Downgrade Vista to XP Pro
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I have a new IBM X60 notebook with 80GB SATA HD which comes with Vista BE. How could i downgrade it to XP Prof. as the IBM doesn't come with any restore CD. I have the media & installation ID on the XP Prof.
Thanks
All Replies
- You can use theXP Pro OEM Media to do the actual install from what I have read, what I can't figure out is what are you supposed to put in for the Installation Code if you don't have an XP Pro COA.
- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 10:59 AM
- See:
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?ForumId=45&TopicId=12525
"That is the process. Install any copy of XP with any product key and then ring microsoft to activate - you will then need to quote a non activated vista key and they will profide a activation key for the XP install."- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 11:00 AM
- It appears that your post is now a week old and I am wondering if you have heard anything from Microsoft on it. I ordered a new ThinkPad and the only way I could get it at the advertised price was to have VISTA on it. I must have a downgrade to XP Pro because the software I will use in my work will not run with VISTA according to its vendor. I was also told by the Lenovo salesman that there was a Microsoft Downgrade available but seeing your post makes me wonder if that is correct.Any information you have on how to get this moving would be appreciated.
- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 10:59 AM
- You can downgrade to Windows XP Pro, you need a XP Pro CD and Product ID Code (from anywhere you can get it, even another machine) and when you go to activate you tell them you downgraded from Vista and they will activate it for you.
- They wouldn't for me. They just kept asking me about the computer I got the OEM XP disk from and saying that I couldn't use the disk on another computer. I TRIED telling them the Vista Product Key and they kept saying it didn't matter. I spent literally 4 hours bouncing from one damn support person to another.
Several of them said I needed to get a new product key from HP (the OEM provider for both the XP Disk and the Vista Comp) But during my couple hours in HP's customer support, they kept trying to send me back to MS.
Wasted a day on this stupid thing.
Microsoft's customer support is the 10th level of hell. Well legally an OEM pack is tied to a machine. So u cant be installing a seperate copy on a different machine.
Even if the motherboard is replaced you will need to buy a seperate OEM pack unless the replacement is done under the
warranty period. So in a way microsoft is right is asking about the source of the OEM cd. becoz bottom line is that you cant install 2 copies of the same OEM in 2 different machines.
Vista does have downgrade rights. So the option available to you is to purchase an OEM (it will be tied to the notebook and u cant install it anywhere else) or an FPP (this you can move to a different machine but is costlier than OEM). If you are installing on an pre-loaded IBM then u need to contact IBM or HP for that matter, as service for the OEM is provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Or if you are a corporate user and ur corporate uses Volume licensing, you can use the media to install XP pro on your notebook. But you wont need a seperate license as the Vista license covers the XP prof.
Now for IBM used be careful when downgrading. Do not delete the Hidden partition on the hard drive. this is where IBM stores the install image. If you do your access ibm will be inaccesible and u wont be able to revert back to the Vista at a later point of time, unless ofcourse u order a media set...
Calling microsoft for Media wont help. it is the end users responsiblity to source the correct and legal media for downgrade. You need to call microsoft only for the activating process.
Calling your hardware vendor may also not help. Becoz they will provide support only for the OEM that has come pre-installed.
Downgrade is an option available to end users. End Users need to decide and arrange all requirements. The only support you will get is for the activation .
Hope the info helps.
- So what you're saying is you have the right to downgrade as long as you PURCHASE another license.
If you've got a Vista license that lets me downgrade to a version of XP that you have another disk for it should make no difference where the disk came from. (It's not like there are extra features in the OEM, it's the same OS)
You paid for a Microsoft OS for the computer and they're trying to make you double pay.
MS uses convoluted license agreements to try and force people to pay for things they already have a right to. We have the right to downgrade. if we have purchased windows Vista we have the right to use XP professional. Yes. But the media from which we install the XP profesisonal use has to be legal.
Speaking in common sense the OS is same so the disk doesnt really matter. also we will be using a seperate activation key so the media doesnt matter here too after all its the product key that is tied to the machine.
MS licensing does mention that we can use OEM media even though OEM licenses are tied to a machine. However the source of the Media should be legal and we should hold the necessary information to prove it if required.
If you have a volume licensing soulution and already have a media to install from you need not buy anything as u can use the media that was used to install in the multiple machines under volume license.
Whether we use a media through the OEM/Retail/Volume channels and ir-respective of whether it was used earlier and activated we should be able to use that media. But activation will fail due to the change in hardware configuration. In which case we have to call MS Activation support and explain the circumstances which may or may not include explaining the source of the downgrade media. Once determined that everything is in order and the user holds valid vista business/ultimate license the Customer Service Representative will help in the activation process.
Fact is if we have a media that is legal, and we can prove its source we can downgrade.
We hold downgrade rights but it does not authorize us to use illegal media. If we dont have a legal media, we buy a legal media of the downgrade version OEM / FPP in this case.
