Which Vista's are downgradeable to XP Pro or home ?

How can I find out which Vista's can be downgraded to XP ?

Mostly XP pro or home ?

Is this option available when I start up Vista for the first time ?

 

Vista Business and Ultimate are.

I don't know about Enterprise.

The downgrade right means you get an XP professional disc - or you can buy one.

But I advise against downgrading unless you have a specific incompatibility as Vista is quiegood nowadays.

 

You'll know because the OS specification will indicate that it comes with downgrade rights. If you're not sure about your system, check your specs on your OEM's website.

As DetlevCM says, systems with downgrade rights downgrade to XP Pro, not Home.

 

So how does this work? If I have a Vista Business Product key, it would work if I use teh same key for installing XP Pro for example? or how does this work?

 

Did your system come with a license that includes downgrade rights? If you don't know, then odds are it didn't.

 

Oh no it didn't I just thought any key would work on XP, nevermind

 

I don't know the precise specifics, but I don't believe MS would be that indiscriminate with its keys.

 

True, oh well, just wanted to know, I personally have 10s of genuine XP keys, just wanted to ask incase a friend was interested.


Win 7 pwns V!$TA / XP

 

That's a nice little stash to have. I've got two full retail versions, with keys, stashed away in case of future need.

 

I got at least 25 genuine keys. Only about 5 of them are 100% legit. Though, I only use them for testing purposes in VMware.

 

Then you've only got 5 keys - legitimacy is as much a criterion as useability.

 

If you are able to downgrade, then you are able to use any version (OEM, Retail, VLK) of Windows XP Pro, install it using the XP key and then call to have it activated.

Just tell them that your computer came with Vista w/ downgrade rights and they will do the rest.

 

When you order a laptop with Vista and XP downgrade, it comes with XP Pro pre-installed on the system, with the Vista install disk in the box for whenever you want to upgrade later.

 

Not always.

My SZ came with Vista installed (make your own recovery) and an XP pro disc.

 

Ah, then maybe it's just a Dell thing. But yeah, three of my family members just ordered new Dell systems online, and all opted for Vista Business with XP Pro Downgrade. When they turned their computers on, XP Pro was installed, and there was a Vista Business disk in the packaging.

 

Well if he had a VLK that doesnt have to be activated that = usability, still illegal.

I have so many legit copies of 95, 98 and 2000 its not funny, only 2 of the 2000's are full non oem copies though all the 95 are compaq oem, all but the 98 upgrade i have is oem. Only got one xp, and no vista's except the restore discs to a couple of my units. Have Beta 2 and RC1 still in the package from microsoft.


Still got OS2 Warp and 3.1 on floppy.

 

Cool! Hang on to that stuff, you've got the makings of a nice "antique" OS collection going!