Windows is extremely stable and will not cause any conflicts with your new computer. In fact if you enjoy playing PC video games ..most at this writing work best with WinXP as opposed to WIN Vista... -------Original Message------- From: olushola Date: 08/16/07 11:05:15 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [PCBUILD] Using XP instead of Vista I requested a copy of XP from Gateway to replace the Vista that came with the computer. They seem to infer that the Vista that came with the computer was tweaked to maximize the hardware functioning. Is this really the case? Will I encounter any performance problems going to XP? Olushola ========================================================= Please note that since your system came preinstalled with Windows Vista, we are unable to provide a Windows XP CD. You will need to purchase a retail version for this Operating System. Once you installed Windows XP, you will need to install the drivers that will work with this Operating System. You may also try installing the available drivers from this link: http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/docexpress.asp?pn=1014352R Note: In some cases, drivers for Windows Vista work with Windows XP Operating System. However, we cannot also guarantee all divers will work since you are going to use retail copy of Windows XP operating system. Please note that Gateway does not support changing the Operating System. Any support for third party software should come directly from the manufacturer. You may need to search online or consult with the device manufacturers for drivers for the new Operating System. However, we cannot guarantee that these drivers will work on your computer. In addition, we are not liable for any damage or compatibility issue that they may cause. For your reference, I have also provided here the link for the specifications of your computer that you may use when searching for the drivers in case the driver from the link above will not work: http://support.gateway.com/s/Mobile/2007/Apache/1014352R/ 1014352Rsp2.shtml If you decide to downgrade the Operating System, it is advisable that you create first a copy Drivers and Application CD so that in case you decide to restore the Windows Vista, you can have the chance restore the factory settings of your computer using this CD including the Operating System using the Restore DVD shipped with your computer. You can refer to this link for instructions: http://support.gateway.com/s/software/MICROSOF/vista/ 7515418/7515418su527.shtml This option is used to create a backup copy of the drivers and applications that are included with the computer. This backup copy does not include the operating system. The backup created during this process is burned within the Gateway Recovery Center and should be labeled and stored in a safe place. Visit our website regularly for FAQs, articles, how-to's, tech tips and much more http://freepctech.com Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to Digest mode - visit our web site: http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml