Is it possible to uninstall Vista?

[mythmonster2]

Well, it's time to get a new computer since this old one has almost no graphic card updates among many other problems, so we've been thinking of getting a new computer. One problem, almost all new computers are coming out with Vista and I don't want to get a Mac. So, is it possible to uninstall Vista and install XP somehow?

(If you're wondering why I don't want to get Vista, I want to make sure most of the kinks are fixed with it in CIV.)

 

[taper]

If you poke around, it's not too hard to find name brand pcs that still have XP. You'll save on the windows tax that way too. Otherwise just format your hard drive(google it if needed), and put your favorite install disc in the cd drive.

 

[Ghost Ranger]

Instead of uninstalling Vista, you should set it up so it dual boots between XP and Vista. This way, you can still use XP, and then switch to Vista once SP1 is released, if that is what you prefer.

 

[mythmonster2]

Wait, what does that mean?

 

[Zelig]

(If you're wondering why I don't want to get Vista, I want to make sure most of the kinks are fixed with it in CIV.)

Civ IV runs fine in Vista.

 

[Ghost Ranger]

Wait, what does that mean?

It means that you have XP and Vista on the same computer, and every time you turn on the computer, you choose which one to use. (there are some drawbacks to using this though)

And, as Zelig said, CIV will run fine on Vista:
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List

 

[mythmonster2]

All right, guess its time to try to convince dad to get the new computer. Are there any out-of-the-box graphics card that come with a computer that can run CIV? But first, how do you dual-boot and what are the disadvantages?

 

[Ghost Ranger]

Dual-booting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_boot

As for Gfx cards, how much are you or your dad willing to spend on one, and do you want DX10 support?

Also, are you planning to buy the system from a OEM such as Dell, or building it yourself?

 

[mythmonster2]

Buying the system, and for graphics, $100 is the max.

 

[Ghost Ranger]

I would actually recommend building your own system. It's way cheaper
For example, I just built this system from Dell-

however, by looking around newegg I was able to build the same system (or at least close to it) for only $2300, and that doesn't even include mail-in rebates.


As for the Gfx card, I would say something like a GeForce 8800 GT (Edit: typo, make that a GeForce 8600 GT) would be good, you can find them for around $100.

 

[taper]

I wouldn't dual boot xp and vista. What's the point? If you want to switch to vista later, the best way would be to create a boot partition on your hard drive where you install xp, and a data partition where you keep all your files. That way when you switch to vista, all you do is overwrite the boot partition, leaving your data safe and alone.

 

[GVBN]

8600gt and hd2600xt are the best cards to get for $100

 

[Troymk1]

Vista's fine for me so far (4 months) . Of course I have auto-update on so it's being patched all the time!

 

[GrandAdmiral]

So, is it possible to uninstall Vista and install XP somehow?

Yea, reformat then install XP.

The problem that might come up involve downgrading so you can keep all your settings and installed apps. With a new computer that shouldn't be an issue because you won't have personal files on the machine and you should be happy to erase all the crapware that comes with a new PC.

Also there's no need to dual Boot Vista and XP. Your new machine should come with an install disk or a partition that will return the machine to its factory state.