Thumbs up for the small businesses decision in favor of XP, thumbs down for not offering this to home users. Not all of them long for "the greatest & largest". Sometimes a PC is just a PC. But anyway: ok for serving small business with XP.

"Dell does not have plans to launch Windows XP for home users as the preference and demand is for the “latest and greatest” technology which includes Windows Vista."

What about those of us who want the "latest and greatest" in the form of an XPS710 with Vista Ultimate? Any news on when this will be ready?

Lionel, as of today, this policy has not been implemented in Canada. As we speak, I have a new Inspiron 9400 on its way to me to replace my defective one, and I was forced to accept Windows Vista Business pre-installed on it.

 My boss is on the verge of ordering another 9400 for himself. Shall I tell him that he should wait until this regionally discriminatory policy is corrected for Canadians businesses who don't want to be forced to beta test Vista?

http://osp.us.dell.com/Vista/HotIssues.htm#oob

Error message: 

svchost.exe -- application error the instruction at "0x745f2780" reference memory at "0x00000000". the memory could not be 'read'

Event log yielded the following:

Faulting application svchost.exe, version 5.1.2600.2180, faulting module msi.dll, version 3.1.4000.2435, fault address 0x00012780.

Repair Steps:

1. Verify Windows Update and BITS Service settings:
   1. Click Start->Run, type "services.msc" (without quotation marks) in the open box and click OK.
   2. Double click the service "Automatic Updates".
   3. Click on the Log On tab, please ensure the option "Local System account" is selected and the option "Allow service to interact with desktop" is unchecked.
   4. Check if this service has been enabled on the listed Hardware Profile. If not, please click the Enable button to enable it.
   5. Click on the tab "General "; make sure the "Startup Type" is "Automatic". Then please click the button "Start" under "Service Status" to start the service.
   6. Repeat the above steps with the other service: Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
      
2. Re-Register the Windows Update DLLs
   1. Click on Start and then click Run, type: cmd and click OK.
   2. In the command window type "REGSVR32 WUAPI.DLL" (without quotation marks) and press Enter.
      When you receive the "DllRegisterServer in WUAPI.DLL succeeded" message, click OK.
      
      
   3. Please repeat these steps for each of the following commands:
      REGSVR32 WUAUENG.DLL
      REGSVR32 WUAUENG1.DLL
      REGSVR32 ATL.DLL
      REGSVR32 WUCLTUI.DLL
      REGSVR32 WUPS.DLL
      REGSVR32 WUPS2.DLL
      REGSVR32 WUWEB.DLL

1. Next stop the windows update Service by typing:  “net stop WuAuServ”
1. Rename the Windows Update folder:
   1. Click Start, Run, type: %windir% and press Enter.
      In the opened folder, rename the folder SoftwareDistribution to SD_Old.
2. Restart the Windows Update Service.
   1. Click Start, Run, net start WuAuServ 
3. Reboot system
4. Manually run Windows Update

I just had a Precision 390 arrive last Friday. It was ordered with XP Pro. And frankly, if XP had not been an option, I would not have ordered at all. Yes, for many of us (and I've talked to a lot of people about this), Vista is a total deal-breaker. And that means for Dell, a lost sale. I'm glad you're doing this on the Small Business side, but I think you (and your customers) would benefit from doing it on the Home/Home Office side as well.

 

Glen T,

No OS installed Dimension computers from Dell:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/dimen_n?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

N-Series,

No 'n' series E520's or E521's available in Canada. Again, regional disparity.

> Dell does not have plans to launch Windows XP for home users as the preference and demand is for the “latest and greatest” technology which includes Windows Vista.

I would assert that you do not have sufficient factual data to support that assertion, and I'm not entirely certain that it's possible *to* have such data.

Sounds like the marketing department wrote that one to me... 

Rule 'o' Thumb.......

"Never go with an operating system until after the first Service Patch." 

--x_boy

@Glen,

The Desktop is nice, but why no laptops.  I am ready to purchase two laptops right now, and would love to simply by no-os systems since I will be loading a legal copy of XP and a ubunto machine.   Again, props for the n series, but we need laptops.

