vista/XP./OFFICE

I have a new back-up laptop. It came pre-installed with Vista which seems OK and Office 2007 which I HATE. I have discus for my previous XP with all the trimmings. Can I uninstall Vista and Office 2007 and use the discs to put XP on the new laptop ? Some say fine, others say don`t even think it .. I am NOT an expert.