How to Delete Windows Vista From a Computer & Install Windows XP
Windows Vista has been the subject of much criticism since its release. The negativity associated with the operating system along with the headaches of actual use has prompted many users to downgrade their systems to the previous Windows release, Windows XP. Acknowledging this trend, Microsoft extended the sale and support of XP, even extending the downgrade rights to PC makers, allowing them to offer a downgraded option.
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Instructions
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Backup your data. Connect the external hard drive to your computer and back up all your important data such as pictures, papers and music. Vista's included Backup utility is not compatible with XP but if you are uncomfortable backing up the data yourself, you can purchase a backup solution that is compatible with both Vista and XP. It must be compatible with XP in order to properly restore your files.
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Insert the Windows XP installation disc and restart your computer. The system will ask if you want to boot in the CD or DVD in the drive as it boots up, press any key to boot into the installation disc.
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Follow the installation prompts until you must choose what partition to install on. Select the drive with your Vista installation, the C: drive in most cases. Press "D" to delete the Vista partition. Confirm this action by pressing "L."
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Select the newly unpartitioned spaced once Vista is deleted. Press "C" to create a new partition using the NTFS filesystem.
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Continue with the installation, entering your information (time zone, location, user names) when prompted. Enter your Windows XP product key locatedon the XP packaging, when asked. The computer will reboot once the installation is complete. Remove the disc as the computer starts up and it will boot in your fresh Windows XP installation.
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Copy your data back over from the external hard drive.
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