Windows 7: Can't revert to XP orVista!Windows.old folder not found

I have read the article on 'How to revert to a previous version of Windows': How to restore a Windows 7-based computer to a previous Windows installation by using the Windows.old folder/
I am using Windows 7 Ultimate beta,and found it irritating and much inferior to XP. It has many compatibility problems and bugs.It crashes every two hours and I have lost many of my personal data.So,I wanted to revert to my old XP by a clean uninstallation of 7.When I inserted the XP CD during BOOT and pressed a key (as prompted),it didn't respond.It just started normally.
Then I inserted it within 7,but the XP installation tab grayed out!Then I searched Microsoft far a solution and went to the link(above).It says that I need the windows.old file to revert.But I can't find it.I had searched all of my drives but couldn't find it.When I typed windows.old in the search pad(in drive c:\) ,4 files came out: file:///D:/Windows/winsxs/x86_microsoft-windows-a..oldertool.resources_31bf3856ad364e35_6.0.6000.16386_en-us_111994699d72a71f/ two other similar to this and one MUI file.
So does that mean I don't have the windows.old file and thus can't revert to XP. Windows 7 is going to be released soon and I am using the RC version;and so my version will soon expire.WHAT CAN I DO NOW?????

Are you wanting to install Windows XP over Windows 7 or are you wanting to continue evaluating Windows 7 until you can purchase the retail version?

If your windows.old folder is missing and you want to revert to XP, it seems your only possibility is to backup your personal files and documents and do a clean XP install.

Which version are you using? Beta has already expired, RC expires June 1st 2010 starting bi-hourly shutdowns on March 1st 2010.

Kari

Once your 'problems' are resolved,

You might want to post in the thread "What don't you like about Windows 7?",

or somethin' like that...

To be fair, the Beta was not exactly the 'Choice of Kings...'.

Ive noticed more and more posts like this one ... OP makes a post and never returns ... Im outta here....

Sorry....I mistakenly mentioned beta...I am using the RC version...
Tews asked:Are you wanting to install Windows XP over Windows 7 or are you wanting to continue evaluating Windows 7 until you can purchase the retail version?
Ans: Straightly speaking, I am wanting to remove windows 7 and install XP.As I mentioned on my thread,I am unable to uninstall 7 cause I can't find the WINDOWS.OLD file....(pls READ MY ARTICLE).I had unfortunately installed 7 over XP,instead of installing it on another partition(I didn't knew at that time).My computer shut downs suddenly every 2 hours.
Kari said that I should do a clean install of Xp...I think he doesn't know that that doesn't work..he might have not red the thread where I mentioned the steps I have already carried out to uninstall 7.

If your computer shutsdown every two hours than you are using the BETA of Windows 7 not the RC. A lot of your issues probably have already been resolved in the RC or above so it isn't a fair estimate of Windows 7 in general to critizie it from a build that is back from January 2009. Backup all your data and clean install XP or decide to try the really good version of Windows 7 and go for the RC or the RTM...

Hi k121,

If your machine is shutting down every 2 hours then it must be the BETA you're running as the RC does not shut down till March 2010 so you have plenty of time. As for the Windows.old folder did you clean install over XP without formatting or did you upgrade?

If you upgraded, you will not have a Windows.old folder....

When Ken said Clean Install he means to put your XP disc in->restart->Boot from Disc in BIOS->Format Your Computer->Procceed with XP Installation.

Same with Windows 7 RC and above

He couldn't have upgraded from XP to begin with...so from what I gathered he chose his XP partition in setup from a clean install which Windows would then throw all the XP stuff into a Windows.old folder (at least it should). Now I have never known of anyone being able to go back a version of windows by using the Windows.old folder so the best case for the OP would be to backup importaint data and either format clean install Windows XP/7 RC or RTM