I could understand recommending 7, in no way could I understand recommending XP - an 11 year old system that is soon to run out of any kind of support.
The only time I'd recommend XP these days is if the user has a really old PC that's still working but won't run anything newer. Otherwise it's W7/Mac/a Linux distro all the way. Oh and no Vista The only thing my dad would recommend in connection with Vista is a 14 pound sledgehammer
Except that Linux Mint is a better distro than Ubuntu these days, since it's more user friendly for novices, and the version
that I linked to in my earlier message uses the MATE desktop environment, which maintains a very Windows like layout.
The default GNOME 3 layout in Ubuntu is a hybrid mess of GUI styles combining elements of Android with a bit of OS X,
with the resulting GUI looking more like it should be running on a tablet device, rather than a desktop or a laptop.
Agree with you, Saying that it depends on what the Op wants from his laptop, if just for browsing the net, doing a bit of word processing, then it is fine. the one problem is if the Op wants to watch something like Lovefilm or netflicks, silverlight videos don't work on Linux.
Just reading around and it seems some people can install OK and some cannot.
I think it depends on the SATA chipset in the laptop.
And maybe SP3 of WIndows XP installation disk has more/better drivers?
On those machines it installed on correctly the BIOS was likely set to compatibility mode, which basically makes SATA look like an old-style PATA drive.
AFAIK even WinXP SP3 doesn't include any SATA drivers, but you can whip up your own install disc by slip-streaming some in there.
I agree with the other posters suggesting to at least try Linux Mint before buying an XP license/disc. It can be downloaded and tried out without delay, and may just save the OP a few quid. The worst that can happen is the OP doesn't like it and then buys Windows, so why not give it a try?
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The only time I'd recommend XP these days is if the user has a really old PC that's still working but won't run anything newer. Otherwise it's W7/Mac/a Linux distro all the way. Oh and no Vista
http://www.schtrade.co.uk/grade-b-1/?sort=featured
Aprreciate the help so far - bit of an eye opener. Thought it was just a matter of whacking in a CD/DVD and 'Robert's your uncle'!
Which software do you need to be able to run on it? I would try a linux distro as a play around if i were you. Try out
http://linuxmint.com/
Sadly it will be used by my kids aswell who will insist on a Windows based OP
Have a quick scan of some videos of linux mint. It might even appeal to them.
They can still do everything on facebook and youtube
The main thing thats lacking is gaming though.
But then the SATA issue arises, XP probably won't install without some extra work.
I don't know for sure so best ask on an HP support site, probably revolves around SATA Native Support being disabled first then:
Install Win XP (check boot order is Optical Drive first)
Install SATA drivers for Windows XP
Turn on SATA Native Support again (in the BIOS)
But best check with those who really know.
Whats wrong with W7?
The price. The laptop was about £100 so I just assumed the OP wanted the cheapest option.
W7 will be trivial to install of course, is it about £70?
Ah, very good point.
Tell them Linux is cooler than Windows and that they'll be in an elite minority.:)
Majority wins at their age!
Are these what I am looking for?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home-Edition-Upgrade-Version-2002-/160890747988?pt=UK_Computing_Software_Software_SR&hash=item2575d5fc54#ht_500wt_949
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Windows-XP-Professional-Full-Retail-Version-/320992680411?pt=UK_Computing_Software_Software_SR&hash=item4abca799db#ht_500wt_949
Agree with you, Saying that it depends on what the Op wants from his laptop, if just for browsing the net, doing a bit of word processing, then it is fine. the one problem is if the Op wants to watch something like Lovefilm or netflicks, silverlight videos don't work on Linux.
The FULL version of Windows XP is needed.
This one you linked to looks fine.
Windows XP Professional - Full Retail Version
But a FULL version of XP Home will be ok as well.
You don't want an upgrade, "upgrade" means there is already a Windows OS installed. And there isn't.
Just reading around and it seems some people can install OK and some cannot.
I think it depends on the SATA chipset in the laptop.
And maybe SP3 of WIndows XP installation disk has more/better drivers?
On those machines it installed on correctly the BIOS was likely set to compatibility mode, which basically makes SATA look like an old-style PATA drive.
AFAIK even WinXP SP3 doesn't include any SATA drivers, but you can whip up your own install disc by slip-streaming some in there.
I agree with the other posters suggesting to at least try Linux Mint before buying an XP license/disc. It can be downloaded and tried out without delay, and may just save the OP a few quid. The worst that can happen is the OP doesn't like it and then buys Windows, so why not give it a try?
No, your wrong, its an operating system that works with touch screens + keyboards + mouse.
XP is fine but support for it is stopping so really I'd opt for Windows 7 or 8 and 1-2 extra Gb of ram would be nice
There is a Vista sticker on it and on the base there is a Vista Business sticker with Certificate of Authenticity on it with a longish serial number
With the machine off, press power on (and release) then press F11 (I think) and keep holding it down.
If F11 is the correct key and there is a hidden OS on the hard drive then a message like "HP/Compaq System Recovery" will appear.
Is Vista that terrible an OS? I have never used it.