I have windows vista and I am trying to install an older version of xp which is 2002 but for some reason it says “Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD.
Warning: If you decide to delete the newer version of Windows that is currently installed on your computer, the files and settings cannot be recovered.”
but there is nothing that says continue ,or to proceed with the action that i have chosen, so what do i do?
PLEASE && THANK YOU.

You can’t downgrade from within Windows. You need to boot from the CD to install it. Understand that doing so will ERASE Vista. If you wish to install XP within Vista, use VirtualPC.http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual…
It’s not that simple.
One yes about the message ‘Setup cannot continue because the version of Windows on your computer is newer than the version on the CD.’
That means you would have to format the computer and tottally take windows off the computer, including all your data.
The second problem and even more important then the first one, is that most Vista based computer do not have the drivers to support windows xp. This means that even if your format the hard drive and install a fresh windows xp copy on the computer, you may have some things that will not work, such as cd/dvd drive, graphic, sounds, even internet connection.
So before you do anything go to your computer manufacture site or contact them seeing if your computer can support windows xp. If it has all the drivers then you can, but if it does not support any of them, then I suggest you leave it as it or think about getting windows 7.
You can’t downgrade from vista to xp, simply because vista is newer than XP. but if you want to learn about XP, try using VMware or Virtual PC, so you have 2 different Operating system in one PC, it’s safer than dual booting.
You’re going to have to wipe it and then continue, Microsoft doesn’t like people for going a step back in the Windows evolutionary chain – although really, I can’t blame you for running away from Vista. Microsoft isn’t going to make it easy for you.
Put in CD drive your old xp disc – it doesnt matter how old it is provided you have the COA. Turn off comp then reboot. XP should recognise that you are trying to reinstall.
Follow on from there
Hope you get on ok
J