Downgrade rights from Windows 7 to XP

Can someone explain the subject to me? I will buy a Win 7 machine but wish to continue to use Windows XP a while longer. I have XP discs. I saw this statement on HP web page for Probook 5310;

Genuine Windows XP Professional available through downgrade rights from Windows 7 Professional.

Reading the fine print, it doesnt seem to be available to single users. there is some statement that seems to indicate this available only for small businesses that have 25 users


How would this work and is it available whenever one buys a new laptop with Windows 7 pro or Ultimate?

thanks

 

It's only available if you buy a computer that comes with a downgrade license.

 

Thanks, Lithus. That probably rules out most everyone because it isnt mentioned. But HP has this statement that seems to gear this only to businesses:

This system may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ for details. Windows 7 Professional disk may be included for future upgrade if desired.

To qualify for this downgrade an end user must be a business (including governmental or educational institutions) and is expected to order annually at least 25 customer systems with the same custom image. Windows Vista Business disk may be included for future upgrade if desired. To qualify for this downgrade an end user must be a business (including governmental or educational institutions) and is expected to order annually at least 25 customer systems with the same custom image.

 

But if you PERSONALLY own an XP license there is nothing that stops you from using that license on other hardware.

The key is one license, one machine.

Actually buying a downgrade XP license from MSFT will probably be impossible quite soon though. I seem to recall some newsblurb on the subject last week.

 

I believed that both 7 Pro and 7 Ultimate always contained downgrade rights to XP Pro. Has that really been changed?

If that fact hasn't been changed, you can follow instructions here: http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=2311&page=8 how to install and activate XP Pro.

 

My understanding of this issue is that you give up your Win 7 license when you install the XP O/S on your system.

Definitely a step backwards from a 'future-proofing' perspective.

I would rather find an old XP Install disk and phone MS to get a valid license code than give up the much improved Win 7 license that will probably cost more than the XP license to buy (when the OP decides to finally update his O/S).

Cheers!