Downgrading to XP Pro... How to get the CD?

[Guest]

Hello,

I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I am
willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance and
compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper interaction with
SBS2k3...).
According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question is:
how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP Pro, the
downgrade rights is just a fake.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,
dac.

 

[Malke]

Hello,

I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I am
willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance and
compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper interaction with
SBS2k3...).
According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question is:
how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP Pro, the
downgrade rights is just a fake.

There is nothing fake about the downgrade rights. You are
misunderstanding the way that downgrade rights work. You need to own a
copy of the older operating system. Therefore, if you don't have a
retail copy of XP and you wish to downgrade to it you will need to buy one.


Malke

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Hello,

I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I am
willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance and
compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper interaction
with
SBS2k3...).
According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question is:
how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP Pro,
the
downgrade rights is just a fake.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,
dac

Read the EULA again - the supply of media and keys is your responsibility.

14. DOWNGRADE. Instead of using the software, you may use one of the
following earlier versions:
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional,
• Microsoft Windows Professional x64 Edition, or
• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
This agreement applies to your use of the earlier versions. If the earlier
version includes different components, any terms for those components in the
agreement that comes with the earlier version apply to your use of them.
Neither the manufacturer or installer, nor Microsoft is obligated to supply
earlier versions to you. You must obtain the earlier version separately.
At any time, you may replace an earlier version with this version of the
software.


Contact your OEM and plead your case but I would not hold out too much hope.
..
[/QUOTE]

 

[Guest]

There is nothing fake about the downgrade rights. You are
misunderstanding the way that downgrade rights work. You need to own a
copy of the older operating system. Therefore, if you don't have a
retail copy of XP and you wish to downgrade to it you will need to buy one.

Uh? OK I don't get it.
If I have a legitimate version of Vista and if I need to buy a version of XP
to downgrade... well I don't need an EULA to tell me that I can downgrade. I
can install whatever legitimate piece of software I want on my computer. No?

 

[Guest]

Read the EULA again - the supply of media and keys is your responsibility.

14. DOWNGRADE. Instead of using the software, you may use one of the
following earlier versions:
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional,
• Microsoft Windows Professional x64 Edition, or
• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
This agreement applies to your use of the earlier versions. If the earlier
version includes different components, any terms for those components in the
agreement that comes with the earlier version apply to your use of them.
Neither the manufacturer or installer, nor Microsoft is obligated to supply
earlier versions to you. You must obtain the earlier version separately.
At any time, you may replace an earlier version with this version of the
software.


Contact your OEM and plead your case but I would not hold out too much hope.
..

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I have seen this chapter of the EULA. Unless I buy a
retail version of XP Pro, it seems that I am stuck

 

[Mike Hall MVP]

OEM is the responsibility of the laptop manufacturer..

Hello,

I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I am
willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance and
compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper interaction
with
SBS2k3...).
According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question is:
how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP Pro,
the
downgrade rights is just a fake.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,
dac.

--


Mike Hall
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/

 

[Guest]

Don't want to seems unpolite but really...
Delivering a product working in an acceptable way is the responsibility of
the software editor... If it is not the case, an idea would be to make
customer life easier.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You seem to be mistaken.
If the laptop shipped with Windows Vista, it is the laptop
manufacturers responsibility to make sure the laptop performs with
with everything that is included and that includes Windows Vista.
Software manufacturers can not possibly take into account all possible
of hardware and software configurations.
That is one of the major benefits of buying an OEM system, everything
should work and the OEM is the one stop source for ALL support.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need to provide your own CD and Product Key.
The major users of this program are businesses that already have keys
and media.

If you are having that kind of trouble, contact the OEM and consider
returning.

 

[Guest]

The issues I am facing are mainly related to SBS imcompatibility (check SBS
support page). My main concern with Vista is that instead of doing business,
I am trying since two months to make it usable: (basic stuff that works with
XP Pro such as AD authentication, file copy. I guess an OEM manufacturer will
not care about those kind of issues.

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I have seen this chapter of the EULA. Unless I buy a
retail version of XP Pro, it seems that I am stuck

You can acquire the media by any means you see fit - you have a valid
license to use it as per your downgrade rights.
The problem is actually the product key for XP activation.
Now - from a licensing perspective you could use any XP CD and Key and when
activation fails due to the key being used on anther system legitimately
somewhere else - you have to telephone activate and could try and explain
the situation and try and get rekeyed.
(I have never heard of anyone trying this)

 

[Guest]

I am running my small business and I do not have an XP Pro media nor product
key.
The OEM manufacturer will not accept any return since the issues I am facing
are related to an other product (SBS)
So basically you are telling me I have to buy XP Pro.
Microsoft is not delivering a working product with their own networking
environment ! They should at least make their customers' life easier with a
proper downgrade procedure!!!

PS: This link is pretty interresting regarding the downgrade nightmare!

 

[Guest]

oops, the link:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1568389&SiteID=17

 

[Guest]

Where to get Xp? Try the store.

 

[Guest]

Uh... thanks for this fabulous post! An advise: read first and then post!

 

[Bill Yanaire]

That is right. You said How to get the CD.

Go to the store and purchase it!

 

[huwyngr]

What that EULA seems to be saying, if it is to make sense, is that you
could borrow a copy of XP and either use the VISTA key on it (not
possible I believe) or that MS will supply you with an XP key in return
for you surrendering the right to use that copy of VISTA.

But whether "makes sense" and "Microsoft" in the same paragraph makes
sense is another matter.

It would be nice to have a clear statement form Microsoft on what they
mean.

------------------------------------------------------------

A search on the Microsoft website did produce some interesting (and
confusing ) information.

This next URL takes you to download a copy of the Download Rights and
FAQs but whether it applies to us ordinary users I don't know.

http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/2/3/d23b9533-169d-4996-b198-
7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc

Here's a long thread with what looks like solid information except for
a link at the end which does not work:

http://forums.microsoft.com/genuine/ShowPost.aspx?
PostID=1404691&SiteID=25

It does seem ludicrous to be saying that you have the right to download
but that to do so you have to go out and buy a retail copy of XP to get
the KEY when you have paid for a KEY to Windows VISTA that you agree
not to use ......

 

[huwyngr]

(I have never heard of anyone trying this)

I've just been reading some messages that came up when I did a Google
in Technet on [download +VISTA] and several say they were refused by
Microsoft activation.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need to furnish your own key and media, Microsoft is not
responsible to furnish you anything if you choose to downgrade.

"It does seem ludicrous..."
The main audience for the downgrade rights are large users such as
businesses who already have the previous operating system on some of
their many computers.
This is not intended for the single user who has very few computers.
However it seems the downgrade rights are there for some.

 

[huwyngr]

You need to furnish your own key and media, Microsoft is not 
responsible to furnish you anything if you choose to downgrade.

So I understand -- but since when do I need to acquire a right to
change from one purchased licenced installation (VISTA as supplied) to
another purchased licence (XP bought retail)?

That is why I describe it as ludicrous as can be seen by the queries
the statement raises. They would have been much better off not raising
the subject.