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You shouldn't even attempt to install an older version over the top of a newer version, bad things can happen real fast.
If Tek's suggestions don't work and your only alternative is to reinstall the OS, you should back up your hard drive, boot from the CD/DVD and do a total reformat reinstall.... When the system is fully operational you can then restore your data files (only).......
The above is assuming the OS CD/DVD is bootable and your system's BIOS boot configuration is CD/DVD first, hard disk second....
Not knowing what OS we are talking about can't give you specifics, but searching via Google on how to boot/install from CD/DVD should return many hits... or post other concerns you have.
1. Back up files
2. Pop in CD/DVD of OS
3. Restart PC
4. As soon as PC starts to boot, hit either F10 or DEL or whatever key your mobo manufacturer uses for "setup"
5. Make sure boot order is CD/DVD drive first
6. Save and Exit
7. Wait for "hit any key to boot from CD" and hit a key
8. Read on-screen instructions to delete your current partition(s), and format a new partition (use quick format)
9. Have some cake and watch it do it's thing.
Now, be sure that you have, at the very least, a NIC driver for your computer, especially if this is your only computer, cause you will need to access the internet to get the rest of the drivers.
Want to add something, if you don't mind working on the hardware purchase another disk, take out your current disk and replace it with the new one and load the new OS to that.
This way you'll be able to see just how clean (everything works) and still have your original disk intact.
Like Kazyn says, you load the new OS and find out you need the NIC driver you're totally out of luck unless you have another system to access the web for the driver. And depending on how old the system is finding a driver might be a hassle....
If everything does work OK put the original disk in as the second disk (and all your old data files will be accessible)....
I'll add one more thing, be sure to immediately go to Windows update if it's Windows OS and install the security updates.
I'm still on XP and I know for example there is vulnerability on the earlier version on the install disc that only requires the computer be connected to the internet.
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