License is a right to use. so MS licensing does authorize us to USE xp professional. But we have to install from a legal media. We dont have a Legal Media !! We have to source/buy one !!
We do not have to pay for the right to use XP professional. But we will have to pay for the media if we dont have one.
Hope it helps. !
- Parijat wrote:
Well legally an OEM pack is tied to a machine. So u cant be installing a seperate copy on a different machine.
Parijat wrote:Fact is if we have a media that is legal, and we can prove its source we can downgrade.
You're contradicting yourself here.
MS customer support flat out told me that you could not use an OEM XP installation CD to downgrade a copy of Vista, because the OEM license was restricted to one machine (both HP OEMs, both legally purchased) - I bought a SZ48GN/C VAIO a month ago with Vista Business. As I use my laptop, I can say Vista is a very stable and fast OS. I mean really fast compared to XP downgrade I have right now. In vista, you can multitask without affecting program operation... But I ended up downgrading to XP because of SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY and compatibility with other OS e.g. XP. A network protocol I need to run most of my business taks arent supported in Vista anymore. I tried downloading one, but no luck there. Maybe i havent tried that hard.
Anyway, here's my journey through the wilderness of downgrading from Vista to XP Pro.
1. I downloaded the drivers of my laptop with an equivalent model. Mine is SZ48 with Vista, therefore I downloaded drivers from that SZ38 with XP at the ftp site of sony.
2. After this, I reformatted my drive. Installed XP Pro fresh (RTM) and started downloading updates from microsoft since most drivers from the SZ38 requires patches/fixes before it work.
3. All the drivers are already packed in the zip file provided. Other drivers such as for Intel wirelss lan and biometric sensors are manually downloaded from the manufacturer's site. So the downgrade is quite painful on my part. But I'm quite happy for the result. I am able to use the software I need and other matters that work flawlessly with XP.
Note: I wish Microsoft could somehow release patches or Service Packs that will make it as a software-friendly OS and backward compatibility support. If this will not happen, I might stick with XP for a very long time. Don't be fooled by others that XP wont get any support anytime sooner now. BECAUSE who gets proper support anyways? Windows 98 is still in the wild and this IS A GOOD indicaiton that XP wont be wiped out easily.
P.S. I really loved Vista... the looks and performance. But it's not yet ready for all of us now. Let's wait for a couple of years for microsoft to fix our problems and theirs as well. "in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder license" does not mean taking it off another machine!!! it means aquiring a copy with your target machine at the time of purchase - borrow a retail copy off someone - problem solved!
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.
- Just go to www.ubuntu.com and download Ubuntu 7.04 "Fiesty Fawn" free of charge and use it instead of Windows.
Good Luck
Ubuntu = "Humanity to others"
Open Source Software = Software that is freely (as in free speech, not always free beer) available to anyone and everyone. How do you reformat the Drive?
What did you boot setup (for XP) from
Dear Trevor,
Can you pls give the link of the ftp site where you downloaded the XP drivers for SZ38. Thanks in advance.
Dear Meemox,
If have downgraded Vista Business OEM (The one that got preloaded with my Sony) to XP Pro using the hologram CD. But where do i get the license key for the XP Pro ??
Does the Vista key work with the XP pro ??
Your help will be highly appreciated.
- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 11:22 AM
- I have recently acquired a copy of Windows Vista from a neighbor. They told me that it could be used on two machines, but I soon came to realize that they had been mistaken. Sadly I had already upgraded my machine from XP to Vista and it is now telling me I need to validate it.
As I cannot afford to purchase it, I need to find out how to downgrade my machine back to XP.
I tried inserting the XP disk, but Vista has only granted my limited use of my machine.
Can anyone help me out or give me advise on how to solve this problem. It would be greatly appreciated.
- Aaron.- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 11:20 AM
- Hello David,
I have just bought the same notebook like yours and also wish to downgrade from Vista to XP Prof.
Appreciate if you or anyone out there could advice on how to downgrade?
My questions are as follow:
1) Does the HDD need to be reformatted and then install a fresh copy of XP Prof?
2) During XP installation key in XP product key or Vista product key?
3) After XP installation, contact microsoft for key validation?
Please advice. Thanks,
sean
- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 11:21 AM
Hmm, firstly, when I click on "quote" I just get a "reply to an existing message" window.
What I am trying to respond to is:
Anonymous wrote in response to Parijat:
"You're contradicting yourself here.
MS customer support flat out told me that you could not use an OEM XP installation CD to downgrade a copy of Vista, because the OEM license was restricted to one machine (both HP OEMs, both legally purchased)"Not quite.
The OEM license IS restricted to one machine.
The OEM media is NOT.
