boot on the SAME hard drive - as you have 7 installed on.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for pitching in Macboatmaster

If you are unable to follow the cost effective alternative suggested by Mac then please see below;

Refurbished notebook (examples) http://www.ebay.com/...=item1c2847b829
HP Original specs http://h10025.www1.h...product=4043282
An alternative http://www.ebay.com/...=item1c282e40ec

As I am sure you are aware purchasing used products does carry a risk element with it.

Edited by phillpower2, 19 June 2012 - 11:58 AM.
Additional link added

[NomDeKeyz]

Thanks Macboatmaster and Phillpower2!

I have already ordered Windows7Pro, but it isn't wasted
either way as I was likely to end up with it anyhow...
I really like the idea of a Dual Boot with XPpro32 and
7pro64; as that would get everything working on one box.
[Will XP32 have issue with more ram than it can use?]
I was still having driver issue with both XP32 and XP64
on my motherboard. I have to 'slipstream' sp2 for XP32,
and some drivers and desired programs won't run in XP64.

I think I will try what you both suggest first...
I will try loading Win7pro64 and use XP32 mode.
I will then try setting up a dual boot OS system.
Finally I will try resurrecting my old box with
refurbished parts (I'd buy them new if I could).
I found some similar parts for ~$30 total, used.
(I found some less-old/better parts for an XP32
box, new, for as much/more as a new XP32 laptop)

I have had good luck with some games on laptops,
but I agree; laptops aren't ideal gaming rigs...
That being said, I like the refurbished HP, and
I will reconsider it if my other attempts fail.
Or if I grow so exasperated again... I apologize
for posting when I was so wrought and impatient.
I am recovering both my patience and my health;
I thank you both for your patience and guidance.

ThanX AbuncH You Two!!!

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 19 June 2012 - 10:32 PM.

[phillpower2]

You are welcome and GTG wish you a speedy recovery back to full health

[Macboatmaster]

Likewise best wishes for your recovery to full health

There will not be a problem with the ram, it will just like any other 32 bit only see 3.2 Gb or so

The problem if there is one will be finding drivers for the XP, for the new build motherboard - chipset etc.

[NomDeKeyz]

Even tho I did not get the laptop I was looking for, I am taking the
advice offered in this post; I have installed Win7x64 on my new box;
I am really happy with it as an operating system, so far.
I found it to be much easier to install/set-up than XP. Pleasant even.
So far, I have installed: avast!, MBAM, SAS, Firefox, and Silverlight.
I am in the midst of installing my favoured video game: Oblivion...

Edit: I decided my software question didn't belong here.
I suppose this thread can be closed since I am no longer
seeking a laptop with XP32. I have opted to follow the
sage advice of Macboatmaster and Phillpower2 (and Troy).
Currently, I am attempting to use compatibility mode...

Thanks Bunches!!!

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 02 July 2012 - 12:27 PM.

[NomDeKeyz]

Edit: Nevermind

Edited by NomDeKeyz, 02 July 2012 - 12:26 PM.

[phillpower2]

Even tho I did not get the laptop I was looking for, I am taking the
advice offered in this post; I have installed Win7x64 on my new box;
I am really happy with it as an operating system, so far.
I found it to be much easier to install/set-up than XP. Pleasant even.
So far, I have installed: avast!, MBAM, SAS, Firefox, and Silverlight.
I am in the midst of installing my favoured video game: Oblivion...

Edit: I decided my software question didn't belong here.
I suppose this thread can be closed since I am no longer
seeking a laptop with XP32. I have opted to follow the
sage advice of Macboatmaster and Phillpower2 (and Troy).
Currently, I am attempting to use compatibility mode...

Thanks Bunches!!!

Thanks for the follow up and you are welcome

[Macboatmaster]

and from me - good luck with it

You may be interested in this, it is a more effective way of running XP than the simple compatability mode
You are in effect actually running XP
Although I have read reports of it not always being successful

http://www.microsoft...c/download.aspx



If howeber you do install XP to a separate partition, as a physical install of XP - dual boot, be aware of the restore point problem.
Every time you open XP it wil delete your Windows 7 restore points
There is a simple fix to avoid this
It works perfectly asd this computer I am replying to you on is a dual boot with XP and 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/926185

http://www.vistax64....oot-delete.html

CAUTION Note carefully please that the procedure adopted depends on which drive partition 7 is installed

[Macboatmaster]

This issue now being dealt with here
http://www.geekstogo...__fromsearch__1

NomDeKeyz informed on that topic that this one has been closed so that he is not attempting to reply to two topics relating to more or less the same issue