While Vista is the most up to date operating system from Microsoft, many in the private and business sectors are less-than-pleased with its reliability, features and performance. For many, Windows XP has been a reliable, safe operating system to use offering enhanced performance and compatibility with the vast majority of network components and software. If you bought Windows Vista and installed it on a computer that once had XP and are now unsatisfied with the results, here are some tips on how to replace Vista with XP:
Replacing Vista with XP
In order to replace Vista with XP, you should have the following tools:
A copy of or your original XP installation disk
A boot disk which can be downloaded from http://www.bootdisk.com
A back-up of all your important files that you would like to keep from the transfer. During this process, you will be reformatting the hard drive, so you will lose all data that is stored on the hard drive.
For those that upgraded their computer from XP to Vista and would like to revert back to XP, here are the instructions to follow:
Insert your Windows XP installation disk in the CD ROM drive once the computer starts up.
The Windows XP setup screen will appear. Choose R (to repair an existing installation)
You will now type the following command: fixboot C: (Please note the letter C is the drive which Vista is loaded onto. If Vista is loaded on another drive, use the corresponding letter)
Enter the following command fixmbr C:
Now type EXIT
Once Exit is typed, close the XP setup. Now restart your computer with the boot disk that was downloaded from http://www.bootdisk.com.
As your boot disk loads, type the following command: format C: (Please note, this command reformats the hard drive and all files on this hard drive will be erased. Make sure to back up all files before executing this command.
Now that the reformatting of your hard drive is complete, Insert your Windows XP installation CD and restart the computer.
Your Windows XP Installation CD should load up as normal. To finish the process, follow the prompts and install Windows XP as usual. At the completion of this step, Windows Vista will be successfully removed and Windows XP will be successful reinstalled on your computer.
For more information on replacing vista with XP read this article .
