It's your computer, so the choice is, ultimately, yours. (Although it
would have been a lot simpler to have just purchased the computer with
WinXP installed, to start with.)
However, there could be a couple possible adverse repercussions of
which you should be aware. First and foremost, if the specific computer
model in question was designed specifically for Vista, there may well be
no WinXP-specific device drivers available to make the computer's diverse
components work properly. Consult the computer's manufacturer about the
availability of device drivers. Secondly, removing an OEM-installed
operating system and replacing it with another will almost invariably void
any and all support agreements and, sometimes, even the warranty. You
would, at the very least, have to re-install Vista before getting any
support from the manufacturer. Again, consult the computer's manufacturer
for specifics. Thirdly, there may be the additional cost involved in
purchasing a WinXP license for this new computer.
After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation, simply boot from the WinXP installation CD. You'll be
offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part
of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order of boot
devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)
HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
Then, assuming you were successful in obtaining WinXP-specific device
drivers so that the computer can be made to work with WinXP, the backed up
data can be restored and applications (those that are WinXP-compatible,
that is) re-installed.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell
The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot