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

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"but since when do I need to acquire a right..."
That depends on what you mean.
If you mean downgrade using media you have with an unused key, this
does not apply since you already have an unused license for Windows
XP.

An example:
I have a retail Windows XP Pro installed on my kids computer thus the
license is in use and not available to install on another computer.
But if I have a Windows Vista computer with the downgrade rights, I
can install my Windows XP also on the Vista computer, replacing Vista.
I end up the single Windows XP license installed on two computers with
the Vista not installed but the license accounts for the second
Windows XP installation.

 

[mikeyhsd]

if you UPGRADED xp to vista, it is said the license to xp is chewed up in the process.

you might call the ms activation phone and ask to have your vista deactivated and the xp key reactivated.

no guarantees. one of the gotchas of UPGRADE.




(e-mail address removed)

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.

 

[huwyngr]

I can install my Windows XP also on the Vista computer, replacing >

Vista.

Well that's what I began by saying it ought to mean:

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 I understood you to say that you had to go out and buy the media and
licence

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

Now you say that you can use an existing media (ie borrow one from a buddy
if necessary) and you seem to be saying that the VISTA KEY will work on
the new XP installation, or that you can activate it somehow.

Can you clarify this discrepency? It makes all the difference in the
world, financially, if you do not have to go out and buy media/licence to
downgrade.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need to read my post again as there are at least a few things you
seem to think I said which I never did.
I never said anything about borrowing.
I never said a Vista key will work with Windows XP, it will not.

If you do not already have the media and key, you may need to purchase
it.
But that is unlikely for the intended users of the downgrade rights.
And even if the intended users had to buy one, they would probably
have several computers to absorb the cost.

You seem to be quoting me and someone else and confusing our
responses.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org

 

[huwyngr]

If you read my message more carefully you will see that:

<< Well that's what I began by saying it ought to mean:

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. >>

is a quote from me.

The quotes from you are:
 

I can install my Windows XP also on the Vista computer, replacing >  Vista.

and

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

So I am not misquoting you.

(ie borrow one from a buddy 
if necessary)

is in parentheses to indicate that it is inserted and ie is the
abbreviation for "that is to say" in Latin.

Would you explain then what you meant by:

I have a retail Windows XP Pro installed on my kids computer thus the 
license is in use and not available to install on another computer.
But if I have a Windows Vista computer with the downgrade rights, I 
can install my Windows XP also on the Vista computer, replacing Vista.
I end up the single Windows XP license installed on two computers with 
the Vista not installed but the license accounts for the second 
Windows XP installation.

when you also say:

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

The first "I have a retail ...." implies you can use the same "my Windows
XP also" on the VISTA machine to downgrade it -- what key does one use
when you say "the licence (I presume you mean the unused VISTA licence)
accounts for the second Windows XP installation"?

I don't see any alternatives that make sense of what you write other
than:

1 -- the XP key can be used a second time to install XP on the ex-VISTA
machine in downgrading it.

2 -- the VISTA key will work in downgrading (which you say it doesn't)

3 -- you have to go and buy a new key in which case my question "since
when do I need Microsoft's permission to buy XP and install it" arises.

TIA

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

"what key does one use when you say "the licence (I presume you mean
the unused VISTA licence)
accounts for the second Windows XP installation"?"
The same Windows XP key.

You do not need Microsoft permission to purchase and use another key
and no one has suggested you need to.

For your comments:
1. That is what I said.

2. The Vista key will not work with Windows XP, you would get an
invalid key error upon input.
I did not say the Vista key will work with Windows XP and I did not
see anyone else say that.

3. In my example I would not have to buy anything.
If you do not have the media or key, then you may need to purchase.

 

[huwyngr]

The same Windows XP key.

So to be absolutely clear, you can under these circumstances use a
Windows XP key a second time?

That is what I was probing for. A new departure indeed.

Thanks for your patience.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Yes, the same key can be used again provided the specific Vista
license allows for downgrade rights.
AFAIK, all do not, so whether your specific license allows is for you
to determine.

This is not new, this also applied to Windows XP and possibly earlier
versions of Windows.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> 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.

Interesting -- That would be a violation of the EULA, and at a minimum,
grounds for you to return the product for a refund.

 

[huwyngr]

That would be a violation of the EULA, and at a minimum,
grounds for you to return the product for a refund.

I fear pretty hard to prove.

 

[huwyngr]

This is not new, this also applied to Windows XP and possibly earlier 
versions of Windows.

Interesting -- I've never come across it before and I am active in
Windows Support on Compuserve.

 

[DevilsPGD]

In message <[email protected]> huwyngr

I fear pretty hard to prove.

Oh? Record the call (check local law, but here all you have to do is
inform both parties that the call is being recorded)

 

[Mike Brannigan]

Interesting -- I've never come across it before and I am active in
Windows Support on Compuserve.

Just to clarify further the use of an XP key is just to get you installed -
you will then need to telephone activate and get re-keyed as the key you use
is probably already in use on another PC and thus will fail the online
activation. This will be where the fun comes in explaining to the clearing
house that you are using another copy of XP under the down grade rights as
specified in your particular Vista product (note not all have downgrade
rights).

 

[huwyngr]

This will be where the fun comes in explaining to the clearing 
house that you are using another copy of XP under the down grade rights as 
specified in your particular Vista product (note not all have downgrade 
rights).

I'm glad you mentioned that! No-one ever said it would be easy ....

Present plans to not include buying a new VISTA PC and downgrading it so I
won't have the pleasure but it's good to know the whole nine yards before I
pass it on elsewhere.