Originally posted by PRSplaya
... the first way is how it was when I bought it. just didn't know if I could change it.

Check the nut. The slots will definitely not fit both string arrangements. If the nut is cut for your first example (which is the more common way), then reversing that will place the thick bottom E string in a narrow slot near the end of the nut. I was able to get my Washburn EA20-12B at a good price because some idiot put the strings on in the wrong order and broke the nut. Fair warning.