When you get to the screen prompting you for the partition on which to install XP, select the one containing Vista and press D to delete the partition. When XP setup loads, follow the on-screen prompts to accept the license agreement and continue installing XP. Insert your XP installation disk and reboot. If necessary, configure your BIOS to boot your computer from a CD, if one is present. 18, 2007, Top Story, “Free software on USB enables portable computing.” Managing portable apps is discussed in the Oct. The portable apps themselves won’t need to be reinstalled, but you’ll have to restore their data files from the backup. One such program is 2BrightSparks’ SyncBack ( more info), which is available in free and paid versions.ĭon’t bother backing up your applications you’ll need to reinstall them from their installation CDs after XP is back in place.ĭo back up the folders that your portable apps use to store their data. That means you have to either back up your data files manually or use a third-party backup tool that works in both XP and Vista. Unfortunately, you can’t restore in XP a backup that you created using Vista’s Backup and Restore Center. With your XP installation CD and your application discs in hand (and maybe a cup o’ Joe), you’re ready to begin: Make a pot of coffee and a new, clean XP machine The article takes a command-line approach to the XP restoration, and also requires that you have a windows.old folder on your root drive.)

(Note: In certain cases, you may be able to undo an XP-to-Vista upgrade, even without an XP installation CD, by following the instructions in Microsoft article 933168. Moreover, this method ensures a clean install that is uncontaminated by Vista leftovers. Based on my research, however, deleting the Vista partition and installing XP in its place is arguably the easiest approach. Many online sources claim to offer techniques for reinstalling XP without having to reformat your hard disk. “Downgrading” from Vista to XP is not as difficult as you may think, but it does entail some time-consuming operations.

In either case, as long as you have an XP installation CD, you can kiss Vista good-bye. Many PC users who upgraded their XP systems to Vista are disappointed with the newer OS’s performance and other problems. These days, you have to work to find a new computer that comes with XP installed. If you long for the good old days of XP and still have your install CD, this step-by-step guide will help you revert to Vista’s predecessor. Windows 7’s arrival is just a few months away, but many people aren’t waiting and just want to replace Vista’s newness - some say weirdness - for the familiarity of XP. TOP STORY Downgrade Vista to XP in seven easy steps

How to downgrade windows 7 to vista