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

"the_dac" <thedac@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
newsF8D2017-B648-4C79-BE3A-CB764034170B@microsoft.com...
>> Read the EULA again - the supply of media and keys is your
>> responsibility.
>>
>> 14. DOWNGRADE. Instead of using the software, you may use one of the
>> following earlier versions:
>> • Microsoft Windows XP Professional,
>> • Microsoft Windows Professional x64 Edition, or
>> • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
>> This agreement applies to your use of the earlier versions. If the
>> earlier
>> version includes different components, any terms for those components in
>> the
>> agreement that comes with the earlier version apply to your use of them.
>> Neither the manufacturer or installer, nor Microsoft is obligated to
>> supply
>> earlier versions to you. You must obtain the earlier version separately.
>> At any time, you may replace an earlier version with this version of the
>> software.
>>
>>
>> Contact your OEM and plead your case but I would not hold out too much
>> hope.
>> ..
>
> Hi Mike,
> Thanks for the reply. I have seen this chapter of the EULA. Unless I buy a
> retail version of XP Pro, it seems that I am stuck
>
>

You can acquire the media by any means you see fit - you have a valid
license to use it as per your downgrade rights.
The problem is actually the product key for XP activation.
Now - from a licensing perspective you could use any XP CD and Key and when
activation fails due to the key being used on anther system legitimately
somewhere else - you have to telephone activate and could try and explain
the situation and try and get rekeyed.
(I have never heard of anyone trying this)

--

Mike Brannigan
"the_dac" <thedac@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
newsF8D2017-B648-4C79-BE3A-CB764034170B@microsoft.com...
>> Read the EULA again - the supply of media and keys is your
>> responsibility.
>>
>> 14. DOWNGRADE. Instead of using the software, you may use one of the
>> following earlier versions:
>> • Microsoft Windows XP Professional,
>> • Microsoft Windows Professional x64 Edition, or
>> • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition.
>> This agreement applies to your use of the earlier versions. If the
>> earlier
>> version includes different components, any terms for those components in
>> the
>> agreement that comes with the earlier version apply to your use of them.
>> Neither the manufacturer or installer, nor Microsoft is obligated to
>> supply
>> earlier versions to you. You must obtain the earlier version separately.
>> At any time, you may replace an earlier version with this version of the
>> software.
>>
>>
>> Contact your OEM and plead your case but I would not hold out too much
>> hope.
>> ..
>
> Hi Mike,
> Thanks for the reply. I have seen this chapter of the EULA. Unless I buy a
> retail version of XP Pro, it seems that I am stuck
>
>

I am running my small business and I do not have an XP Pro media nor product
key.
The OEM manufacturer will not accept any return since the issues I am facing
are related to an other product (SBS)
So basically you are telling me I have to buy XP Pro.
Microsoft is not delivering a working product with their own networking
environment ! They should at least make their customers' life easier with a
proper downgrade procedure!!!

PS: This link is pretty interresting regarding the downgrade nightmare!


"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:

> You need to provide your own CD and Product Key.
> The major users of this program are businesses that already have keys
> and media.
>
> If you are having that kind of trouble, contact the OEM and consider
> returning.
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "the_dac" <thedac@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F00ABB96-4191-44A9-BE9D-6D7FC8905B70@microsoft.com...
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I
> > am
> > willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance
> > and
> > compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper
> > interaction with
> > SBS2k3...).
> > According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question
> > is:
> > how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP
> > Pro, the
> > downgrade rights is just a fake.
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your help.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > dac.
> >
> >
>
>

oops, the link:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/...8389&SiteID=17

"the_dac" wrote:

