How do I Replace Vista with XP?

For many people that have upgraded to Microsoft Vista, the results are less than satisfactory. Microsoft Vista, while the most current version of Windows, has some disadvantages compared to its previous version, Windows XP. Unfortunately, Windows Vista requires large amounts of RAM and processing power. For those with computers just a couple of years old, you may not see the performance that even Windows XP delivered. Along with performance issues, many drivers and software do not run cleanly on Vista making it an easy choice for some to drop Vista and return to Windows XP. Here are some tips on how to replace Vista with XP:


Replacing Vista with XP
Before you start, here are a few things you should have on hand:

Copy of the XP Installation disk
Boot disk ( more information below)
Make sure you back-up all your important files as you will be reformatting the hard drive.
The following are instructions for those that upgraded their computer from XP to Vista and would now like to remove Vista from their computer.

Step 1. Start up your computer with the Windows XP installation disk in the CDROM drive

Step 2. The setup screen will appear. Type R to repair an existing installation

Step 3. Now type the following: fixboot C:\ (it should be noted that C is the drive which has Vista loaded. If another drive is the one with Vista, use the corresponding letter)

Step 4. Type fixmbr C:\

Step 5. Type EXIT

Step 6. You can now close your Windows XP setup. Once closed, restart your computer with the bootable floppy or CD that was mentioned before. You can create a bootable CD by downloading specific files at the following site:

http://www.bootdisk.com

Step 7. Once your bootdisk is loaded, you will be at the command prompt. Type the following: format C:\ (This will erase your entire hard drive so make sure all important data is backed up)

Step 8. Insert your Windows XP installation CD into your CDROM and restart the computer.

Step 9. Follow the prompts and install Windows XP as usual. Once complete, Vista will no longer be your operating system and you will have successfully reinstalled Windows XP.