I am currently shopping for a laptop and would like to make it my fourth Dell purchase.  However with XP not being offered on the Home/Gaming Laptops, I'm afraid I will have to take my business elsewhere.  I work in a PC support department, and the increasing number of issues we see related to Vista, and from every experience I have had touching the operating system, it will not be making it's way into my household.  Vista may be the "latest" OS, but it is by NO means the greatest, and in many peoples opinions is a large downgrade from XP.  The day XP is no longer offered/supported is the day the rest of my systems are switched to Linux.

For Dell to offer Windows XP again could only be beneficial for them. Not only will they save money on implementing mature support procedures and time-tested configurations, they will also gain from those people who have been advised from IT Pros, such as myself, to not purchase a Vista computer and look for XP instead. As Matt P said above, I will be happy to recommend Dell again.

I am pleased Dell has given in to demand, I only wish Dell would do the same with their monitors. The 2007FP is a fantastic 4:3 20 inch display (1600x1200) yet it is no longer offered as a monitor choice. There are plenty of users who want big UXGA 4:3 displays over widescreen's, it would be nice for Dell to bring them back.

"Dell does not have plans to launch Windows XP for home users as the preference and demand is for the “latest and greatest” technology which includes Windows Vista."

I fail to see the point of this argument. It is not about *forcing* people to use XP but rather to given them the *option*. Vista may be default but for the (minority of) users who do not want Vista, why not give them the chance to become a Dell customer?
 

After purchasing with Dell for many years, I'm afraid this will be the last.  Purchased a dimension 9200 the week after they were no longer available with XP on them, Vista only, with assurances that there were and would not be any issues with Vista.  Lo and behold, the software that our company relies on is not currently working with the new Vista OS.  Dell was willing to switch the new 9200 for a similarly equipped E520 series, but the E500 was more expensive for the same features.  In the end, it was about the same cost to simply go to the store and buy a full version of XP professional and install it ourselves, at least limiting our down time.  I was in disbelief when I was informed that Dell could do absolutely nothing to help me with purchasing a 2nd operating system for one computer after the first was worthless, even if I sent back all the Vista material.  Something someone else said with "lining microsoft's pocket twice" comes to mind....   Unacceptable.
I've never been one to give Mac computers a second look, but I think Vista is going to help them out quite a bit.  I'm glad Dell is willing to help out some users with offering XP on certain platforms, but in my company's case, thanks for nothing.

  In January, I phoned Dell to purchase the Dimensions E-521 Desktop with Windows XP code # 0935-BDPH5BJ I spoke to a man named "James" he said they had run out of that model but, would have it in another week or two, so to phone back then.  When I phoned back, I was told that they" no longer had that Code Special"  but, that they  would be "having another sale next month with a more powerful computer and only $100 more and it would  have Windows XP on it". Now I find out that you no longer sell XP.  Only Vista?  I do not WANT Vista. Several of my friends have Vista and HATE it.

                     an angry customer. Louetta Nicolle

Personally I will not be moving to Vista until the DRM is stripped from it.  XP has and does work quite fine for me and if and when I purchase another computer/laptop I will not be force fed Vista simply because m$ wants it to so.  Even if I'm required to purchase a clean formatted computer with no operating system (where I'll install XP), I will do so without the unnecessary added charge for an unwanted copy of Vista.

 www.defectivebydesign.org

I am still waiting for the Dell XPS-710 Vista availability. I have been told that both the Sound Blaster X-Fi and the Nvidia 8800 logic boards require new Vista drivers which have not be written yet. There may also be a Nvidia Motherboard problem.

Can someone at Dell tell me when they think the XPS-710 will be available with Vista installed?

A few interesting Vista-related facts:

As of the end of March, 2007, 129 applications were certified or designed for Windows Vista, and 922 applications worked or were compatible with Windows Vista. That leaves tens of thousands of legacy Windows apps that MS has left to business (us) to beta test for them.

The PC industry badly needed Vista. XP was stable and most PC users had no pressing need to upgrade either hardware or operating system. PC sales were slumping. Along comes MS with a new OS that simply will not run properly on most installed PC hardware.

MS engaged their major retailers and OEMs with contracts that forced them to remove XP product from shelves and distribution within a few days of Vista release. This was unprecidented. I personally know of a major office supply retailer in Canada who was instructed by their head office to remove hardware delivered with XP from their shelves "by midnight" and return them to the warehouse.

