Downgrading Vista Business to XP

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 11:47

Hey, wondering if someone can provide a simple, "idiot, do it this way" approach.
I've never had any problems with this as we're pretty much Dell based and their XP media doesn't give me any problems.

However, I've got an HP laptop thats turned up from an ex-user. No media, Vista home installed on it, HP Vista Business OEM COA on the bottom. OS partition gone, HP recovery remains.

USE GOOGLE
I expect all posts to say this but... It really doesn't help much from the results I'm seeing? Since activation is all pre-recorded now and I'm not hearing one to downgrade or "talk to a real person". Is there a different phone number now?

So here's where I'm at...
Genuine Vista Business key - Tied to this laptop
XP Pro OEM CD (Installed)
Activation window - Telephone section
Sadness

Any help appreciated!

unp|dissy · 29 Mar 2010 at 12:11

You need to purchase xp..

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 12:14

Really?
I had the belief that OEM Vista Business COA's all had downgrade rights?

Edit: MS documentation backs me up...

Sp00n · 29 Mar 2010 at 12:21

If it has a Vista Business COA on the bottom then personally I would just downgrade to XP and be done with it, reading google I found this on the HP site:

Can I downgrade my OEM version of Windows Vista Business to Windows XP Professional?
Yes. OEM downgrade rights for desktop PC operating systems apply to Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate as stated in the License Terms. Please note, OEM downgrade versions of Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate are limited to Windows XP Professional (including Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows XP x64 Edition). End users can use the following media for their downgrade: Volume Licensing media (provided the end user has a Volume Licensing agreement), retail (FPP), or system builder hologram CD (provided the software is acquired in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder License). Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business License Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista Business. There are no downgrade rights granted for Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium.

So I reckon yes purely because of th Vista business license, although why on earth would you install vista home on a pc that is licensed for business?

Also, there is a microsoft downgrae document: http://download.microsoft.com/downl...9d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 12:28

I have no idea, this laptop was bought long before we "inherited" this company for support. We didn't know it existed until it was given back to us. (Good times)

My problem with the downgrade is that I can't speak to anyone to give them the Vista key + Installation ID. Was there a time limit on when this could be done?

Thanks

Burnsy2023 · 29 Mar 2010 at 13:45

Microsoft will not supply you with a XP product key. The system won't accept the Vista one either. Basically the policy is for you to source your own key and media and explain the situation if it doesn't activate online to a MS rep.

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 14:40

Thanks for that.
So, install XP, activate online with key associated with the disk and... That's it?
I thought there'd be another step, or something to tie your Vista key in with the install.

Apologies if I'm just misunderstanding a simple issue, just can't seem to get my head round it.

Burnsy2023 · 29 Mar 2010 at 14:45

Nope, it's as simple as that.

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 15:01

Excellent, thanks for the help!

edscdk · 29 Mar 2010 at 15:21

you may get really frustrated however you must strictly NOT copy the COA from the side of one of the dell machines...

It should work, and will activate but its against the EULA, and as no one will ever know what you have done you will have to live with the crime you have done for the rest of your life..

so I suggest you do NOT copy the COA from the side of one of the dell machines.. Its probably best you spend £100 on a new copy

Burnsy2023 · 29 Mar 2010 at 15:34

edscdk said:
you may get really frustrated however you must strictly NOT copy the COA from the side of one of the dell machines...

It should work, and will activate but its against the EULA, and as no one will ever know what you have done you will have to live with the crime you have done for the rest of your life..

so I suggest you do NOT copy the COA from the side of one of the dell machines.. Its probably best you spend £100 on a new copy

Show me where in the EULA it says this? What I've suggested is official Microsoft advice. There is no need to spend any more money.

Emlyn_Dewar · 29 Mar 2010 at 19:09

We've got plenty of Windows disks, didn't use one we got from a Dell as they don't give an option of entering key.
We do have a few VLK licenses left, but I just figured I may aswell not use one up if it wasn't necessary.