Can I install Win XP on a Dell system that comes with Vista ?

Hi,

I want to buy a Dell system but it comes with Pre installed Windows Vista Home Premium & they do not offer Win XP.

I would like to install Win XP Pro SP3 in it and remove Vista.

(1) Can I do that & if yes how ? I have Windows XP Pro SP3 CD that came with my another Dell system.

(2) How important is it to learn Vista ? I do not like Vista but it looks like sooner or later I am going to have to learn it. Any idea of what percentage of people owning computers now use Vista instead of other Windows OS ?

Thanks Much.

 

Yes, you can install WinXP on any PC you want as long as you have a legal valid product key. The problem you'll run into, is that many of the newer PCs sold with Vista pre-installed do not have any drivers available for XP, or the XP drivers are very difficult to find, and must be located individually from each device manufacturer's web site. Sometimes this is a very time consuming and frustrating task, and occasionally, it's impossible: every so often, a driver for a certain device simply does NOT exist for WinXP. So check for drivers BEFORE you remove Vista and install XP. Locate each driver, download it, and burn it to a CD.
As to your 2nd question: learning Vista is extremely important. Microsoft will no longer be distributing Windows XP after June or July 2009. This means you won't be able to buy it. Anywhere. Well, except for Ebay. Support for Windows XP will end in 2010. So, Microsoft is basically forcing Vista (and the forthcoming "Windows 7") down our throats whether we like it or not. So, get used to it. You should probably just keep Vista on the Dell you mentioned, mainly because it was created with Vista in mind and will probably run better with Vista. Besides, you have to learn Vista anyway, so don't waste your time getting rid of it, 'cuz you'll need it installed again in a year or so anyway.

[dlb]