XP Pro will be supported by MS until 2012.

Angela,

Yes, you can.  I do it all the time.  When checking out, just put your name in the business name category, and viola! your good. 

Grrr!!! Why dont you just give an option of XP with all your Laptops. I am a small business owner and I like gaming once in a while so I picked up a XPS M1210.

The system is awesome, I loved from the moment it arrived. That is till the point I tried to run a few of my applications(Woo hoo!! the love lasted for like 10 mins) on VISTA. Guess what none of them work.

I am not even going to talk about the games and the issues I have.

I just don't understand why DELL would want to go out there and spoil one of their products or atleast spoil the experience associated with one of their products.

So now the question is am I a business user or a home user and why are you trying to sell Windows? If Vista is as good as their marketing claims people will ask you for it why are you have to shove it down people's throat.

If you cannot sell XP then why don't you give a clean machine without an OS?

The thing that really pisses me off is that the machine is great. But thanks to one minor(If you can call a OS minor) hiccup  the whole experience is lost

Unfortunately, I got trapped into purchasing a Dell Dimension E520 with Windows Vista. At time of purchase (small business) I was told they no longer offer XP.

 I am now stuck with a computer I cannot use for many important business applications. Tried calling Dell but they won't accept a return now (about 60 days later, I had an employee set it up and use it a little before I tried to put it to use).

I ended up paying for an OS that I WILL NOT USE. I want out. I need a computer with XP.

What can I do?

The company that I work for just completed a purchase of 4 reconditioned desktops that include XP COA's. The decision was made partially because these systems are $100 less than the cost of an XP license by itself. We wanted XP.

One e-tail software vendor in Canada is now selling XP Pro retail versions for $50 more than they are selling Vista Business retail versions. That's $50 more than the original retail price of XP. What does this tell you?

I note that Dell Canada has introduced a couple of entry-level Inspiron laptops with XP as an option. Unfortunately, XP is not yet available across the board for these models, like it is in the US. Perhaps they are just clearing stock of Inspirons that are simply too slow to run Vista?

Don't announce a fixed schedule for abandoning XP - it only encourages the enemy.  If we don't stop Vista at the factory it will follow us home.

I won't touch Vista for at least 3 more months, either for work or home.  If I have to I will change brands, delay purchases, or even build my own.

I have just purchased a new computer with this preloaded Vista Home User program on it and it has been a nightmare.  I am a novice to all of this and feel that I have been taken.  All I wanted to do was print out letters and flyers for my seniors group functions (I can write things out faster).  I bought a new computer, monitor and printer.  After reading the other complaints, I see that the printer issues I'm having are not just mine.  After calling in for tech support we are told, that the system needs to be left on for 24 to 48 hours for the indexing functions to kick in.  My God, I'm using this thing in my home not in an office and have no need to leave it on all of the time. 

My daughter says that this Vista program should have been beta tested longer, whatever that means.  No wonder major retailors, like my local Costco stopped selling Dell.  I should have bought the HP instead of this frustrating contraption.  I think a major class action suit should start to reimburse consumers for all of their time and frustration.  Why would a company sell something to people that has so many known problems.  If techies can't figure it out, what chance does the average person have. 

Everybody doesn't buy a computer to play games on.  I think Dell should send everyone who has made a recent PC purchase a box, to send this thing back to the warehouse, a refund and a note stating that they are sorry, and won't every punish their customers like this again.

NOW CHARGING $50 FOR XP:

What a ripoff!  Dell is now charging home users $50 to get the option of XP.  A friend just ordered one today.  I too was one of the suckers Dell told could not have XP on my PC.  They are obviously in cahoots with Microsoft.  I've had it!  I'm so disgusted with them that this may surely be my last Dell computer! 
 

Hi,

Windows Vista i a beautiful Operating system but the main problem is when someone is trying to use a third party hardware like a wireless usb adapter or any other hardware like a digital camera or a printer.

Some of the third party hardwares do have a Vista compatible 32-bit driver but the rest does not.

For those customer's its really a matter.So as a Dell certified Technician i will suggest all the Dell customer's using Windows Vista as the Operating System do check for the 32-bit driver for the particular hardware before purchasing it.But yes if its a Dell product we are here to take care of all your issues..You will get all the drivers available in the support website ( http://support.dell.com ). 

I clicked onto the Dell Co. and they are now offering Windows XP
I ordered, and recieved, my Dell E521 with "Windows XP Home Edition" on May 8th the thing that really upset me was they do NOT come with a manual, so after using Windows 98SE  all these years, I am having trouble learning how to use the XP. I had to purchase a book "Windows XP Home Edition, The lost manual" for $36 hopefully when the book  arrives, I will be able to use it.  But, you can purchase Windows with  XP on it from Dell.

Hi Lionel,

First of all greetings from Belgium. With great admiration I read on another blog (Adam Dorrell's, who I once indirectly worked for when he was at Sony Style - Hi Adam ;) that Dell is offering Laptops with XP on it. I mention great admiration for two reasons: one is for not following the herd (you start to act like Apple ;-), and two is for really listening and fulfilling needs of the customer.

However, when I spoke with Dell Benelux, my admiration was tempered. It seems that the WinXP offer is not valid for Benelux (Belgium). Benelux is indeed a smaller market compared to the english speaking countries, however, it would be wonderful to also fulfill needs of customers over here.

Many thanks for taking a look at the possibility to offer XP also to Belgium!

Kind regards,
Bart

Patchy Windows XP Pro support on the new Vostro small business offerings makes me wonder if Dell is reconsidering their committment to continue to offer XP to the business community.

I spent two hours running Windows Vista Business today on my Inspiron 9400. Among the many annoyances:

1. Our own in-house versions of our commercial software product will not uninstall (fails with an error) UNLESS you turn off the User Account Control. It did not offer the option of uninstalling under administrative privileges because I was RUNNING as ADMIN.
2. Every time I rebooted or returned from stand-by on my Dell Inspiron 9400, Vista threw away my monitor arrangement and reverted to having the 9400's internal monitor as the primary screen and the external monitor as a secondary screen on the right. This is exactly the opposite of the way that I have it set up, and which XP is happy to leave alone.
3. Clocked just under 7 minutes to shutdown and reboot with almost no user software installed.
4. Vista misidentified my Lexar 512 MB thumb drive and asked me if I wanted to correct the problem by formatting it (it had actually opened fine).
5. The popping/zooming window animations started to make me feel queasy after a while, and I was soon looking for the off button.

I was just doing some testing under Vista today and thank the deities that I don't have to use it every day for actual work (I don't think that it would be possible to do so). Was glad to pop the HD with XP back into the machine and get back to work.

Several months in and Vista Business is STILL not ready for prime time.

I was rather excited to get Vista on my (non-dell) laptop, that was coming in a week. In the meantime, my boss (I am a student worker for my school's IT department) wanted me to test Vista out on a computer at work. I played with it for two hours, and thought it was alright for the basic functions at school. (My school runs Dell Precision 380/390s)

However, I then got my laptop, and tried to play a rather old game that I am fond of, and Vista is eating up too much RAM and video ram for me to do it. I later discovered, VIA a RAM monitor for Sidebar, over 70% of my computer's RAM is being eaten up with just Vista and Sidebar open. Since it's a laptop, the RAM also doubles as video-ram, so Vista eats RAM on laptops doubly. It's a royal pain, frankly, and the worst of it is that I can't get Vista off of my laptop! I really really <i>really</i> want to go back to XP so that I can have a computer that actually runs.

I am an it security specialist with over 10 years experience and Vista is probably the worst OS ever. Worse than Millenium and NT combined.

Of all the people I know who have bought a Vista machine, not one of them is happy, half have decided to reinstall XP, the other half have switched to Linux, my mother was given a present of a windows vista laptop from dell and she is returning it because she is not happy with it.

Nothing works on it, and no one wants it, the fastest way for Dell to go out of business is to force vista on people.

Untill I see XP as the standard option on ALL PCs and they offer a Free Vista to XP solution to everyone who has been cheated into buying a Vista machine I will tell everyone I can to stear clear of Dell and Vista.

I just got off the phone with Sales, who told me that there is no way that Dell would sell me an XPS M1530 without a pre-installed operating system, nor would they consider refunding the price of the OS if I uninstalled and returned the media.

Here's the deal:  I don't need an OS.  I'm trying to replaced an elderly XPS B800R, which will be recycled.  Hence, I will have a retail Windows XP license available for my new system. 