The OEM PIK (Product Installation Key) cannot be used on another machine, but unlike Vista you cannot install XP without a valid PIK as at the time of building the XP code it was not envisaged that they would be used for downgrades from another OS with an unyet determined PIK algorithm. So you enter an XP OEM PIK to install windows XP but not to activate it with that key. Instead call the activations line, and give them the Vista PIK, and they will then use the Vista PIK to generate an authentication code for that hardware. Your Vista PIK will then be assigned to that hardware - not the XP PIK.
When you upgrade that machine in the future to Vista, the Vista PIK has already been assigned to that machine. You cannot use that Vista PIK on another machine.
(Also, in the future when Windows 2012 or whatever comes out, if they also have a downgrade right and you want to downgrade to Vista, the current Vista media can be installed without a PIK at all, so when you go to activate it in the future it is a bit simpler).
The only issue I guess is actually getting the activation people to follow the procedures set out by the licensing department.
As the time of your post perhaps these outsourced cheap labour had not been trained in the correct method of activation, but you would have had 30 days before it became an issue. Given the date of your post, and not many follow-ups on this issue, has anyone else had any problems activating Vista having installed with an XP OEM PIK? Can anyone who has successfully done it post here too please?
Cheers, Jono.
Hi there
Where do we get the drivers from to downgrade?
Thanks
- Proposed As Answer bydriverron Wednesday, December 31, 2008 11:00 AM
agandhi22 wrote: Dear Meemox,
If have downgraded Vista Business OEM (The one that got preloaded with my Sony) to XP Pro using the hologram CD. But where do i get the license key for the XP Pro ??
Does the Vista key work with the XP pro ??
Your help will be highly appreciated.
As far as I can tell your Vista key should work with the XP PRO CD - if it doesn't repost and I'll do some research but from memory I'm sure you can use your Vista license key.
Get downdrade Drivers from your computers manufacturer. So if you have an HP computer you get alternate drivers from www.HP.com. If its a Frankenstined (A PC Assembled using Verious Parts) PC.. you do the same by reserching your mother board and individual add on cards. Good Luck.
Is this pulled from Vista OEM EULA? Can you tell me where I can find it? Thanks!!
Sir /Madam
I have vista stater need to dowgrade it to XP Volume licence for internet cafe while now i have buy 26PC vista stater need to isntall on my computer and my customer here was not family with vista hope using XP is more easy for them can it be possible ?
thank you
Hi Hosty,
The OS which can be downgraded are:
Vista Business &
Vista Ultimate
The OS which donot have downgrade rights are:
Vista Home &
Vista Home Premium
Case # 1: If you are downgrading from V Business or V Ultimate you need not worry about the drivers.
Vista drivers should do the work.
Case # 2: If you are formatting the HDD and installing a fresh copy from a legal media and activating with a Legal Key, then you have to worry about Drivers.
Before formatting the HDD get a list of devices you have from Device Manager and note down those Devices and look for those in internet to find the drivers.
Hi,
I bought a SONY VG-FZ140E/B laptop which came with Vista Home Premium. I am planning to install XP Professional.
XP Pro Student License is available with me.
I planned to format and partition the HDD and install a fresh copy of XP Pro.
But while installing XP Pro with the media I have, I got an error before the setup started.
"HardDisk Drive is not properly installed. Hard Drive may not be powered on."
Is this a problem with XP Pro Media that I have?
Thanks,
Krishna.
Here is the problem no one at microsoft has a clue on how to deal with the downgrade.
as per microsoft yes the product is downgradable to XP but you must have an XP License to downgrade to. Then if you ask me that is not downgrading the license that is using a different license.
I am a system builder I have a customer that wanted XP not Vista so I used one of my XP images for that hardware in question. Then attempted to work with MS to get a valid installation key to get the customer up and running I had to use someone elses key and after nearly 2 hours on the phone and being shot from one department to the next what they did is manualy activate the key that did not belong to the customer in question after many times trying to explain this to the rep it fell on deaf ears. He just wanted to end the call and make the product work and I have to admit I did to but for this situation this is not a good answer. the customer is not using a key for that customer they are using someone elses key.
It should be fine pending no updates to genuine advatage validation that will see multiple of one key in use at a time.
It seems to me that while you legaly have the right to downgrade Vista business and Vista ultimate you or anyone for that matter does not have the means to do it in an appropriate and legal way. The only solution that I can see is to start up a class action against MS and make them create a means of downgrading the product as stated in the EULA.
