Computer help needed.
 

Okay, I've been putting this off for a long time, but I've finally decided to get rid of Vista and go with XP.

The thing is, I never got an installation disk, so in case I have to install it back for some reason, I won't be able to. Since I can't ask Microsoft support about this due to the fact that my PID gets rejected for no reason, as well as the fact that they charge you almost $60 CAD for email support (total BS, I know...), I'm asking you guys.

Is it possible to create an installation disk from an existing OS? Not a recovery disk mind you, but an INSTALLATION disk?

A far simpler solution would be simply acquire the ISO files. When you buy Windows, you buy the key and not the disk itself.

It's not technically illegal, as you own a copy of the OS. There is a method to what you seek for Windows XP, found here, but it is a very difficult task. They also moved everything around in Vista to make it look far different from XP, but in reality Vista is just an "upgraded" variant of XP. With the extra "features" to cater to the masses who want eye candy over performance.

Omg, Good luck.

Well, I did a bit more research and decided to sent an email to Acer, my manufacturer. Let's see how it goes from there.

Also, did you know that most major retail stores no longer sell XP? Even Vista will soon be gone. All that's left is Windows 7.

Yeah, the only way to get xp now is to already own a copy, buy one online (but considering that the supply is ever decreasing, the prices are probably not so good) or come across it some other way, like using a cracked version.

you should be able to find a full version you can download. check torrent sites. as long as you have a key it should work

This may sound strange, but... I just talked with a couple of people, and they told me that I can REINSTALL (as in completely remove the OS, and then install) Vista via recovery disks. Is this true?

Yeah, XP is compelety GONE here. And i love xp <3

I want W7 thou. >_>"

Just got off the Acer Support, and apparently I can use my recovery disks to reinstall Vista at a later time. XD

Problem solved.

Next up, obtaining a copy of XP Pro. TigerDirect should have a few copies left. To the BatMobile!

Well... Let's put it this way. If you want performance, stay with XP. If you want eye candy, go for W7.

:< W7 has good performance. I used to have XP on this computer, I now have W7 and if anything the performance has improved.