I am looking at purchasing a new computer this weekend and I know they all come with Vista and I don't want to use this. I see some of the comments already as to delete and re-format Vista to download XP. I am savy but never done this, I have all my XP disc with the COA # etc so can you offer me some answers as to how to do this, so I can use my XP instead of Vista? Thanks

I purchased my new laptop just before the end of the year via the mfg web site (could only find Vista in local stores) and was able to select an option called "Vista downgrade to XP" or something like that. The system came with a Vista license, but with XP installed. I also have the right to upgrade to Vista later if I want to. I was able to select either XP or Vista media with my purchase. I selected Vista since the original XP build is already installed on the maintenance partition. That way I can upgrade to Vista anytime I want. --or more likely, never, but I have the option. I don't know if manufacturers are still offering the XP downgrade, but you might check their web sites. If you're lucky, you can get XP pre-loaded and not have to mess with a re-install. -- kptech

There are applications call Virtual Machines. They may be a better solution. See Virtual PC and Virtualbox. You get to keep Vista as it is, install XP in a situation where you almost can't screw it up. You can use both at the same time. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

I should have checked first, but I just visited the Lenovo web site where I purchased my system. They're still offering the option. It's called "Windows Vista with XP Professional downgrade". I would imagine other manufacturers are also still offering this as well... -- kptech

If you have to pay a premium for "XP Professional downgrade", just buy a system with Vista pre-installed, repartition the HDD, then install XP on the 2nd partition. How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) -- the step-by-step guide with screenshots