If anyone from MS reads these threads please take the time to help all of us out here to find a solution
- After doing more diging on MS's website it seems that while the EULA allows said downgrade and does not specify that the user has to have an xp cd and license. According to microsoft the user has to have an XP Pro, Tablet or XP 64 bit CD and License in order to perform the downgrade and that the PC that the license came from is not to be used any more. Which is not a downgrade it is moving a license from one pc to another so if you have a pc with XP Home for example and you purchase a new computer with Vista Business and wish to downgrade it as per your rights according to the EULA you can't and are screwed. If you have an XP Pro you can but you can nolonger use your old XP Pro PC. To me this is an outrage I am going to send the EULA to my Attorney and I will post agian when I have an answer to this in a legal way as the EULA seems clear to me that you can downgrad it does not mention anything about haveing to transfer Licenses from one PC to another but that is how MS is making it look like. If anyone else would like to work with me on suit against MS to either put in thier EULA that to downgrade you have to have the License of which OS you want to downgrade to or that they come up with a way to make it work so you can have your License downgraded I don't mind if they don't provide media that is easyily found they need to provide new keys for the downgraded software so you can use it. I will reply when I can find a way to comunicate with thoes interested in working with me so that we don't have to put phone numbers down or e-mail addresses to reduce spam
- Thats odd, the EULA on my new Toshiba Satellite with pre-loaded Vista Home Basic states unequivocally that it is downgradeable to XP Pro. And I want to do that as soon as I can feel comfortable in doing so. Meaning that I won't get stuck in limbo without a working PC. I have the XP media [retail] from another XP Pro installation. All I need is some assurance that I can use either product key to install and that there won't be any activation hassles. Obviously I am not interested in "moving" the license from the other XP installation. I want to use XP on the Toshiba and I'm not interested in using the Vista license anywhere else.
Can anyone reassure me on this? There's a wealth of contradictory information being bandied about. Can we have an official answer from someone at Microsoft? Hello? Anyone listening? - see: http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/f/4/5f4c83d3-833e-4f11-8cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf
motosys,
Please keep me posted on your progress. Should you need a copy of my eula, I will be more than happy to provide it as I am curre tly experiencing similar issues. Moreover, I am looking into full disclosure issues, PRIOR to purchase of HP dv6504tu with windows Vista Home Premium preinstalled. Since running XP Pro is important due too software incompatibility issues, I am seeking resolution to this matter in the most expedient manner.
I was looking up info on downgrades as well for work. I found a webpage that lists the procedure for downgrading.
https://partner.microsoft.com/Malaysia/40042969
Here's the procedure incase the page is changed:
-
Install the Machine with XP PRO Media and get any valid XP Product Key.
-
After finishing the installation, there will be 2 options for you to pick for the Windows Activation. Activate online or activate through Phone Call. Pick activate through Phone Call.
-
The system will show a series of Installation ID for activation.
-
Send an email to SEAPART@microsoft.com, and include all the information below:
-
XP PRO Product Key and COA installed to the machine
-
Vista Business/Ultimate Product Key and COA if possible
-
XP Installation ID that shown in the system
-
Customer information
-
-
Microsoft will verify the information and respond within 24 hours. (Common case is about 5-6 hours)
-
You will received an email from SEAPA, with the activation key. Key in the activation key.
I don't know how valid that email is since it's off the Malaysia partner page. But at least it's a starting point.-
hi,
i have a gateway laptop with a SATA drive and i get the same message. i tried the F6 trick for installing 3rd party drivers but it ask for a floppy disk which i do not have on the laptop.if i could get past that it would be all down hill.i even downloaded western digitals software but its not compatible with vista, go figure. vista is the worst OS ever, i would rather deal with the blue screen of death in windows ME than not to be able to run programs on vista.
- as for MSN Cust.Svc.,,,Dude! Be glad its not Dell...thats true Hell!
I am also in the same boat. I partial blame the software company for not informing me ahead of time that their CAD program won't work with Vista even though you can't buy a computer without it anymore. I don't have time to clown around. Any comments on whether a $99 upgrade version of XP can be used to downgrade? It's ridiculous that I can’t, hassle free, downgrade to XP.
Just want to point out this that was released from microsoft
Im actually a computer technician that has the (luvly) job of installing windows on all our new pcs that we sell. I've done a few downgrades so far and have been told by numerous microsoft representatives (was always a bit unsure to whether it was right or not) that its ok to use another Pc's XP Pro serial key. Its not actually classed as piracy, because the license agreenment with vista mentions that you are allowed to have a copy of windows XP professional installed on the pc (as long as its the only pc that its installed on, and you are not using vista aswell). . If (worst case scenario) there is an attempt to charge you with piracy... they will sadly be denied because you will have the original Windows Vista business / ultimate installation key that comes as a sticker on the computer (or should of been removed from the installation cd cover and put on the pc). So really, even tho u are using another pc's serial key, its not piracy because of the license for vista business covering the pc.
It is a bit confusing, and I'm still waiting for the microsoft pplz to tell me Im wrong.... but up untill now roughly 8 representatives have told me that this is right.
So untill proven otherwise Im sticking by this.
