When you bought the compaq with win xp what you actually bought was a license to install xp on that one computer. It might work on the toshiba for up to 30 days, but then you would have to validate it and couldn't.

I meant to add that you would have to get a new copy of xp, and yes you can have a dual installation if you want to keep vista.

Thanks, Bob. I didn't think it would work for very long..but thought I'd ask.

I found a thread about Dual booting with a Microsoft link with directions.

I've always done things to/for the computer - installations, problem solving, etc. If I have directions I can follow...or call support and ask questions, being about to do what they tell me to do.

Do you think the installation of Dual Booting is something easy enough to do? The link below does not look complicated.

By no means am I a computer genius - I know just enough to be dangerous! lol

Here is a link that might be useful: Dual Booting link

What model Toshiba do you have ie Satellite A205, A210 etc??? You will have to get all the drivers for winXP first as well as the common modules and utilities for XP or alot of the features of the laptop will not work. I would suggest you find all your drivers before trying to install WinXP

It's a Satellite Z215 - S7437

Ok, now that's all getting too complicated for me, genes. At least I know my limits.

A locally owned computer store leases from us. Maybe I'll just delete the accounting program and what little work I have on the notebook and send to him to do all this.

Thank you for responding.

Have you tried running you problem program using Vista's Compatibility Wizard ?

Most programs written for Windows XP also work in this version of Windows, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program written for an earlier version of Windows doesn't run correctly, use the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program. To change settings for a program manually, use the individual program's Compatibility tab.

Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft - Compatibility Wizard

I have not tried that, mikie, but I've been to the program's website where it says it is not Vista compatible and that some things will not work with Vista.

If I do the Compatibility Wizard on my program, will I loose data I've entered?

If the program maker says its not Vista Compatible, that's a pretty good sign its probably a waste of effort to try to make it compatible.

I do have one program that Vista wouldnt run correctly. I made it a shortcut, right clicked/properties and gave the shortcut full permissions & deleted the topmost rule -user name everone/Block

I take it that the model number was a spelling error and should read A215 vice Z215 as I have never heard of a "Z"series. On a Toshiba help forum that I belong to, there are many new laptop owners who have decided to go from Vista to XP. Most of these people are gamers.
I believe there was a thread on there with the drivers required for that model. If you need them, give me a shout

Geez - yes, that should be an A. Sorry!

Went to buy XP today, but they were out. I have Parallels on my MAC so I was going to install them on it instead. I think I'm just opening up a can of worms and will let my accountant use my laptop to finish up end of year items/prepare taxes for 2007, then install whatever program he want me to start using. I am his only client using Quickbooks. Probably time to move on since it is so old.

Thanks for the help.

Mikie, I am interested on what you mean by giving "the shortcut full permissions & deleted the topmost rule -user name everone/Block." How is that done?

I'm only 3 weeks into using Vista so I hate to give too many secrets out until I'm more sure of myself and what security I'm screwing up.

But you can make a shortcut, right click and select properties & then follow the security tab to the differenct permissions. Take ownership and change away on the permissions. Eventually after two or three ways I can fairly much stop that you dont have permission to do this popup.... some programs you have to do it to the program folder also so the program can access and write within its own folder.

My Toshiba laptop came with Vista and Quickbooks... maybe a trial, I havent tried it... it actually links to a web-addy.

Here is a link that might be useful: (quickbooks - toshiba style)