> I am running my small business and I do not have an XP Pro media nor product
> key.
> The OEM manufacturer will not accept any return since the issues I am facing
> are related to an other product (SBS)
> So basically you are telling me I have to buy XP Pro.
> Microsoft is not delivering a working product with their own networking
> environment ! They should at least make their customers' life easier with a
> proper downgrade procedure!!!
>
> PS: This link is pretty interresting regarding the downgrade nightmare!
>
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>
> > You need to provide your own CD and Product Key.
> > The major users of this program are businesses that already have keys
> > and media.
> >
> > If you are having that kind of trouble, contact the OEM and consider
> > returning.
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> > http://www.dts-l.org
> >
> >
> > "the_dac" <thedac@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:F00ABB96-4191-44A9-BE9D-6D7FC8905B70@microsoft.com...
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I
> > > am
> > > willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance
> > > and
> > > compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper
> > > interaction with
> > > SBS2k3...).
> > > According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question
> > > is:
> > > how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP
> > > Pro, the
> > > downgrade rights is just a fake.
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance for your help.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > dac.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >

Where to get Xp? Try the store.
"the_dac" wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I have a laptop running an OEM version of Vista Business Edition. I am
> willing to downgrade to XP Pro since I am facing to many performance and
> compatibility issues wit Vista (15 minutes to boot, improper interaction with
> SBS2k3...).
> According to the EULA I can downgrade to XP Pro. Now the question is:
> how/where can I get a CD of XP Pro? If I have to buy a version of XP Pro, the
> downgrade rights is just a fake.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help.
>
> Cheers,
> dac.
>
>

Uh... thanks for this fabulous post! An advise: read first and then post!

"Ron K." wrote:
> Where to get Xp? Try the store.

That is right. You said How to get the CD.

Go to the store and purchase it!


"the_dac" <thedac@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:6CD87C55-EEA9-4411-B7D8-C49F3EF49F69@microsoft.com...
> Uh... thanks for this fabulous post! An advise: read first and then post!
>
> "Ron K." wrote:
>> Where to get Xp? Try the store.
>

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 whether "makes sense" and "Microsoft" in the same paragraph makes
sense is another matter.

It would be nice to have a clear statement form Microsoft on what they
mean.

------------------------------------------------------------

A search on the Microsoft website did produce some interesting (and
confusing ) information.

This next URL takes you to download a copy of the Download Rights and
FAQs but whether it applies to us ordinary users I don't know.

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...69d-4996-b198-
7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc

Here's a long thread with what looks like solid information except for
a link at the end which does not work:

http://forums.microsoft.com/genuine/ShowPost.aspx?
PostID=1404691&SiteID=25

It does seem ludicrous to be saying that you have the right to download
but that to do so you have to go out and buy a retail copy of XP to get
the KEY when you have paid for a KEY to Windows VISTA that you agree
not to use ......

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

"It does seem ludicrous..."
The main audience for the downgrade rights are large users such as
businesses who already have the previous operating system on some of
their many computers.
This is not intended for the single user who has very few computers.
However it seems the downgrade rights are there for some.

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


"huwyngr" <Hugh_Wyn_Griffith@simpilot.net> wrote in message
news:VA.00000316.0071dccd@unspam.tampabay.rr.com...
> 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 whether "makes sense" and "Microsoft" in the same paragraph
> makes
> sense is another matter.
>
> It would be nice to have a clear statement form Microsoft on what
> they
> mean.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>
> A search on the Microsoft website did produce some interesting (and
> confusing ) information.
>
> This next URL takes you to download a copy of the Download Rights
> and
> FAQs but whether it applies to us ordinary users I don't know.
>
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...69d-4996-b198-
> 7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc
>
> Here's a long thread with what looks like solid information except
> for
> a link at the end which does not work:
>
> http://forums.microsoft.com/genuine/ShowPost.aspx?
> PostID=1404691&SiteID=25
>
> It does seem ludicrous to be saying that you have the right to
> download
> but that to do so you have to go out and buy a retail copy of XP to
> get
> the KEY when you have paid for a KEY to Windows VISTA that you agree
> not to use ......
>

In article <OJ0XeVDlHHA.960@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl>, Jupiter Jones [MVP]
wrote:

> 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.

"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.

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


"huwyngr" <Hugh_Wyn_Griffith@simpilot.net> wrote in message
news:VA.0000031c.007cb172@unspam.tampabay.rr.com...
> 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.