Windows Vista™ does not include an standard uninstall feature, making removing the OS a manual procedure that is not available in all configurations. Your ability to manually remove the OS using the Windows. OLD folder depends on how Windows Vista is installed. In some situations, only a clean installation of the previous operating system can return a computer to that OS. This document provides guidance on how to determine the options and what steps to take to obtain the best possible result given each configuration.
Overview and Considerations
In all previous Windows® versions targeted for consumer use, a formal uninstallation feature has been available. This availability has ensured that a person installing Windows XP on a Windows Me computer had an option to uninstall Windows XP if significant program or hardware compatibility issues arose.
Fortunately, the level of architectural change from Windows XP to Windows Vista is substantially less than that involved in the Windows Me-to-Windows XP upgrade. As a result, technicians should face far fewer critical compatibility issues than were encountered in the previous generation of upgrades. This reduction, of course, does not mean that support personnel never need to help you restore the previous operating system.
This document provides guidance on what can be done to revert to the previous operating system in a supportable way after Windows Vista is installed.
Considerations
The following key considerations should be made before attempting a manual uninstallation.
Data Preservation You should back up your data before following the steps described in this document. While a data backup may not be essential to these steps, it is important to establish whether the you have a backup. Set expectations that all troubleshooting comes with risk.
Application Compatibility Unresolved application compatibility issues may be a reason to revert back to the previously installed OS. Troubleshooting techniques for application compatibility issues are detailed in "Application - Application Compatibility."
Hardware and Drivers Compatibility Unresolved hardware and driver compatibility issues is another reason to revert back to the previous OS. Troubleshooting techniques for hardware and driver issues are detailed in "Hardware and Drivers - Hardware Troubleshooting."
For more details, please go to www.wintechhelp.com
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