Resolved Advice needed to replace operating system

I have a Lenovo X61 laptop (type7676-A12) which has Windows Vista Business SP2 installed (it came with Vista preinstalled).
Considering the CPU is a T7250 Core 2 Duo 2MB cache 800 fsb and it has 3GB memory (667) it doesn't seem to run very fast and seems to take ages to boot up. The hard disk has been defragged.
I can't remember 100% but I think that I remember reading somewhere that Vista isn't a particularly speedy operating system.
I would like to either install XP Pro (yes downgrade I know) or purchase Windows 7 to replace Vista HOWEVER both would required a CLEAN install which I don't mind as I have done a few of those.
The problem I have is that there appears to be software installed which was installed in the factory which appears to be related to running on the laptop (eg shock detection, battery level etc)
If I do a clean install that software will be lost and I do not know how critical it would be if any.

Can anyone offer any suggestions?

 

Thanks I will have another check at the Lenovo web site but it isn't the most user friendly wen site (others have told me the same).

I was not alluring to whether the Lenovo laptop specific software is compatible (with XP or 7) I was more concerned that if I wipe the hard disk and do a clean install I won't have those Lenovo laptop applications installed anymore - such as the one which detects shock (to the hard drive) and the one which monitors the level of the battery.
Maybe I should see if I can ask that question on the Lenovo web site (that is if I can find a link to contact them).

I placed this post in the mobile devices forum as I thought that a laptop is a mobile device and I couldn't find a more suitable forum.

 

Thanks Pete
Point taken (re better to have the post in the software forum).

I will run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to ensure that the laptop can be upgraded and then if ok purchase Windows 7 Ultimate upgrade. Fortunately as my wife is a school teacher she is able to but the upgrade cheaper than even on Ebay BUT
(question)
Will Windows 7 Ultimate result in faster performance (especially boot up) laptop (ie faster than Vista business)?

 

Thanks Arie,

I thought I could remember reading somewhere that VISTA ran slowly (like a 'dog' as the saying goes) compared to other Windows OS's

Maybe I should try using something like WINOPTIMISER to optimise the system especially which applications are loaded during Windows boot up and 'unselecting' those which I don't ever/seldom use.

 

Thanks Pete

Winoptimiser is by ASHAMPOO which have been around for years and as far as I know a trusted company. I have been using v 6 for a while now (on my desktop PC) without any problems but I will download and have a look at WinPatrol.
Of course you can run MSCONFIG (system configuration utility) and select (tab) STARTUP and untick applications you don't want to auto start (and tab SERVICES if you know what you are doing - I have done this in the past to make Flight Simulator run faster without windows services which are not required to running it).