I ordered a new Dell XPS 410 with an intel core 2 Quad processor, 4gb ram and a 500 GB serial ATA II hard drive and it came with Vista Ultimate installed. Turns out most of my mapping and CAD software wint run with Vista so I wnated to switch to XP Pro. I cant get it to install? First I tried a dual boot to no avail so then I tried a clean install and got the Blue screen. So I took it to a local computer shop near by and they could not get it to do a clean install. They said the computer was not compatable with XP Pro. ? How is that possible? Does it have to do with the recovery partitons dell puts on the computers? Is there software specific hardware? Lyle

I'd recommend you contact Dell. Your system comes with rapid response support, so use it. :) Life's more painless for the brainless.

well, the computer certainly is compatible with XP, the problem is the lack of native support in windows XP for modern SATA/RAID controllers.

**They said the computer was not compatable with XP Pro.** I wouldn't be taking any PC's to them, that's for sure. I agree with response 1 Some HELP in posting on Cnet plus free progs and instructions Glad to Help!

Well dell wants me to send it back to them at my cost plus a restock fee so no damn way! Is there anyway to solve the proble with XP SATA/Raid controllers? I have not worked much with and of the newer setups and am unfamiliar with the SATA/RAID issue. Lyle

no need to send it back to dell, here are your options: 1. in the BIOS setup utility change the SATA operation mode to IDE / NON-Raid and try again. 2. when asked during windows setup if you wish to install 3rd party drivers, press F6 and inster a floppy with the appropriate controller driver. 3. no floppy? you can slipstream the controller driver into your installation CD (guides are plenty, i recommend nLite) http://www.nliteos.com/

Thanks Oracle! Any opinion on which option is the best? Lyle