Toshiba says that this model does not support Windows XP. Well, they are partly correct - they do not support Windows XP. However, there are compatible drivers available from other manufacturers and sources. I loaded up Windows XP on a client’s Toshiba P205, and had a hard time locating compatible drivers, but I am posting them here, or at least the links with some instructions, so that you can benefit from my work.
First, let me apologize for not getting this up sooner. At time of this posting, I am in Afghanistan, and it is difficult to check my email accounts. It is also terrible to search on the Internet here as our connection is extremely slow. I was just recently able to check email and didn't realize that there would be such a demand for the fix to finding XP drivers.
First, format the hard drive and load up/install Windows XP. Apply the Service Pack 2 or 3, whichever you have available. This helps get the majority of the Microsoft drivers for some of the devices. Now, if you look in Device Manager, you should have a few devices that are unknown. These are most likely the audio, video, modem, LAN, the webcam, and some chipset drivers. For some of these, the Windows Vista drivers will work. However, for some, they will not. You will lose some functionality of your webcam, and I will cover that below. As for gaming, I cannot guarantee anything. Like with anything, you assume ALL risk for performing this downgrade from Vista to XP. This worked for me – I cannot guarantee that it will work for you. Proceed at your own risk – I cannot be held liable for your actions.
All in total, the driver files take up about 114MB, and I don’t have a website large enough to post them on. So, here are the links and a few files.
For the Audio, I found the Windows Vista drivers on Toshiba's website worked without any issue. Click here to download.
For the Video, I had to find a compatible driver set. Funny enough, Packard Bell makes a computer that utilizes the same video card chipset, the Intel GMA950. Just run the install like you own a Packard Bell computer. Click here to download.
For the Modem, the Toshiba Windows Vista drivers work well. Click here to download.
For the LAN, I had to find a generic driver, but it works. At least, it installs well. I didn't have a chance to hook it up to a network to find out. Click here to download.
For the Wireless (WiFi), WOW, talk about an incredibly hard beast to find. This driver package only has drivers, so if you are looking for a program to help you connect, similar to something LinkSys or D-Link offer, there isn't one. You will need to use the generic Microsoft Windows wireless connection software. Its not too bad, you just need to do a bit of tinkering to understand it if you are used to another Manufacturers settings. Click here to download..
For the Webcam, this is an interesting beast. The Toshiba Windows Vista driver package includes the drivers and the webcam utility program. This utility program will only work in Vista, but the drivers worked in XP. So, you can download the Toshiba driver package, install it to install the drivers which will also install the helper utility program. Then uninstall the helper utility program, and the computer should retain the drivers. If you don't, the program will attempt to start every time you restart the computer, and will error out and bug you. If after the uninstall the computer does not retain the drivers, use device manager to reinstall the driver automatically - Windows should locate the drivers in the temp files and use that. Once that is complete, the drivers will be loaded allowing you to use the camera, but you will lost out on some of the neat tools that accompany the software. Double click on the "My Computer" icon, and you should see your camera in the lower portion of the window. Double clicking it should initialize the device and start the camera up so you check it to ensure it works. Click here to download.
For the Chipset drivers, including the SMBus, the Packard Bell model again works well. The drivers installed cleanly and the computer worked fine. Click here to download.
There is a card reader associated with this model as well. The Toshiba Windows Vista drivers work well. Click here to download.
Lastly, the Touchpad. I am not sure about anyone else, but I dislike the touch to click of a pad so much that it is the first thing I disable. In any case, the Toshiba Vista drivers work well on this device. Click here to download.