trying to install xp from vista

Hi,
I'm currently running vista and am trying to install xp from disc.
My problem is that when I change the bios settings to boot from cd vista starts up instead of the installation screen.
Are there other settings on the bios screen that I need to change?
I have next to no computer knowledge so you will have to bare with me!
thanks to anyone that can help

 

Welcome to Major Geeks.
Not really familiar with dual-boot setups, but have always read that the oldest OS (in your case XP) should be installed first, then the newer one.

 

Hi eatmytrance, is the XP disc definitely working?

 

sorry for late response,
at ~Q~: disc should be working although i'm not sure how to check, when i open it in vista it seems like all the files are there but there could be more to it?

at hrlow2: vista is allready installed, do you mean i have to reinstall it first?

 

You haven't actually said whether you want XP as well as Vista, or instead of. If it's instead of, and providing your XP disk is a retail or upgrade version (not a recovery disk) then you can install as advised in #5. If you want both operating systems, you will need to first replace Vista with XP; then create a new partition for Vista and install to that partition. For that you would need partitioning software.

You cannot have a Vista/XP dual boot with Vista installed first unless you run a third party boot manager. Not advised for the less experienced.

 

im only trying to install xp and remove vista does this mean i have to somehow delete vista first? have tried the method suggested by no.5

 

If it isn't booting from the XP CD it probably isn't a bootable version. Are you quite sure it isn't a recovery disk from another computer? What does it say on the label?

 

its called windows xp home sp2 (oem edition)

 

OEM disks are tied to the computer they are first installed on. Unless you have just bought it you won't be able to install XP from that disk, so maybe you should get used to Vista

 

so, now i have borrowed an xp professional disc. It boots fine but the instalation doesn't continue because the system cannot find an installed hard disc.
Do I Need to somehow delete vista?
like stated below - does the disc i use need to be bought with the computer?
:confused

 

Borrowed disk?! Do you have a legit key? Better see if the hardware on your PC has XP supported drivers. Before you go further, make sure you can revert to Vista.
Cheers..

 

Thanks for your reply and information, unfortunately I don't feel right hacking into this particular disc as I got it off someone who got it off their friend that works as an IT technician at a local school and I believe that this is their only copy,
maybe if I somehow managed to duplicate the cd?...
To be honest I am in a bit too deep and as much as it is interesting trying to solve this problem i'm tempted to bite the bullet and get somebody experienced to sort it out for me.
Bit lame but hey ho!
thanks for all your help guys