At Google:
“operating system” “step by step” installation

In fact the acquaintance was a kid that used to post here. I have long since forgotten his name, how I did it, and any hard copies that might have existed are gone.

It wasn’t that difficult as I recall. There is a program available called Darik’s Boot And Nuke that will wipe any drive clean they say. At that point it is fairly easy to install another O/S.

I wouldn’t know how to go about the sync with your Vista machine but it seems like something that could be done. A simple cut and paste it would seem, but things like that never seem to work out for me.

They have issued some updates to Windows 8 that makes it “almost” possible to make it run like 7. I don’t own a Windows 8 machine but I have worked with a few for some friends. As I recall, with the update, you can make it boot to the traditional desktop screen and clicking the start button takes you to that abomination shortcut screen. That screen includes a one click way back to desktop. It is also easier to restart, shut down etc.

Windows 8 is a hateful O/S but you can eventually “get it” if you keep plugging, or you can spend a few bucks and have it your way.