So i got a new computer, preinstalled with vista, and now have to change it to xp. I've never done this before until now. I burned the image, booted the cd (before the OS) and now have to partition(i believe thats what it was called) my drives. I assume this is like some kind of formatting. My question is am i just supposed to partition/format my main drive (C:\) or am i supposed to partition/format both my main drive and the recovery drive D:\. Will partitioning/formatting the recovery drive get rid of critical system processes? What am i supposed to do? Partition/format D:\ or not?

Thanks for the help

Greetings, I just worked on my buddies computer with the same scenario. What I would do is just format the C: and install the WinXP on that drive. If you can afford to lose some space on the hard drive, then keep the D: with the recovery stuff on it. You never know, you might need that especially if the computer is still under warranty. If the computer is still under warranty, and you have software/hardware issues you need to re-install the factory operating system before they offer you tech support or replacement parts etc. Usually the recovery drive is roughly 9 or 10 gigs right?

If you are formatting your C:\ and replacing Vista with XP, you will void your warranty...

Jam

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And unless you have software or hardware that isn't vista compatible, I wouldn't recommend you downgrade to XP. If you have software that doen't work, check with the mfg if they have a update for it, or if there is an updated driver for hardware. Vista works better and is WAY more secure.


Also, there may be no drivers for your PC's onboard hardware for XP, so...

If you install a program that works in XP on a Vista machine and it doesn't run or runs poorly you can right click on the program icon, select the Compatibility tab and then select compatibility from XP sp2 all the way back to Win 95.

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Intel 6320
4 gigs ddr2 ram
160 gig sata
evga 8800 gts video card
vista home premium sp1 - 64 bit