Can you load Windows XP onto a new computer that comes with Windows Vista pre-installed?

Question

I have heard from some people that Windows Vista is to be avoided but all new computers come with it installed.

Answer 1

Since I have done this several times, I believe I can answer this question...

The answer is YES, you can. The only MINOR problem you may encounter is finding some missing drivers (usually just the sound and ethernet), but that's about it.

However, unless you are running Vista Home or Home premium, i would not suggest you doing this due to the fact that yes, vista is the future, and in a year or two there will no longer be support for XP software.

So, to answer your question again... from experience many times, yes you can install xp on a vista-installed computer.

Answer 2

Of course, you can. Many have done it.



First you must make a back up copy of the VISTA O/S of your comp using a blank DVD Rom (Vista files are too large for a single CD Rom).



Then you must have a Win XP O/S (original from Microsoft) installation disc - the Vista O/S will be automatically erased while installing the XP.



But I don't agree that Vista has to be "avoided" - it is very similar to XP - has almost all the same features + some new. The only problem is that there may not be all drivers available for the hardware you are presently using with XP. The concerned companies (including e.g. Apple for its iPod and Nokia for its Communicator phone etc) are yet to come out with driver software for Vista.



Later on, whenever you feel comfortable, use the DVD to re-install Vista.

Answer 3

Acer have issued a statement saying that the 'PC industry' is disappointed in Vista...



http://uk.news.yahoo.com/afp/20070723/ttc-germany-us-taiwan-it-software-compan-e0bba4a.html



Yes, you should be able to wipe the hard drive using the XP install disk and reinstall XP.



Unless there is something in that computer that is specific to Vista... some special part of the motherboard of which Vista alone can take advantage.



Other than that, there's no problem.



A number of manufactures must be offering systems that can install XP or Vista depending on user selection...

Answer 4

There are compatibility tools in Office 2007 and 2010 so there's no issue there. However, MS will not support Windows XP for much longer so the sooner you upgrade to Windows 7 the better. You can install your software via a DVD drive with USB and then transfer the docs with a Belkin transfer cable. I recently transferred docs from a desktop to a laptop without any problems at all.

Answer 5

Windows Vista is excellent - better security and stability, as long as your computer is powerful enough to run it properly.



I don't see why you cant run XP alongside it. Just insert an XP cd into your PC, and in setup create a new partition.



Then when setup is complete and your pc reboots for the first time, you should be able to choose whether to boot up XP or Vista.

Answer 6

no that is silly what you propose is not good why would you load windows 95 over windows xp why change backwards if you have a program/software that does not go with vista upgrade it dont downgrade the computer

Answer 7

Dont be scared of Vista unless you are a complete new user.



The major problems you will face is old programs or old games compatibility.



You may as well throw all your old pc games.



You will need Nero Essentials 7.5 (oem version cheaper from ebay) to do any burning.



You will need a new antivirus as well. Lucky for AVG they have a free version. (www.download.com)



If your going to use broadband or adsl through ethernet you should not have any problems.



Going to vista means a new life! you need everything new. Most programs are availible at www.download.com

Answer 8

The systems that are built with Vista preinstalled, are not XP compatible! But you can still order a new computer from the manufacture with XP installed. Microsoft will be selling XP till 2010. I just got my new computer from Dell with XP pro.

Answer 9

The hardware is software independent thing, so I'm pretty sure that you can install WinXP on that computer, or even have both of them (Vista nad XP) on the sam emachine since they have the same File System.

Answer 10

Yes. But you have a two-fold problem:



1) You will need a copy of XP



2) You will have to wipe the hard drive.



If the computer comes with a recovery partition on the hard dive I would leave that alone in case you decide to go back to Vista in the future.



More tips and how to's... on my web site.

Answer 11

dude whoever told u this is wrong sure u can load xp ont a vista machine but why would you want to vista is good if not great and guess what it dousnt use anymore system resources than xp ---stick with vista

Answer 12

Yes. I would suggest staying with XP especially if you deal with programs such as MAYA or LIGHTWAVE. since these programs will not work on vista for about a year.

Answer 13

Format the hard drive then install xp.

Answer 14

no u cant that would be downgrading and most of the drivers my not work properly again, the only time you can downgrade is when your vista crashes thats if it does

Answer 15

you can but you have to completely wipe you hard drive first before you install xp..good luck

Answer 16

yes