Can I install XP, then change back to Vista later?

I have just bought a new Acer Extensa 5620. It comes with Vista.

I want to install Windows XP instead. However, I want to be able to reinstall Vista in the future (in case I sell the computer).

Is there a way to create a CD or DVD of the current state of the laptop so that I can reinstall everything exactly how it arrived as brand new?

Thanks in advance!

JibJab

 

Be careful.
1. Installing another OS will void the warranty
2. If you want to install XP, whether stand-alone or dual booting with Vista, you must back-up the MBR. Otherwise the ALT+F10 function, which enable you to boot from hidden recovery partition, will not work.
3. If you want to dual boot XP and Vista have a look at EasyBCD freeware from the following site: http://neosmart.net/
4. If you install XP after Vista, only XP will boot. Then you will have to use Easy BCD to get vista to boot.
5. Acer provide the Erecovery software. Use it to burn:
i. A FACTORY DEFAULT DVD
ii. DRIVERS and APPLICATION CD

Once again be careful about the warranty.

Gops

 

Thanks Gops! That's just what I wanted

I am not worried about voiding the warranty. Although it would be quite unfair of Acer to void it because of a software change. I bought this laptop for the Acer hardware - the software I can handle myself.

The Acer eRecovery is the option I was looking for. Thanks for pointing that out. I had already seen it but I was not certain that that was what I wanted.

In case anyone else reads this, here is how to use Acer eRecovery:

1. Open the Acer eRecovery Management program (Start > Programs > Acer Empowering Technology > Acer eRecovery Management).

2. Click "Burn Disk" at the bottom.

3. Click "Create factory default".

4. Follow the instructions. I needed either 2 DVDs or 9 CDs.

If I ever choose to reset my computer using these disks, it should go back to the original settings when it shipped and my Acer warranty will work fine

 

don't forget to make the DRIVERS AND APPLICATIONS CD

it can have it's time and place if you want to install VISTA w/o all of acer's BS & BLOATWARE

 

Hi Bigozone,

How do you make a drivers and applications CD?

 

I found it. It's also in the Acer eRecovery Management tool:

 

Installing a new OS does NOT void warranty.

 

Why not remove the hard drive then install xp on a new larger hard drive?

 

I see where you are coming from Gramps but I think it's wasteful to buy a new hard drive. I just bought a brand new laptop with a 120GB drive!

We consume too much in our throw-away society.

 

The thing is if you decide to sell your laptop or go back to vista you have the original install still on the hard driven and don't have to worry if the Erecovery
disk works,lots of threads about them not working or people losing them.

Then with the XP drive you can then use it as a backup drive with an external
enclosure or if you have a sata drive using a sata dock.