WindowsXP licensing question

[Alec Peden]

Not sure if this is the right newsgroup or not, but here
it goes.

I have a customer in need of a new computer but needs to
have Windows 98 preinstalled instead of Windows XP Home.
It is my understanding that you can "downgrade" Operation
Systems with a newer license. Meaning, i can use an
WindowsXP Pro license and install Windows 2000. Now, I do
not know if this applies to the "XP Home/9x" line or not
and I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me. If it is
so, how do i got about installing Windows98? Will i need
a seperate product key or will the Windows XP Home one
work. I'm pretty much this isnt going to fly but its
worth a try.


Alec Peden
Navitek Computers

 

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

Not sure if this is the right newsgroup or not, but here
it goes.

I have a customer in need of a new computer but needs to
have Windows 98 preinstalled instead of Windows XP Home.
It is my understanding that you can "downgrade" Operation
Systems with a newer license. Meaning, i can use an
WindowsXP Pro license and install Windows 2000. Now, I do
not know if this applies to the "XP Home/9x" line or not
and I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me. If it is
so, how do i got about installing Windows98? Will i need
a seperate product key or will the Windows XP Home one
work. I'm pretty

Downgrade rights are available to purchasers of products through volume
licensing programs only.
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/volbrief.asp

From the Downgrade Rights Chart
FPP (Full Paqckaged Product = Retail) and MLP system licenses containing the
System EULA are not granted downgrade rights (unless they are enrolled in
Select License or Open License Upgrade Advantage as is detailed above).

In other words no downgrade rights for retail software purchases

If your proidyct is an OEM Windows XP then the following applies:-
System licenses acquired via the OEM channel follow rights granted in the
OEM license. PCs licensed for Windows XP Professional OEM are licensed to
use identified previous versions of Windows Operating System Product(s) in
lieu of Windows XP Professional (Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional,
Microsoft® Windows NT® 4.0 or Microsoft® Windows® 98 (Second Edition).

So agian only downgrade rights for OEM Windows XP Porfessional.

In your case since the machine comes with Windows XP Home Edition you have
no downgrade rights and should contact the OEM to see if they will swap out
the Window XP Home edition for a 98 install. If not then you will need to
purchase the Windows 98 product at your own expense.
See also
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/desktop/consumer/default.mspx

The OEM availability of Windows 98 ended on June 30 2002 so they may not be
able to supply you with one.
June 30 1999 was the end date for general retail availability of Windows 98
SE

--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions, please use these
newsgroups

 

[Sophie]

Not sure if this is the right newsgroup or not, but here
it goes.

I have a customer in need of a new computer but needs to
have Windows 98 preinstalled instead of Windows XP Home.
It is my understanding that you can "downgrade" Operation
Systems with a newer license. Meaning, i can use an
WindowsXP Pro license and install Windows 2000. Now, I do
not know if this applies to the "XP Home/9x" line or not
and I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me. If it is
so, how do i got about installing Windows98? Will i need
a seperate product key or will the Windows XP Home one
work. I'm pretty much this isnt going to fly but its
worth a try.


Alec Peden
Navitek Computers

Just buy a copy of Windows 98SE that would be the easiest solution.

 

[cimex]

Since Windows 98 does not require activation, just get a Win 98SE disk and
go. Chances are, the owner of the disk is no longer using the program, so
you would be quite legal, in that case. Paying for Win 98 is like paying for
an 8-track tape player (almost).

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a customer in need of a new computer but needs to
have Windows 98 preinstalled instead of Windows XP Home.
It is my understanding that you can "downgrade" Operation
Systems with a newer license. Meaning, i can use an
WindowsXP Pro license and install Windows 2000. Now, I do
not know if this applies to the "XP Home/9x" line or not

AFAIK it does not: OEM licenses of pro carry a right to replace by
win2000, but that is as far as it goes

and I'm hoping someone can clarify this for me. If it is
so, how do i got about installing Windows98? Will i need
a seperate product key or will the Windows XP Home one
work

It needs a Win98 one, which will come on the case with the Win98 CD