Windows Vista new sys OS switch plus ?

Vista 64 bit system, model: Gateway FX6710-01

From what I'm seeing here about vista. I am leaning toward
getting a new copy of XP (Full version) and putting it on the
new system.

Since Gateway does not provide any type of system cd's, I'm
wondering how to backup vista (full disk) before i install XP.

Also, wondering if i should (after backup of vista) just do a disk
format then put in the XP cd and install it.
Or
just put in the XP cd, let it do the formatting plus install - is there
a difference?

Also, wondering if any other system files will be needed - system
specs are:

Processor Intel® Coreâ„¢2 Quad Processor1 Q9400
(2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 2 x 3MB L2 cache)
Operating System Genuine Microsoft® Windows Vista® Home
Premium (64-bit) with Service Pack 1
Memory 6144MB 800MHz Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM
(2-2048MB modules & 2-1024MB Modules)
Hard Drive 750GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II/300 hard drive with
16MB Cache
Chassis Stunning Jet-Black Finish with Orange Metallic
Accents
Audio 8-Channel (7.1) High Definition Audio
Available Expansion Slots Available: 1 - PCI-E x16, 1 - PCI-E
x1 & 1 - PCI
Backup Media Cyberlink® Power 2 Go
External Ports (6) USB 2.0 ports (2 Front, 4 Rear), 2-IEEE
1394a Ports (1 Front, 1Rear), eSATA Port, VGA,
(2) PS/2 Ports
Keyboard Premium Multimedia Keyboard
Media Card Reader Gateway® 15-in-1 media card reader
with copy button
Modem 56k ITU v.92 ready Fax/Modem (RJ-11 port)
Motherboard Systemboard with Intel® G33 Chipset
Mouse USB Optical 2-button Wheel Mouse
Network 10/100 Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
Optical Drive 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring
Labelflashâ„¢ Technology
Power Supply 400W Power Supply
Speakers Amplified Stereo Speakers (USB Powered)
Video ATI Radeonâ„¢ HD 4850 with 512MB Discrete
Video Memory (Ports: 2x DVI-I, S-Video includes
DVI-HDMI & DVI-VGA Dongles)

thanks,
savagcl

 

Steve R Jones,

You need to verify that Gateway has XP drivers BEFORE proceeding. ??

Not sure i understand what you are saying. The XP drivers
are on the Xp (OS) cd right?

Unless you are talking about the MB chip set or some other
(Sata-II) drivers??

Thanks for the reply,
savagcl

 

Just great!
Think I'll have to wait and see what gateway says about system cd's.

Even the MB chipset is in several pieces now but they are there on
intel site.
Sound - i have the cd's present but sound is integrated on MB. I
can turn off the MB sound.
Video - got cd for monitor but not graphics card (back to GW).
Netword - you got me there, back to GW .

Will have to wait until I get system then see what i want to do..

thanks for the info, Steve,
savagcl