Downgrading from SZ391 Vista Business (Service pack1 ??) to Windows XP

I know the topics been hammered out numerous times but here is my dilemma. I don't have the SZ 391 in front of me because it was for my father's present. He wants to switch it back to XP because the software he'd like to use is not compatible with the Vista yet.

Obviously I or he didn't know about creating the restoration disks at the beginning. I've seen conflicting informations here whether it can't be done or not after all the Office and other junks have been installed in. But now I read this rumor that the new Service Pack 1 is due from Microsoft that one of the major goodies being having built in function to be able to create your restoration disks safely whenever and wherever possible.

1) Is the SP1 officially out yet? Should I wait for it to be available so that I can upgrade it and create the restoration disks safely?

2) So is this something I need to purchase it or available free from MS?

3) Lastly what is the thing about the unlock or locked drivers? Is there any major functionality differences?

Thanks

 

You can use the Sony utility to create the recovery DVD set anytime. It uses the hidden partition as its source NOT the C: drive. But if you later use these DVD's to restore the machine, it will restore it back to its out of the box state, without ANYTHING you father has installed himself.

One thing to remember here, the software he wants to use the is "not compatible", might actually be able to work in compatibility mode. Right click on the actual executable (not a shortcut) and select properties. There is a compatibility tab that will let you trick the application into thinking it is running under XP or even 98 or 95!!! Worth a shot before you go through all the hassle of changing the OS.

Gary

 

Thanks Scuderia
I actually want to have the restoration DVD sets back to its factory fresh state. By the way, why is it that I hear some folks complaining that they couldn't create the restoration DVDs? Is that a computer glitch? I read someone mentioning that the Service Pack 1 was created for that particular reason.
Anyway, could you be more specific on the procedure how to create restoration DVDs?

Thank you again for telling me about the "Compatibility mode." I didn't know the Vista had the function. The software he wants to use actually has an update specific for Vista for a hefty price. So I figured it'd be cheaper to downgrade it to the XP.

 

Some of the SZ4 series did not come pre-install with VAIO recovery.

 

Ch28kid
So I assume not all SZ has the capability to create the restoration DVDs. How do I find out whether the SZ391 come with the pre-installed Vaio recovery?