Downgrade from Vista to XP Procedure

[Ross]

We are the OEM and Build custom systems for re-sale.
Can someone please confirm the downgrade procedure. Here is what I
understand.

1. Customer will purchase Vista Business with License (OEM)
2. XP-Pro is to be installed with any Media and License (Already used COA)
3. XP willnot activate becasue its been activated before on different
hardware.
4. Call Microsoft and they will get it activated over the phone.

If the above is correct then what does the customer do in a couple of years
when they want to inststall Vista, because the Vista OEM will not install as
an upgrade. Does this mean the user must save data, then format and install
vista Business OEM, and re-laod all apps?

I'm confused

Ross

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

OEM versions of any Windows version, including Vista,
requires a "clean install".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Desktop Experience -
Windows Vista Enthusiast

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

We are the OEM and Build custom systems for re-sale.
Can someone please confirm the downgrade procedure. Here is what I
understand.

1. Customer will purchase Vista Business with License (OEM)
2. XP-Pro is to be installed with any Media and License (Already used COA)
3. XP willnot activate becasue its been activated before on different
hardware.
4. Call Microsoft and they will get it activated over the phone.

If the above is correct then what does the customer do in a couple of years
when they want to inststall Vista, because the Vista OEM will not install as
an upgrade. Does this mean the user must save data, then format and install
vista Business OEM, and re-laod all apps?

I'm confused

Ross

 

[Ross]

Carey,

Are steps 1-4 Correct?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to downgrade:

Install a copy of Windows XP Professional with the product key that
came with the copy, and then when you hit the activation screen -- which
is near the end of the installation process -- select the activate by phone
option rather than the online method. You'll likely end up talking with
a live rep; tell him that you're downgrading from Vista to XP, and give
him the Vista product key. The rep is supposed to walk you through the rest.

 

[Ross]

If I understand correctly. THe XP CD and COA Key can be from any system as
long as the key matches the Media? For example they can use a license and
media from a system they purchased a few years ago that may still be in use?
The XP key is only needed to install XP the activation will actually be done
with the vista key?