[cavfan]

I am currently running Vista 64bit. Can I install Windows 7 32bit? Also is there an option to retain all my media and documents after installing?

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You have to perform clean install, so you have to back up your data first.

[Broni]

You have to perform clean install, so you have to back up your data first.

[Makaveli213]

If you create a partition and dual boot then you can accomplish what you want.

http://apcmag.com/ho...alled_first.htm

[cavfan]

Thanks so much for your help everyone! However sorry to say, in my horrible impatienceness I backed up a copy of Vista to my external hard drive and installed Windows 7. Now I want to go back to Vista but it says I need an install disk. Says Vista cannot be installed from my hard disk restore. Are there any other options? Once again thanks-a-mil!

[Broni]

Impatience is usually a bad idea

I backed up a copy of Vista

How?

[cavfan]

I went into Vista Restore and selected to backup my entire hard drive. I have a folder now in Windows 7 that says Windows.old that I can still access my media and such, but I would like to get Vista back. Thanks for the speedy reply.

[Broni]

You'll need to reinstall Vista from scratch.
You can use recovery partition, or recovery disks, but you have to back up your data first, because everything will be gone.

[cavfan]

Does that mean I have to order them? The only recovery disk I have is what I backed up. I did not recieve any recovery disks with the computer. I thought that the recovery could be completed from the hard drive backup I created.

[Broni]

You may have recovery partition. What computer brand, and model is it?

[cavfan]

I don't see any recovery partition. It is HP Pavilion dv2000.

[Broni]

How many partitions do you have listed in Disk Management?

[cavfan]

Just have 1, the C drive.

[Broni]

It looks like removed recovery partition while installing Windows 7.
You'll need to call HP to get a set of recovery disks.

[cavfan]

OK thats what I was afraid of. Thanks for all the help!

[Broni]

You're welcome