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Thread ID: 82144 2007-08-17 01:34:00 Downgrade windows Vista license to windows XP robbyp (2751) Press F1
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581852 2007-08-17 01:34:00 I have read on the internet, that it is possible if you buy a new PC with a Windows Vista license(business or Premium), that you have the right to be able to downgrade it to windows XP Professional at no cost. Supposedly this is if you have hardware or software that isn't compatible, and is supposedly in the microsoft terms and conditions. Then in the future, you are then able to reupgrade to windows vista, at no cost. The only provision is that you have to get your own copy of windows xp to install, and you then have to phone microsoft to generate a new key. Anyone know if this is actually true?
I was thinking of buying a new PC, but due to hardware and software not currently being compatible I can't use vista yet, but I eventually want to use it but I don't want to have to pay for a second license.
robbyp (2751)
581853 2007-08-17 01:39:00 Sounds like your trying to get 2 OS's for the price of one. I doubt there will be many companies that will go for that, even the mighty Microsoft.

Run Xp for a few years and bypass Vista all together jump to its sucessor maybe.
Bantu (52)
581854 2007-08-17 01:41:00 I have read on the internet, that it is possible if you buy a new PC with a Windows Vista license(business or Premium), that you have the right to be able to downgrade it to windows XP Professional at no cost. Supposedly this is if you have hardware or software that isn't compatible, and is supposedly in the microsoft terms and conditions. Then in the future, you are then able to reupgrade to windows vista, at no cost. The only provision is that you have to get your own copy of windows xp to install, and you then have to phone microsoft to generate a new key. Anyone know if this is actually true?
I was thinking of buying a new PC, but due to hardware and software not currently being compatible I can't use vista yet, but I eventually want to use it but I don't want to have to pay for a second license.

There is a downgrade licence, I'll check it out and post back

2 minutes Later : Ok yes there is a downgrade, my vendors are sending me the link via email with all the details. I'll post when it arrives.
wainuitech (129)
581855 2007-08-17 01:49:00 For the record, if anyone does get a Vista laptop, it wont work with Telecoms One Office Office Anywhere....... SolMiester (139)
581856 2007-08-17 01:57:00 Sounds like your trying to get 2 OS's for the price of one. I doubt there will be many companies that will go for that, even the mighty Microsoft.

Run Xp for a few years and bypass Vista all together jump to its sucessor maybe.


No, because you will only be able to run at a time, and it would be on the same computer. Just before vista came out, you could get XP with an upgrade voucher, where microsoft then sent you an upgrade CD to vista for about $20 for handling when it came out. You could then upgrade to vista when you were ready. There is no point in paying MS more money than you need to if the 'little known' downgrade license does exist.

I can't see a successor to vista for a while, unless Vista is considered by MS as another windows ME failure.
robbyp (2751)
581857 2007-08-17 02:08:00 Here (download.microsoft.com) is the Downgrade PDF that Microsoft have put out. Read it as you like. Mostly concerns OEM though. The other information I was sent is Below, cant post just the link as its sent to me as a html page seperatly, but here is its contents.

Windows Vista Downgrade Activation Support Line Telephone Numbers Now Available

Summary

As previously communicated, when an End User Customer is using both Microsoft® Windows® XP media and a product key that was previously activated when exercising its downgrade rights, they will fail activation due to hardware configuration changes when installing on the Windows Vista™ system. In these cases, the End User Customer will be prompted to call the Activation Support Line and explain their circumstances to the Customer Service Representative. Once it is determined that the End User Customer has a valid Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate license, the Customer Service Representative will help them activate their software. The Activation Support Line telephone numbers are now available on the OEM Communications Extranet (OCE) for OEMs to reference.

Resources

Downgrade rights for Windows Vista resources are available to OEMs on the OCE at oem.partners.extranet.microsoft.com

MS - Phone Number 0800 676 334

As for the life span of Vista ? might not be as long as people think -Read This (www.ministryoftech.com)
wainuitech (129)
581858 2007-08-17 03:59:00 As for the life span of Vista ? might not be as long as people think -Read This (www.ministryoftech.com)

Don't count on it. Vienna, once called Blackcomb, was originally due in 2003.
Nermal (7077)
581859 2007-08-17 04:36:00 Here (download.microsoft.com) is the Downgrade PDF that Microsoft have put out. Read it as you like. Mostly concerns OEM though. The other information I was sent is Below, cant post just the link as its sent to me as a html page seperatly, but here is its contents.

Windows Vista Downgrade Activation Support Line Telephone Numbers Now Available

Summary

As previously communicated, when an End User Customer is using both Microsoft® Windows® XP media and a product key that was previously activated when exercising its downgrade rights, they will fail activation due to hardware configuration changes when installing on the Windows Vista™ system. In these cases, the End User Customer will be prompted to call the Activation Support Line and explain their circumstances to the Customer Service Representative. Once it is determined that the End User Customer has a valid Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate license, the Customer Service Representative will help them activate their software. The Activation Support Line telephone numbers are now available on the OEM Communications Extranet (OCE) for OEMs to reference.

Resources

Downgrade rights for Windows Vista resources are available to OEMs on the OCE at oem.partners.extranet.microsoft.com

MS - Phone Number 0800 676 334

As for the life span of Vista ? might not be as long as people think -Read This (www.ministryoftech.com)

Many thanks for that. It doesn't look too difficult to do. I wonder if anyone else has done this, as it looks to be a good solution for many people buying a new PC and is uneasy about whether to purchase vista or to go to windows xp, due to compatibility issues with hardware not running on vista.


Edit: I have just read it, and am wondering. If I was to use a OEM windows XP Pro CD to install the downgrade on my new computer, and this CD of XP iwas used on another older computer to install windows XP, will there be problems if I needed to reinstall windows xp on the old computer?
I have 2 other older computers that have windows XP pro on them which I no longer use, but they only have HP windows xp restore disks, so can't be used to install windows xp on other computers.
robbyp (2751)
581860 2007-08-17 04:52:00 Don't count on it. Vienna, once called Blackcomb, was originally due in 2003.
MS can surprise people you know ;) Take The new Windows Home Server, its not yet available in the US ( as of yesterday any way) and to quote one of the MS tech's it wont be out till late this month , or next anyware - Here in NZ we have It NOW! I know because I got two copies of it RTM. Arrived yesterday.

Time wil tell I spose.
wainuitech (129)
581861 2007-08-17 05:05:00 I was thinking of buying a new PC, but due to hardware and software not currently being compatible I can't use vista yet, but I eventually want to use it but I don't want to have to pay for a second license.

If you are going to buy a new PC, forget the name brand's go to a Computer System Builder / Shop purchase the hardware you want and ask for XP on it, According to MS, System Builders and OEM suppliers will be able to get XP till 2009. "offically" XP is available in retail shops till end of Jan 2008 (Time will till on that also)

If you get a PC built the hardware should easily run XP, and as long as the hardware is Vista capable, it will run that also. Some items like printers etc, still wont run on Vista. - maybe never will:(
wainuitech (129)
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