Do I have to use Microsoft office 2007 with vista, or can I use an earlier version of office?

I just bought a new laptop and the salesman told me that vista was incompatible with older office software, and would crash if I tried to install them onto my laptop. This means I have to buy microsoft office 2007 ($145). Does anyone know if vista will work with older office editions? Thanks

Do I have to use Microsoft office 2007 with vista, or can I use an earlier version of office?antivirus protection

2007 will work with xp

but 2003 will not ( from what i have read ) with vista

personally i'ld dump vista

install xp pro sp2

and go from there

i just did it on my new toshiba vista eqipped laptop

and converted back to xp pro sp2