I’ve used Windows Vista since it came out. It’s been a great OS for me; I’ve had no problems getting my hardware, software, etc. to work. Some people haven’t been as lucky, and choose to stick with what they were using before they upgraded. I’ve gone through my shares of downgrades with Vista, but I always come back… to Vista! Why? Because it just works better for me!

Now downgrading is something you may or may not want to consider. Many people have done it, and they’re satisfied with the results. Other people have had more problems with the older OS than the most current version.

The question is, what works better? Do you have to run a older driver that isn’t Vista compliant? Do you need a older version of NT to run your favorite game? Do you need a older program that isn’t Vista complaint to fax/print?

Now if you bought a Vista made PC, you may just have to suffer though it. Newer PCs made by Dell, HP, ext. are no longer supporting XP, 2000, ext. So that means your new PC’s hardware may not have drivers for XP. Meaning you could be soundless, or gfx-less. Which brings us back to, what works better?

So here’s a list of thing you should do before making the switch to the older OS.

1. Check your hardware:

Make sure your PC’s hardware will support that older operating system, you can do this by going to The Manufacturer’s site and checking for older Drivers.

2. Check Your software:

You may want to use that old software, but with most programs, they’ve made the Vista switch. Try Checking their site for a Vista update or Patch. Some companies may want you to pay a fee for the new version, in that case. PAY THE FEE! It will save you a lot of time and effort.

3. Does it do what you need it to do?

This is a big one. If the OS your switching to doesn’t do what you need it to do, then it’s useless. For example. If you have a dual-core, or quad-core system and you want it to utilize both of them. You may not want to downgrade. Older Microsoft OSes don’t support that.

4. How stable is it?

Now while you may think older = more stable, that’s not always true. I’ll admit Windows 2000 is probably the most stable Windows sperating system on the market, but it may not be as stable as you think.

Try doing a dual-boot, and see if it can handle your drivers, software, etc.

5. Can it run newer programs?

You’re probably thinking, “What? Why would I want to know if it can run newer programs? I’m downgrading.” One reason. Just because you’re downgrading doesn’t mean the programs are. For example. If you want to run OpenOffice, and keep it updating, it may not be able to in the near future because they’re moving forward and you’re staying in the back.

Now if you figured out you do want to downgrade, good luck. Be sure to back up your stuff!

- TechJunkie