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    Quick : Vista to Xp Question

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Tinderbox (UK), Jan 23, 2009.

  1. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    Hi.

    If i use my Vista Home Premium OEM key to downgrade to Xp Home, will i be stuck or can go back to Vista if i like.

    Thanks for the help

    John.
     
    Tinderbox (UK), Jan 23, 2009
    #1
  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Vista retail keys are pretty flexible, and if the Vista key is OEM, the info is stored in the ACPI - so unless you install Vista on the same laptop, it'll automatically activate.
    Basically yes, you can go back to Vista. If you have issues, you can always call up MS who are quite lenient about Vista activations (irrespective of the license type).
    You usually don't even get to talk to a human when activating Vista on the phone.
    (But can you use the Vista key to install XP ? :p)
     
    Andy, Jan 23, 2009
    #2
  3. KarenA

    KarenA Notebook Evangelist

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    Maybe you can try backup-ing your Vista activation with the ABR tool by orev so you can easily switch back to Vista? Sorry if I misunderstood your point.
     
    KarenA, Jan 23, 2009
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  4. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    Hi.

    But will the Xp activation not spit out it`s dummy , when it see the vista pre-activated key?

    John.
     
    Tinderbox (UK), Jan 23, 2009
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  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    You can't use a Vista Home Premium key to downgrade to XP Home.

    You can use a Vista Business or Ultimate key to downgrade to XP Pro -- but that's it -- they don't have any downgrade program for the home versions.

    If you use an XP Home key to install XP Home... then you can go back to using Vista Home Premium w/ your Vista Home Premium key if you like.
     
    swarmer, Jan 23, 2009
    #5