Installing XP with Vista already installed?

[Forza_Totti]

I bought a PC with Vista already installed. It's 160GB hard drive partitioned into two drives. C: Vista and D: Recovery of Vista. As you can see from the specs...it's not the most powerful PC and Vista can become slow due to the amount of resources Vista requires.

http://www.emachines.com/products/products.html?prod=W3623

Ideally, i want to format my C drive with Vista and install a fresh XP...but i'm scared my restore DVD will not re-install Vista in case i want to install it again in the future bc it's not an actual installation DVD. It's the ones that come with the cpu.

Here's my question:

1. If i format my C: drive and Install XP will i be able to put Vista back on the C drive using the restore DVD?

2. If i partition my C drive and install XP on my E: drive...will i still be able to use my restore DVD for Vista on the C drive?

Hope i didn't confuse anyone. Thx.

[spejic]

it's not the most powerful PC and Vista can become slow due to the amount of resources Vista requires.This machine is fine for Vista in every way except for the memory, which is way too little (you probably need 4 times as much). I would try it anyway for a while. It could be fine as is or with a few minor tweaks.
1. If i format my C: drive and Install XP will i be able to put Vista back on the C drive using the restore DVD?Probably. The odds are better if you don't update the hardware on your machine, especially the hard drive. I've had poor luck with restoration disks in the past.
2. If i partition my C drive and install XP on my E: drive...will i still be able to use my restore DVD for Vista on the C drive?Maybe. Depends on how the install for the restoration disk works. You need to find someone who has done this with an eMachines computer or try it yourself (you can most likely run it, find out what options it gives you, and then quit before it actually does anything).

[Forza_Totti]

Thanks Spejic for the advice....i'll wait and see if any here on BS has ever experienced the restore DVD before...otherwise, i'll try and find a cpu forum around and ask there.

[Boundzy]

Don't know if this will answer all of your questions, but there is a related thread at driverheaven.net (http://www.driverheaven.net/windows-vista-forum/157120-changing-vista-xp.html) on dual-boot Vista/XP. Somewhere in the thread is a link to a step-by-step procedure for dual booting when Vista is already installed.

Also, there is a suggestion for using HyperOS to set up a dual boot.

Anyway, if this thread doesn't quite fit your needs, then ask your questions in their forums. They have some very knowledgeable and friendly people there.

[Forza_Totti]

Ya, i searched google for dual boot instructions...seems pretty straight forward, besides fixing the boot manager. I'm just not used to those restore DVD...i've always bought my pc from shops that put them together for me...never from a brand name before.

Thanks.