Dell Re-Adding Windows XP Option on PCs

Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:27PM EDT

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Whoa, did someone listen? 2,400 of you (and counting) weighed in on why you aren't upgrading to Windows Vista on a prior blog post of mine. Dell's IdeaStorm saw a flurry of calls for alternative OSes on its computers, a sign of rampant dissatisfaction with Vista. Dell listened once, announcing it would offer Linux as an option in the near future. Now it's listened again: The company has said it will offer Windows XP as an option on home computers once again.

This move is just the latest sign of trouble for Microsoft's new OS. Despite breathless claims of superior sales through some awfully creative mathematics, most analysts have pegged the actual numbers as disappointing. The reason is pretty simple: People just really hate Vista.

The details are a little hazy as to which machines would have XP as an option, but I'd think with a phone call you ought to be able to get XP preloaded on just about any Dell computer you want to buy. Microsoft is playing this off as standard operating procedure, of course.

What I'd love to see next: More vendors getting in on this XP revival movement. HP, Toshiba, Gateway... how about it? Make some waves and tell Microsoft you don't want to be pushed around by being forced to sell your lovely PCs with their busted OS. And of course, I'd still like to see Microsoft reintroduce Windows XP formally, or at least extend the amount of time it will be sold and use it as the basis for a hasty replacement for Vista. If you feel the same way, you can continue to add your comments to my open letter to Microsoft!

LINK: Dell brings back XP on home systems

Comments on Dell Re-Adding Windows XP Option on PCs

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  • 6 Posted by eremite2003 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:55PM EDT Report Abuse

    What great news! Dell is again proving itself to be customer responsive and that is very refreshing! As the local tech in a small village, I've been flooded with calls from frustrated customers who are attempting to understand and interact with Vista. If Dell will offer XP on at least their entry level units, it will go a long way toward customer satisfaction. Vista is way too problematic for basic home users. I've been doing this for decades and even I have removed Vista from all my computers and gone back to the reliable and user-friendly Windows XP.

  • 7 Posted by sjulien2 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why not get Dell to install OSX on their boxes? If you can run XP on and Apple you ought to be able to do it in reverse with some slick negotiations. Mike...Steve. Steve...Mike. Ok start talking guys. Bill, sorry buddy Vista Sucks!

  • 8 Posted by ib4it on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:22PM EDT Report Abuse

    Vista might be OK when Moore's law kicks in and computers become about 10 times as fast as they are now. Can you say B L O A T W A R E ????????

  • 9 Posted by shellyejo on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:19PM EDT Report Abuse

    My job just bought new laptops, from Dell, for all the supervisors. They came with Vista. I just got mine yesterday. I already miss my XP. :(

  • 10 Posted by jaspersara369 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    Gateway will also sell you a new PC with Windows XP installed, a friend of mine recently purchased a top of the line Gateway laptop, he ordered by phone, and they gladly shipped his computer with XP Professional, it even included a free upgrade to Vista, if he so desires it in the future. Vista has many new and interesting features, but only a handfull of people need them, it should NOT be forced on the public! Windows XP is a rock solid OS, and should be available on ANY new PC, I plan on staying with XP on all 3 of my computers for the forseeable future.

  • 11 Posted by whisketjack_98 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:44PM EDT Report Abuse

    Microsoft, like most big compamies, have a habit of "fixing what ain't broke", and they have the big bucks and power to force consumers to buy the newer product, want it or not. This is all done in a timely manner in order to boost their profits and keep sales up. It's wide spread, auto makers use to design in failure to keep new car sales going. The Japanese market stopped alot of that but it is still around. Just refuse to buy it if you can and tell the big guy why will help.

  • 12 Posted by sushieatingmentor on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    With the ongoing scew ups from Microsoft- I am going to MAC/Apple- I have a laptop Dell, desktop Dell and another I had built-- I am not going to be forced to do this "Vista" financial trap. Or be forced to buy a new computer with Vista. If Vista wants to look like a MAC--ok, then I will buy a MAC. Consumers ALWAYS have a choice and if we don't like the item- then we will not buy it! Microsoft- get off your high horse!

  • 14 Posted by eltony50@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    I agree with everyone else who posted comments people are not ready for Vista when XP has done so well. I have XP on two of my computers and I love it. I would'nt spend my money on Vista or take it as a gift.

  • 15 Posted by skiprnccm on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    There is no way I will switch to Vista until it is proven to me that all the bugs are worked out, and it is a viable OS. End of comment...I just will not do it, if it means switching to Mac.

  • 16 Posted by skshaddix on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    I don't see how Microsoft can keep from putting XP back on the roster. As time goes on, their sales will suffer more & more. I bought a Dell just before the switch to Vista & was offered a $10 upgrade to the Vista system when it came out...I won't waste the $10. It just ain't what it's cracked up to be, and, it's way too intrusive for my taste. Mr. Null, thanks for all the good work you do here. You've defintely been a help to me.

  • 17 Posted by jim316@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    Someone is finally making some sense. And while they're at it, maybe some upgrades for Windows 98 ? There is nothing wrong with that program. It works just fine !

  • 18 Posted by spaceman_van on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:34PM EDT Report Abuse

    I have 3 computers, two are two slow for vista and one is vista compatible. I bought vista home premium for my personal laptap and I throughly enjoy it. I tcertainly is not perfect but I like it more then XP. I had problems with XP and I have problems with vista but the positive aspects of it out weigh the small (yes small) problems. I also got home office at the same time and the two together work well (I know office works with xp as I got it on my other two computers). I have to say that when XP came out there were the people who complained about that too. For me though vista is a good product, not perfect but good.

  • 19 Posted by adbrey2626 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    I was going to buy a Dell Computer but not if I can't get it with Windows XP pro.the windows vista I got is the worst thing you can get,please keep Winows X P on the market. Thank you Adolpho

  • 20 Posted by kblack_69z on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    I want to order a HP laptop, but with XP Pro, not vista. PLEASE listen vendors and MS.

  • 21 Posted by shadowman_26 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    Quit the whining. Everyone said the same thing about XP when it came out. No one like it because of the new interface. It was totally different from 98/ME. The security features alone make Vista what it is. Bitlocker? Let's see your XP machine do that. FIrewall you ask? Vista covers both inbound/outbound whereas XP covers outbound only. Major improvement from Microsoft. The features continue to go on. Yes, you need a system to run Vista, no doubt, but all systems built within the last 2 years are Vista compliant. I am running Vista Ultimate and I absoutely love it. It found all my hardware and installed it without problems. Only thing I had to update was my printer driver. Lexmark had that. I give Vista 10 out of 10!!!!!

  • 22 Posted by ara_vartanian on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    I was one of the unlucky ones who bought Vista from Dell soon after launch. Took me weeks to get basic connectivity (internet, graphics card drivers). A whole bunch of things still fail on startup with no promise of correction coming soon. It took me days to even get it to this point. People quite correctly pointed out that that time I lost cost me more than buying a new XP computer. Congratulations, Microsoft! You succeeded in doing what no one else could: breaking your own OS monopoly by creating such a woeful product that you've split your own market. I wonder how much money Microsoft's products cause the rest of the world in lost productivity. I wonder if it's greater or lower than the cost of hours lost owing to unexploded land mines.

  • 23 Posted by kcwmn@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Dell will not be making the XP available to home users. Read the following article. http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AlxdRidlooG_qPV5owuhOjAsLpA5/SIG=11hp6aj69/**http%3A//news.com.com/2100-1046_3-6177619.html

  • 24 Posted by tommygun1245 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:15PM EDT Report Abuse

    I would like all computer manufactures to offer Windows XP as an optional OS to all computers. I really don't want to change all the software programs that I am currently using because they are not compatible with Vista.

  • 25 Posted by jadejo3boys on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    I'm sure glad that ONE company pays attention to consumers. I have been considering a DELL for my next computer; now I'm sure of it. I had also been considering a Gateway. Any comments from users?

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