Since not all software applications are well-suited with Vista, few Windows Vista users are changing back to Windows XP. Most PC users prefer to stick with Windows XP even with availability of new versions of Windows OS, like Windows 7 and Vista. The following is step-by-step guide for new installation of Windows XP.

Instructions

Step 1

Save all vital files. After drives are formatted, it can be hard to regain files. Move files to other PC or to an exterior storage device like optical media, external hard drives or flash drives.

Step 2

Restart PC and set BIOS to "Boot from CD." This will set PC to read CD/DVD-ROM first before it reads other drives in PC. For this, restart PC and press key to enter to BIOS settings before PC completely loads OS. The common key that corresponds to BIOS settings are F2, Delete and F10.

Step 3

Find "Boot Device Priority" or "Boot Order" in BIOS pages. Set optical drive as number one boot precedence. Exit BIOS settings and save modifications.

Step 4

Put in Windows XP installation disc. During first boot up, PC will prompt you to "Press any key to boot from CD." Press any key and wait for PC to load Windows XP configuration screen. On next page, system will allow select between three choices: "To setup Windows XP press Enter;" "To fix an current installation press R;" and "To close installation and return to Windows press ESC." Press "Enter" to continue to XP Configuration screen. On next window, license agreement will be displayed. Press F8 to agree with license agreement.

Step 5

Remove partitions by pressing "D". Push "L" to confirm deletion of partition. The partitions are just main drives in PC, like drive C or drive D.

Step 6

Make new partition for PC by choosing an "unpartitioned" space and then pushing "C." Type size of new partition and hit "Enter" to verify. For two partitions, you can key in half of default partition size of "unpartitioned" space and then make other partition using remainder of disk space.

Step 7

Choose "Format the partition using NTFS files system" which is highlighted by default on next page. Wait for system to finish formatting process. It must mechanically restart after formatting.

Step 8

Follow instructions on XP configuration screen after restart. Enter Windows XP product key when prompted. Wait for setup to complete and mechanically enter to new installed Windows XP.

Step 9

Install every driver required by PC. These contain motherboard, video card, network adapter and sound card drivers. Restore all backup files.