Sam, I'll say it again. I've been using Vista Home Premium x64 since 2009. Whatever others say, my experience has been good. If the 64-bit version is causing problems, then go with 32.

Unless, you never, ever, ever plan to go on the internet with this machine, I'd stay away from XP. It is at the end of its service life. Microsoft will shortly stop issuing security updates, leaving it vulnerable to all kinds of nasties. If you have a separate PC for the innerwebz, then go ahead with XP on your laptop. Just make sure to get it completely up to date in case they take everything down at Microsoft.com.

You're doing the right thing by being cautious. You know the saying: "Measure twice and cut once."

R.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."