Booting with XP disk

[Tidybeard]

I've got a Dual Core 2.33 with Vista, so obviously my machine is relatively modern. I'd like to format my C: and install XP instead (pro with SP2). Now, can I safely use the XP disk to boot my machine after formatting the HD? As in, should my machine still recognise the DVD driver if there is no O/S on the HDD (it sees it under normal circumstances, so I think it should after a format, but I need to be certain).

If I can't boot with the XP disk, can someone tell me some sort of easy way to create one under Vista, as it seems like the most awkward process on the planet!

Also, after installing XP, will I need drivers for my hardware in the event XP doesn't recognise automatically what's there, a la Vista?

Reps (and indeed free carrots) for the most helpful responses!

[Bolkonsky]

It definitely should as long as it's not some sort of external (usb/firewire) drive, and even then it might. One sure-fire way to make positively sure is to go into the BIOS, disable your HDD, and boot the PC and see if it detects the DVD drive.

99.999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% chance that it will detect though.

[Tidybeard]

OK, thanks.

[eisenkopf]

I've got a Dual Core 2.33 with Vista, so obviously my machine is relatively modern. I'd like to format my C: and install XP instead (pro with SP2). Now, can I safely use the XP disk to boot my machine after formatting the HD? As in, should my machine still recognise the DVD driver if there is no O/S on the HDD (it sees it under normal circumstances, so I think it should after a format, but I need to be certain).

If I can't boot with the XP disk, can someone tell me some sort of easy way to create one under Vista, as it seems like the most awkward process on the planet!

Also, after installing XP, will I need drivers for my hardware in the event XP doesn't recognise automatically what's there, a la Vista?

Reps (and indeed free carrots) for the most helpful responses!

Why would you format the disk before installing XP? Just boot with the XP disk and let it format the disk prior to installing XP. You might need to change the boot order (dvd first, then hard disk).

However, depending on how new your computer is, XP might indeed have to install a lot of drivers. And to set up an internet connection to do so might need some configuration. Nothing complicated usually, but you should have an idea how to do it. Before you erase Vista...