i hate vista

[Pedal Wench]

Also, Vaios generally don't come with all the applications on disk. Make sure to follow the process to make your backup disks BEFORE you wipe and install XP. This is really important because you'll need your drivers for stuff like your trackpad and your bluetooth, and it's a nightmare trying to download them online.

Also, I've heard you can download and install Windows 7 for free right now as it's in beta. This might be an option also. I haven't tried it, but I've heard really, really good things.

The only problem is that in a few months, your version of Windows 7 will shut down every two hours until you buy the official release: http://dvice.com/archives/2009/05/windows-7-rc-no.php (Shameless plug for the website I write for!)

[Flur]

The only problem is that in a few months, your version of Windows 7 will shut down every two hours until you buy the official release: http://dvice.com/archives/2009/05/windows-7-rc-no.php (Shameless plug for the website I write for!)

It's good for almost a full year ('til March 2010). It's trial software, and that's one heck of a trial period!

Unless the OP already owns a copy of XP, she'll need to buy one. If I was in her shoes (and considering how badly I want a Vaio P I may find myself in her shoes soon) I would try out Windows 7. If it's great, I'd buy it in March. If it's not great, no harm, no foul, time to buy a copy of XP and install that instead.