Back Up the Things You Want

• Before uninstalling Windows Vista, you'll need to back up everything that you plan on keeping--maybe you should think about backing up your entire system, because once you've erased Vista, you'll probably never have it in the same condition again (Vista can be reinstalled, but if you don't back it up, you'll have an extremely difficult time getting it exactly the way you had it). You can use compact discs, flash drives, memory cards or a device such as an external hard drive to save the information. Once you've backed up your information, you're ready to uninstall Vista and replace it with Windows XP.
  
  

Boot From the Disc Drive

• To uninstall Windows Vista from your computer, you'll need the Windows XP operating system disc and the software's product key. The product key will allow you to finalize the installation, but that comes later, after Windows Vista has been completely erased from your hard drive and XP is mostly installed.
  
  Insert the XP installation disc into your disc drive and restart the computer. You'll have to press the "Delete" key or the "F2" key to enter the system BIOS, where you can go to the "Boot Menu" to change the boot sequence so the computer can start from the disc drive. Once you've changed the boot sequence, restart the computer, and when you're prompted to do so, press any key to boot from the CD. Now the installation of Windows XP will start.
  
  

Installing Windows XP

• When the installation begins, the installation drivers will install automatically, and then you'll be taken to the "Welcome to Setup" screen. If you hit the "Enter" key, you'll be taken to the "Licensing Agreement." Accept the agreement, and you'll be directed to a screen that will allow you to install a fresh copy of Windows XP and delete the current operating system (Windows Vista). Once you've opted to install the fresh copy, follow the instructions to create a partitioned or unpartitioned space on which to install the Windows XP, and then give the command to install it. Windows XP will overtake Windows Vista, thus erasing it for good, unless you ever feel the need to install it again.