Vista Blue,
I was able to preform the downgrade that day the issue that I had was it took hours of time and I had to tie up an exsisting XP Pro License to do the downgrade and by so doing 1 pc used 2 licenses the Vista Business and the XP Pro it was not a downgrade that is where I have an issue as per the EULA it states you can downgrade it does not state that you have to have a spare XP License other wise just get the XP License and screw Vista all together. Which is what we are currently doing all of the systems we sell are sold with XP vista is optional (so far no one has taken us up on Vista they all want XP) I have been running Vista on one PC for 8 months now the OS is stable but it does not work with all applications and it is very diffrent to change settings I have been able to find my way arround to do what ever I need but I would not recomend it to a general user nor do I run it on any of the other 10 PC's I own.
Good luck to all the EULA lies you cannot downgrade MS has info on there site stating that to do the downgrade you must have a valid XP license and you can't use the XP License agian it is locked to that PC you can take it off of an old PC but you can't use the old PC with that license again and if you don't have an old PC with XP Pro, Tablet, or 64 you can't downgrade you will have to purchase a license it sucks and is wrong they need to stat that in the EULA but they won't
Thanks,
Motosys
- After my dealings with MS on the issue the Media does not matter as long as it is XP Pro, Tablet, or 64. The will downgrae using an exsiting OEM Key but the key must not be used on another PC again only on the downgrade so if you have 2 hps 1 xp pro 1 vista if you use the key from your pro to downgrade your vista that will work but you can not use the orginal pro computer with that key so yes you will have to have 2 licenses to do the downgrade and yes microsoft is making you essentaly purchase 2 licenses as you will loose the Pro license to downgrade vista. The frustrating part is The EULA states that you can downgrade vista business and ultimate to XP Pro, Tablet or 64. It does not state that you have to have a license for it. MS is screwing everyone whom chooses to downgrade
So what I can gather from all this discussion is this:
1) Vista Business and Vista Ultimate have the ability to downgrade to XP
2) If you have OEM software you have to purchase a new liscense key for XP
I have a copy of XP Home that is in use on my family desktop. My laptop (HP Pavilion dv2000t is the series, exact model I have no idea) has Vista Home Premium.
Questions:
1) Do I have to perform a HD reformat before I can install XP? Or can I just overwrite the Vista system files with XP and everything will be peachy.
2) If I use my copy of XP Home for the install, purchase a copy of XP Pro, then install that over XP Home, should I be ok?
Process: Vista --> reformat? --> XP Home --> purchase copy of XP Pro --> XP Pro
Thanks in advance guys!I want to downgrade windows vista to windows xp pro
thanks bob
- "Open Source Software = Software that is freely (as in free speech, not always free beer) available to anyone and everyone."
Actually the opposite, it is free as in beer, i.e. it costs no money - and speifically not free as in speech; it has a license with rules and you must obide by them to use or distribute the software. Stallman coined the phrase in that context back in the day, look up his Wikipedia entry and I'm sure you'll find an adequate explaination. In any case, it's not really relevant on the Technet forums, distros like Ubuntu are anything but business machines; they have no way of integrating well with AD and the UI only confuses the average user. Not saying that's the way it should be, but that's certainly the way it is.
Back on subject... I've seen references to a Vista downgrade disc for the Partner Program; anyone tried these? What is required besides membership to get them and how does the licensing work? I’m based in Ireland and I may need to downgrade OEM Vista to XP Pro due to lack of compatibility with other business systems over which I have no control. I have an OEM XP Pro CD with my current laptop. (My new laptop is becoming an expensive Vista paperweight!) Dell quoted me nearly 300 euro to get another OEM XP Pro CD (but I was speaking to Sales – not support)! I then spoke to a customer service representative on the Microsoft Activation line. The nice chap seemed to know what he was talking about and assured me that as long as I had an XP Pro activation key with my Vista Business product key there would be no problem. Having XP Pro licensed to and installed on my current laptop was not a problem. I could even ‘borrow an XP Pro CD from a friend’.
I note much of the ‘confusion’ surrounding earlier posts in this thread may be down to Microsoft not having trained their CSRs. My understanding is that if you have Vista Business or Ultimate then you can downgrade to XP Pro using a CD from OEM/System Builder, or volume licensing channels.
My suggestion is that before you install XP Pro, check with your local Microsoft activation line and wait for an option to speak with a CSR. (In my case, this appeared after about 3 attempts by the automated voice system to get the first 6 digits of my installation ID. Quite funny waiting to hear if the computer would lose its patience with me.)
I’ll stick with Vista a little longer to see if I can live with it.
I hope this helps.
- I have an Acer Aspire T-180 with vista basic, and i absaloutley hate it. I would have bought the XP por version but this was the only one i could afford. I have XP pro on the other hard disc that i salvaged from my old computer but it's XP keeps rebooting halfway through starting up, does anyone have a way the can help me aswell?
