I just bought a laptop with windows Vista Business installed. I do not like Vista, but I don't want to erase it either. Is there a way to install Windows XP on the same laptop so that I don't loose Vista?
I'm new at this, so please include step by step instructions.

Thank you.

Hi,
You will need a CD/DVD of XP and a partitioning software that will create a separate partition to do the XP install. Of course, you will need a HD large enough to do this. Vista is fairly memory-hungry, so figure a minimum of 120-160M to safely do this.
Run the partitioning software to divide the HD into a separate partition for XP and then boot the XP disk and navigate to the unused partition. Many freeware programs exist that will do this.
Peace,
Clarke

It is recommended to have xp installed before installing Vista as there will be extra steps involved if install xp 2nd

With that in mind, if you ever need to get your laptop serviced, you would need to uninstall the dual boot system and just have the vista on it as it will void your warranty.

Install Windows XP in a Dual Boot with Pre-installed Vista


Now once you have your dual boot, you will need to find whatever drivers that XP will need for the particular model
-More than likely, there will not be XP drivers avail for all your hardware - so you have to download the vista drivers from the mfg website and see if XP will recognize them

It all can be done, but there is some work involved