Did you first format the HDD then install XP? Or is the above because you installed XP on another partition? I don't understand why installing XP would come out only a partial install.
Forgeddabout gathering the drivers from DELL; they must have aggreements w/ MS that the machine is vista-only.
This is also likely for others (i.e. Best Buy) I'd assume.
Other users have now gathered all the required drivers and put them in single packages for download. The bottom line: Everything works now with no "yellow-flag" hardware.
So, you're saying, XP can only be installed 'partially' on a former Vista machine, but the balance (drivers, etc.) can be obtained from sources online. Is this correct? What are those sources?
Yes, I formatted first (I used a new HDD, saving the original HDD in case any XP show-stopper occurred). By "partial install", you mean without many drivers? Well, the XP I used just didn't include drivers that I ultimately needed.
So, you're saying, XP can only be installed 'partially' on a former Vista machine, but the balance (drivers, etc.) can be obtained from sources online. Is this correct? What are those sources?
Yes. The source is clear by simple searches on the DELL forums- not maintained by DELL, but used by many frustrated DELL owners. If anybody at FR needs help w/ drivers of a 530/531 nature, feel free to give a holler via FR e-mail (I've already helped others with links and info).