How to Install windows XP in SONY VAIO Vista

---------------> Perform a clean install of Windows XP 1)- Start your computer from the Windows XP CD. To do this, insert the Windows XP CD into your CD drive or DVD drive, and then restart your computer.
2)- When you see the "Press any key to boot from CD" message, press any key to start the computer from the Windows XP CD.
3)- At the Welcome to Setup screen, press ENTER to start Windows XP Setup.
4)- Read the Microsoft Software License Terms, and then press F8.
5)- Follow the instructions on the screen to select and format a partition where you want to install Windows XP.
6)- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Windows XP Setup.

Note:- Back up all important information before you perform a clean installation of Windows XP. Save the backup to an external location, such as a CD or external hard disk.

Hi, probably the cd may be corrupted or first u format the previous installed advanced os using that os installation disc and then install xp.because if u r using windows vista or seven it won roll back to previous versions. Another option is you can have two os on two drives
Regards, sathyamoorthy

Set BIOS to boot from CD, insert XP install CD and follow directions.

Best way is boot to the VISTA DVD and delete the NTFS partition. Once you have done that, you should be able to boot to the XP CD and install XP. Caution, make sure you have already downloaded and saved the XP drivers for this model system, before you do the XP install. Some vista systems do not have drivers for XP or have FIRMWARE issues with rolling back the OS on some devices (Dell bluetooth 360 is one)

Yes this is very easy, But first next time make sure you post in the right categories since a sony vaio is not a Mac Laptop,
First you will need a Windows Xp install CD/DVD, you can perchance one at your local retail shop.
You then insert the CD/DVD into you laptops disk drive and boot up, When the screen said, Boot from cd... press any key, wait until it has done its checks and follow the instructions, If all is well and you have done everything right, you will have successfully installed windows XP
Regards

It's probably not supported Sony.

You can try and downgrade but you might lose some functionality. I downgraded my Vista Gateway laptop to XP but had to spend a lot of time tracking down drivers that would work correctly.

You won't be able to just pop in an XP cd and install. You'll have to jump through a few hoops.

Here's the biggest hoop and guide here:

http://maxeasyguide.blogspot.com/2008/04/preparations-for-winxp-installation-cd.html

Since you have a newer laptop your hard drive uses sata drivers which the XP cd doesn't have built-in.

Let me know if you get stuck or have anymore questions.

You MUST use a full version of XP because Vista has different MBR Master Boot record that Upgrade ver XP does not recognize
I have downgraded 3 laptops this way and had no trouble
when asked what you want to do " Install repair etc " press the D key for delete then the L to delete the F key for format and format as NTFS quick

hiii,u can just format vista by vista cd.then install xp.

first dont insert any cd plug your sony vaio on your pc the vista auto detect the plug and play that you insert then presto you can use that thing in a snap

How to Downgrade Vista to XP Downgrading from Windows Vista to Windows XP is almost like installing Windows XP for the first time. You should take all the normal precautions like backing up all your important files and record important passwords in a different place, preferably on a CD. When you downgrade from Windows Vista to XP, note that Windows Vista will be completely removed from your system.
(Note: There is a way to have both Vista and XP in a dual boot configuration, but that's an option for more advanced users. See Dual Booting Vista and XP for more info on that.)
Before you begin the XP installation, make sure that the necessary XP hardware drivers are available, or included on the XP disk provided by your PC vendor. If in doubt, check the vendor's website or poke around with your favorite search engine to see if others have attempted the XP install on the same hardware. You may be able to install XP without all the needed drivers, but some hardware may not work afterwards.
Also, make sure that you have a genuine Windows XP CD before you begin the downgrade. Be sure to read the section earlier in this article to see if you qualify for a low/no cost XP recovery disk from your PC vendor. If not, perhaps you have an XP disc that came with another computer. If you've upgraded an existing computer from XP to Vista, the best choice would be the XP install/recovery disc that came with that computer. One some PC's the vendor doesn't ship a CD, but the recovery CD can be created from disk images on the hard drive. If all else fails, you can always buy a copy of Windows XP on Ebay. Just be sure it's a legal, licensed copy.
Follow these steps to install Windows XP on your Vista machine:

• Insert your Windows XP install/recovery CD and restart your computer.
• Install Windows XP normally, providing either the product key that came with the disk, or the one you got from Microsoft customer support. If the installer warns you that another copy of Windows is already installed, don't worry. Remember, this install will wipe out your existing Vista installation.
• Activate your copy of Windows XP when it prompts you to do so. If you run into the "already activated" problem, you can use the option to activate by phone.
• If you own Vista Business or Vista Ultimate, explain to the rep that you want to use your Downgrade Rights to install XP Pro.
• If you own Vista Home Basic/Premium, or you are installing XP Home Edition, don't mention ANYTHING about Vista. Just give the rep your XP product key (not the Vista key), explain that you are installing XP on a new hard drive, and tell them you need to activate.