- Have to absolutely (and respectfully) disagree with this persons assertions as to Vista's performance. Vista is a hog compared to XP.
one situation seems to have been missed as far as I can tell.
I have a new sony vaio with Vista business OEM
I need to downgrade to XP Pro SP2
I have only the Media for XP Pro SP2 in VLK form
I install this and try to use the PRODUCT code from VIST and this does not work.
I work in IT support, and deal with multiple companies.
Company A use's OEM
Company B uses VLK.
This is company A, so therefore I do not have a VLK key to use to install this VLK Windows XP on this OEM machine, ofcourse I could use the VLK key from the company B, but that would mean piracy, and using one key from company to the other.
So how can I legally install this? no point mentioning activation, as using a VLK XP Pro CD, there is no activation.
Thanks for the reference . . .it's nice that Microsoft turns out this piece of ***, then doesn't tell anyone that you need the most expensive version just to get back to an OS that is usable . . . My wife wants to return her new computer because she has no clue how to use it -- no menus, all kinds of useless *** about video editing -- all we want to do is MS Office and Quicken -- where's tthe usability that launched Windows in the first place -- Now it's just another techie tool that you're locked into if you buy a new computer --
THANKS A LOT Microsoft :-(
10 th level of hell sounds good to me - wait until you experience HP support - I'm also trying to downgrade from Vista to XP and they have no idea at all - sent me around in circles for 8 hours last saturday over 6 calls to the Customer Service line - they told me to download and install SATA drivers etc. - got absolutely nowhere - I'm told by a HP retailer that with some models HP has provided a downgrade disk but it is not well known or promoted - HP Customer Service denied any knowledge of this.
This is the second HP notebook I've bought and 'll never buy a HP product again !!
- In my situation I have 15 OEM PCs with Vista Business OEM preinstalled. I need to have XPProf on these PCs.
As per Russian Microsoft official representative:
You should act as follows:
0. Delete vista =)
1. Get any OEM XP Professional disk and a product key which is associated with that disk. Actually thes should be from the same bundle.
2. Install XPPro to your OEM-preinstalled PC using old XP product key.
3. Get your Vista product key ready and call your local activate-by-phone service when requested
4. Activate your XPProf.
You can install Vista later instead of this XP anytime. The only point: only one activated OS at a moment per one product key.
Regarding the drivers and the downgrade disks:
1. If you can download drivers for your PC from vendor's site - feel lucky
You can use, for example nLite (google it) to embed drivers into your installation disk. All you need is a couple of CD-Rs, CD-R burner, drivers and original XPPro CD contents copied to your local HDD.
Please note, that this technique is not officially supported by microsoft, hence all the operations that you perform using nLite are at your own risk.
WBR, Cyrill When my Company purchased our latest IBM Notebooks we were given a downgrade CD from the company we purcashed the Notebooks from and it automatically entered a COA for us. I am note sure that all companies are suppling them. Here is the url to the comany we purcahsed them from.
http://www.zones.com/- listen dumus....u want the easy way out....does your laptop got more than 1 gb of ram...if so fucc downgradin....jus install microsoft virtual pc....its free from the microsoft website....its a program that acts like a computer...install it and make a virtual pc with XP on it....u can run your programs off that pc....ya i no....imma mothafuckin genius....
ello ello tiz iz moi from mongolia hume of the mongrol umpires
we also hav problemo with windows vista and visa kredit kards
blooming useless OS microsoft better boiled softeggs lark....
people buy new computer is to runsystem efficiently
microsoft sell vista os thats makes camel racings humping even more easy...
Get the CD, and go to a cracks site...they'll give you any serial you need...if they dont have it, dont be afraid to e-mail them.
Check with Lenovo. If you purchased Vista Business with your laptop, they will send you the XP downgrade on a cd for $50.
I agree with your premise, however, that if a customer is unsatisfied with the 'improvements' offered by Vista, Microsoft should offer the old solution for free. Unfortunately, once these pigs have your money, they don't give a ***.
Hi Krishna,
I have a Sony laptop and have the same problem.
How did you fix this problem.
Thanks,
Don
Is there a way that Microsoft can downgrade Vista to XP as I need it to run software I use in my teaching career?
- I would sure like to know if this works as I hate Vista. I have a new XP Pro in the box and would love to just install it over Vista and have it work.
- Hello,
I am running vista home basic on my macbook, need for a few programs. I am using VMWare fusion which is a virtual machine. My macbook it self has 512MB of ram but vista needs all that to rune and I cant use all of that because i need some to be saved on mac os x. I wish to downgrade to xp so that i need less ram. If i install vista on boot camp, a way to rune windows by booting up to different partition, then will i be able to downgrade to vista. I also have had many problems with vista and XP is much better. Where can i find a copy of windows xp? Do i just call in microsoft with my vista product key and they give new one?
thnx
dave
I have a Dell Latitude D531 and it came with Windows Vista installed and i wanted XP. So, I created a partition from my C drive for for the XP software to go on to. Then booted from my XP software cd and installed it. Now i have XP, but, now I cant connect to the internet and i dont know how to fix it. Is it a driver or something i need to download?
