What exactly is the problem?

I do not think L45 is unable to run Vista. It may not run smoothly as you expect due to limited RAM. If this is the problem, simply upgrade the RAM to 2 G. It will not break the bank to do so.

If you do not like Vista at all, then that is a different story. I attempted to install XP on my Toshiba A135, I had no problem at all. However, I could not find a driver for the build in wireless connection. The one that came with the computer will NOT run under XP. I searched everywhere for an XP version driver and did not find it. Then I had to face the choice of keeping XP without the wireless connection or restoring to Vista. I thought about adding a USB wireless adaptor, but I chose not to.