whats the cheapest way to get xp onto my vista machine?

Answer 1

Not the cheapest - but the only way - you will have to purchase XP, uninstall Vista, and install XP.

Microsoft has extensive means of detecting piracy. If you use a friend's CD, you may both wind up with programs that don't work.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_sw/105-4858134-9072405?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Dsoftware&field-keywords=WindowsXP

Suggest you buy the CD with product key.

Answer 2

Pop an XP source disk into the drive and format the target then install. Or take the VISTA machine to the dealer that sold it to you and tell them you hate Vista.

Answer 3

That's one thing about downgrading the OS...your manufacturer will not help you out so you'll have to track down the drivers on your own. download the program Everest to find out more about your networking card, integrated graphics, etc. You'll have to go to the website of each of those components' manufacturers and see if XP-compatible drivers are available. If not you could try the default drivers packaged with XP or downloading XP drivers for a similar model computer, but there are no guarantees it'll work.

Good luck

Answer 4

You can look online for OEM versions. I see them on eBay all the time. You can also purchase from some computer stores like MicroCenter, think they refer to them as OS for builders. Also try Egghead.com.

If you're a college student Microsoft allows campus bookstores to loan copies for a nominal fee. At my school they gave us fully licensed copies of XP, 2000, 2003 Server, Visio, etc free of charge.

Also if you know anyone that works for Microsoft the employees can purchase software for 10% of retail.

Answer 5

Buy an XP installer CD. Format your hard disk. Reinstall your XP.