TonyRhoads wrote: I have a Dell Latitude D531 and it came with Windows Vista installed and i wanted XP. So, I created a partition from my C drive for for the XP software to go on to. Then booted from my XP software cd and installed it. Now i have XP, but, now I cant connect to the internet and i dont know how to fix it. Is it a driver or something i need to download?
Please visit:
and download/install the Windows XP drivers for your Dell notebook's hardware, including the built-in modem and LAN (Communication & Network).
- Here is our scenario:
I have A LOT of PCs recently bought from Dell. They came preinstalled with XP Pro using Vista downgrade rights. In order to save myself some time I've set up one 'master' PC and imaged & resealed with our applications installed to enable quick and easy rollout of the machines. The sticking point is that when I restore the image to one of the clones there comes a point where I need to re-enter the XP OEM product key and activate the OS. I gather you can ring Microsoft to do the activation but do I have to do this for each and everyone one of my PCs??? That would take forever, plus I'd have to move desk to desk or have dozens of PCs lined up ready to sort the activation out of the phone. Never gonna happen.
My question is, can I bypass this rigmaroll by starting a new image using my Volume XP key and rolling this out to each PC? This would stop me needing to activate each and every one of them over the phone separatley. I have the Vista CoA sticker on each PC to show I have the licence. Does it matter how I get XP on there as long as I can prove have my Vista downgrade rights? - Like MS has printed everywhere:
Q. What about product activation? When a
previously licensed version of Windows XP
Professional is used for the downgrade,
won’t activation fail on the new PC?
A. When an end user is using their downgrade
rights offered under the License Terms in
Windows Vista Business and Ultimate versions
and they use both Windows XP media and a
product key that was previously activated, they
will be unable to activate on-line over the
Internet, due to the hardware confi guration
change when installing on the Vista system. In
these cases the end user will be prompted to
call the Activation Support Line and explain
their circumstances to the Customer Service
Representative. Once it is determined that the
end user has a valid Vista Business or Ultimate
license, the Customer Service Representative will
help them activate their software.
Q. Can end users return to Windows Vista
Business or Windows Vista Ultimate software
after they downgrade?
A. Yes. End users who downgrade may reinstall
the original software when they are ready to
migrate. For example, an end user who
downgrades to Windows XP Professional may
later return to Windows Vista Business software
provided that the end user deletes the Windows
XP Professional software from the PC.
Q. How do end users reinstall the original
software after downgrading to a previous
allowed downgrade version?
A. End users must use the original OEM media
or recovery software on the hard disk that was
included with the PC for reinstallation. The
downgrade software must be deleted from the
hard drive before the original software is
reinstalled.
Q. Where do customers get the CD to install
the downgrade software?
A. End users must use a legally licensed version
of the specifi ed previous version of the Windows
desktop operating system to install the
downgrade software. The downgrade software
may be from the retail, OEM/System Builder, or
volume licensing channels.
So, in essence, this means to downgrade, you just have to have a legal copy of XP Pro, use its key....which won't activate but that does not matter......you activate by phone and the CSR is supposed to take your Vista key and generate a key for activating your XP install.
The above came from here:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/f/4/5f4c83d3-833e-4f11-8cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf Hi
I have hp pavilion entertinment pc laptop this lap top installed with vista home premium but i dont want winvista home premiume i need windows xp pro please tell me how to downgrade vista home premiume to windows xp pro
I have original windows xp pro with cd key and agriments please help me as soon as posible
Thanking you asif
I want to know not only how to downgrade, I want to know if I can upgrade back to Vista ;=(
I was about to purchase a new machine from Dell. They ducked the question about free upgrade from XP to Vista (actually I would like to compare my software on both platforms, on my new machine) and suggested, that I get Vista, and PURCHASE a DOWNgrade to XP, if I needed it.
When asked how much the DOWNgrade was going to cost, they passed the buck to a Microsoft phone number, which turned out to be useless -- robots, without options for what I wanted.
So now I'm holding off buying from Dell, looking for more answers.
Ideally I would like to start with XP, with a free upgrade to Vista, as they offered a year or so ago. That way, I could upgrade, when Microsoft abondoned their XP users, like they have ababdoned their Win 2000 users.
In the mean time, what aboutall these incompatibility rumors/stories?
Are the stories about software incompatibilities true? Has anyone run into a 32 bit application NOT running on Vista?
How much RAM does Vista eat, and how much is left to the poor third cousins (3rd party software)?
