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How to Change to WindowsXP From Vista

If your computer is having a difficult time running Windows Vista, or if you simply prefer XP's interface, it is possible to install Windows XP to a computer installed with Vista. To convert your Windows Vista computer to Windows XP, you must do a clean install of Windows XP. A clean install of Windows XP requires a licensed copy of the Windows XP Installation CD. An upgrade copy of XP will not work.

Things You'll Need

  • Windows XP CD
  • USB drive, CD or DVD
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Instructions

    • 1

      Download and run the Windows XP Upgrade Advisor. Follow the on-screen guide to find out what, if any, changes need to be made to your computer so that all devices will be compatible with XP.

    • 2

      Go to your computer manufacturer's website. Go to its computer support page and enter your PC's model number.

    • 3

      Select Windows XP as your OS and download or burn any drivers available to a CD, DVD or USB drive.

    • 4

      Insert your Windows XP CD into your CD or DVD drive and restart your computer. If necessary, change the boot order in your BIOS settings so that the computer boots to CD.

    • 5

      Press any key to access the Windows XP CD. Press "Enter" when the "Welcome to Setup" page appears.

    • 6

      Read the Windows XP Licensing Agreement, then press "F8" to continue. Select your hard drive from the list of devices, then click "Enter." If you have more than one hard drive installed on your computer, make sure to select the correct one.

    • 7

      Select "Format the partition using the NTFS file system." Click "Enter." Windows XP will format your hard drive, erasing the contents.

    • 8

      Follow the on-screen instructions to configure Windows XP. Have your Windows XP box handy so you can enter the product key when prompted.

    • 9

      Click "OK" when the "Display Settings" and "Monitor Settings" dialog boxes appear.

    • 10

      Click "Next" on the "Welcome to Microsoft Windows" screen. Select "Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates," then click "Next" to continue.

    • 11

      Configure your Internet settings, if applicable, and press "Next." If you want to configure your Internet at a later time, press "Skip."

    • 12

      Click "Yes, activate Windows now" if you are connected to the Internet, otherwise, click "No." Click "Next."

    • 13

      Register with Microsoft and fill out your registration information, or select "No, not at this time" if you want to register later. On the "Thank you!" screen, click "Finish" To complete setup.

    • 14

      Log in to Windows XP and run Automatic Updates to get the most recent upgrades for Windows XP. Install any drivers from your CD, DVD or USB drive that Windows XP is not detecting.

Tips & Warnings

  • It's highly recommended that you back up your entire hard drive before installing XP.

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