Is it possible to run two OS's. I have a preloaded machine with Vista which isnt compatible with my work software. I need XP to run my software. There isnt any date soon that my software will be working with Vista....

I have not found a business program that I can't get working so far. Might look into compatibility mode or other fixes first. My suggestion would be to use Microsoft's Virtual PC or Sun's VirtualBox software. Both free. The applications are software versions of a computer. They run while booted into Vista. You then can install XP or almost any OS for x86. You don't have to dual boot or be worried about breaking your system. I feel it is the safest way to run XP. You will need a valid XP disk. Other suggestion might be to ask computer maker if then offer a downgrade DVD restore disk and also get the Vists disk that includes software back to OEM state. Otherwise consider Linux running in virtual machine if office software has linux version or can be run in wine. A dual boot for a beginner is likely to fail. At lest I have borked them more than a few times. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

The problem lies within the 64 bit vs 32 bit. I have been told by my software maker that it is not compatible with Vista, right now only Windows 2000 and XP 32 bit. I had a conversation with the HP tech dept and they said they would not cover the downgrade. I am almost to the point of returning the computer and ordering another that will work with my programs. I am open to suggestions and desperate at this point.

Virtual machines. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10