Forgetting for the moment that Vista is ridiculously overpriced and doesn't measure up to Windows XP in any of a hundred ways, why am I forced to purchase software that I don't need? 

Dell is forcing my hand.  I refuse to spend hundreds of dollars on unnecessary software.  Since Dell won't offer to sell me a system without an OS or to refund the price of the purchased OS if I return the software, then I have no choice but to start building my own systems.  Having purchased only 15 or 20 systems from Dell in the past seven years I understand that I'm a very small fish in a big sea, but it is my hope that others will revolt in this way as well.  Not just against Dell, but all the major manufacturers who force us to purchase unneeded OS licenses.

Dell is offering XP on a limited number of business PCs, but for the newest systems and home systems, forget it.  IdeaStorm is a great place to vent, but the top rated issues are the ones asking for more choice in the operating system options, and they're being widely ignored by Dell.  If Dell is truly sincere about listening to their customers, they'll take immediate steps to address this issue.

I'm not holding my breath.  I'm off to price out the components of my new, home-built system that for now is my only option.  It won't be as sleek and sexy as the XPS M series laptops, but at least I won't be spending money on software I don't need.

I own a small medical practice, and run a Dell with XP at the office. I'm considering buying a smaller, lightweight Dell laptop so that I may "take my work home with me" on occasion, and not spend my entire life at the office. The laptop I'm considering buying comes with the Vista O/S installed, and from all I've read and heard, the Vista is not going to work effectively in conjunction with my current programs/peripherals.

My question is: Can I still obtain the XP O/S from Dell, and what's involved in changing operating systems? Plus, in addition to the new laptop, what's it going to cost me to revert to XP from Vista? Is it something that I, a novice, can do, or will it require the services of a professional to install the system, if it is available? 

Hi JJ,

Recommend you purchase one with XP already on it.  Don't waste your time with Vista as you will wind up getting burnt.  If all you wish to do is review at home you do not need a hign end laptop.  Purchase a high amount of RAM and you will be fine,

Lee

I'm devastated by the idea that home computer users are exempt from the switch back to XP, I thought I'd discovered a life line.  I bought a Dell because I have had great results with both their computers and services.  I've recommended their computers to those around me and the Dr.'s office that I work for set their whole operation up with Dells.  I was greatly disappointed when I bought my new computer and felt it was my own fault because I stupid enough to think a Wal-Mart (sorry for any offense to Wal Mart, but couldn't help but think it.)purchase of a Dell product had to be good also.  Anyway after spending more to have the geeks transfer data and help with all the "non-compatibles" I learned that it was Microsoft that I should be mad at.  I started exploring the Vista problems.  People hate it and not just the small business people.  Actually the only one's I've heard anything positive from are the geeks (I'm sure they are saavy enough to know far more than I but I still need a computer setup that I can actually use).  Anyway, I visited the geeks again last night to see about buying an XP program and  was told it was a far more complex task than I could do myself and aside from paying another $300 for the program (thank you very much Microsoft) that I would be charged a substantial fee for the switch.  The "great buy" computer has already cost me more than a higher guality computer would have in the first place, however, because Vista is now the only offering available, I suspect the only thing that would be different is that I would be spending even more to be unable to use my own computer.  I was told I can't even buy a new computer now with XP.  I need help....any suggestions that I may still be able to afford.    Please.....

Hmm i guess i'm a geek, but i still prefer XP, especially on low end laptops, which is all most people (that i tend to help) need. Seems such a waste to get a more powerful machine, just to handle Vista!!!
Hopefully Vista SP2 will help (yes i mean SP2 even though SP1 is only just getting out) as I expect SP1 will just fix the bugs, and SP2 will hold most performance gains (from what i've heard).

So i guess, Dell you've lost me buying your hardware for a while... i may come back when SP2 comes out and the hardware can easily handle it (ye'old Moore's law type of stuff).

Interim hope... buying a second hand laptop that has XP... just replace the Hard-drive and always backup - external media.. it should be cheaper still anyway, which could cover the risk of it failing...(can always revert to the backups). Oh... and other brands will ship without OS at a push... and some with XP.

When XP is discontinued in June of this year, what will Dells stand be as far as sales?  Will we still be able to buy business machines with XP loaded from Dell, and for how long??