Thanks for any answers,
Aww Shucks
Dell only sells computers that are certified for Windows Vista. With 2GB of RAM, Vista performs extremely well. I would recommend getting Vista preinstalled on a Dell PC and forget about Windows XP. As far as application compatiblity, please see:
Windows Vista AppReadiness
http://www.appreadiness.com/default.aspx
Application List: Works with Windows Vista
https://winqual.microsoft.com/member/softwarelogo/workswithlist.aspxI have Vista Premium. I want Xp Pro. I have Xp Pro on a CD. When i put the cd in the screen comes up and Install Windows Xp is greyed out. I restart the comp with the cd stilkl in the drive and it doesnt say "Press an key to boot from CD" I thought my copy of xp is bad so i have another Computer (Test Dummy Computer) with Xp Home. I put the cd in that drive the slash screen cam up and the Install Windows Xp is clickable (But it isnt on my Vista computer) I restart and I get the screen "Press any key to boot from CD" I pressed a key Delted my partion space and istalled Xp it worked.
I read about how Business is downgradeable. So I got Vista Bisiness (Test Dummy) Installed it. Once that was completed I Put the Xp Pro CD in and it was STILL GREYED OUT on the slash screen. I Though that i should reboot. Which i did and the boot from cd came up (Finally) I installed Xp Deleting the partioned space. Xp is back on it but Now i can intall my PCI X Adapter for my computers internet.
Installing Windows XP on a computer that currently is running any edition of Windows Vista requires a "clean install". This is accomplished by booting form the Windows XP CD, deleting the hard drive partition containing the Windows Vista installation, then creating a new partition and formatting the partition NTFS. Detailed instructions can be viewed here:
How to Perform a Clean Install of Windows XP:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
After your clean install of Windows XP is accomplished, please visit the Windows Update web site to download all the latest updates for Windows XP.
- amen to that...I just want to know a few simple things...why is XP a downgrade to V premium if you have to upgrade to get back down to XP?...apparently Vista ultimate/business is XP pro with the pretty graphics of V for an extra $200...
why did captain Gates abandon ship after Vista was 2 years behind schedule?
anything less than Vista ultimate/business should be called V patch...because it never was a standalone anymore than Millenium...shoving it out the door for the public to do R&D did not impress me at all...
I can not believe the OEM's are so controlled by MS that they force this **** upon us...now is a great time for the OEM's to seriously offer an upgrade to Linux...
...**** Vista and it's Service Patch 1...if MS really wants to help they could come up with "Vista Downgrade Advisor 1.0"
Bookmarks Toolbar Folder ok... ive read most of the post... and i get it
you need to have VISTA ULTIMATE or BUSINESS to downgrade right???ok i have bought a laptop almost a yr now... i have a VISTA HOME PREMIUM...
then just today i UPGRADED it to ULTIMATE... I ALSO HAVE WINDOWS XP PRO CD with key...I thought i can downgrade to XP once im in Ultimate...
But when i inserted the XP pro CD.. and reboot the pc... it says
run from CD.... etc etc... when i go to the page where i need to delete the partitions..
it says... "UNKNOWN DISK" "theres no found partition in ur drive...
another thing... about the OEM?? im kinda confuse with that...
I need to END USER?? question?? HOW??just that part...
or if i have an original OS which is Home Premium then the drivers,
hardwares or softwares are not compatible?? with XP pro??
just want to know how to do the END USER
HOPE someone respond...im gtting tired of my vista
- i tried the clean boot and after chosing to install windows xp it intalls some files then tells me "Setup did not find any hard disk drives installed in your computer." what do i do?
I dealt with a similar problem. I have an XP Pro disk, but no install key. The original computer was destroyed in a house fire. After 4 phone calls, and 2 hours, (I accidently hung up on the first call, the customer service guy in the Philipines hung up on me in the second [after I asked for information about his name & customer number so I could give it to the next customer service guy, because I didn't have the full operator name/dept/employee ID number of the last guy I talked to so I could give it to him and help HIM, so I am collecting YOURS from you NOW, so I can use the info to help show where I came from and who sent me. He decided to conference the call with tech and hung up on me.], the 3rd call got me a chick who insisted I couldn't have the key because I wasn't authorized to use an OEM Product Key and I would have to get it from the manufacturer of the computer or pay $59.00 USD for tech support. Since she didn't know who it was she gave me an MS number to a department She assured me was still open. They were gone for the day. It was Friday.)
The 4th call I got an understanding soul who generated a product key for me.
You have to understand that most of the people you will talk to, UNLESS THEY ARE TECH SUPPORT have nNO tech training and don't know what they are doing and therefore can't help you.
So, keep calling and keep explaining the problem and someone will give you what you are looking for. If you used a Master Card or a Debit card tell them you will be happy to send proof you own the silly thing, if that is what iot is going to take.
As a result of your post, I've been tracking this down for a few days. Here are the results. I'll highlight the points that make me nervous about doing this though, an removed any personal references to myself. The nervous parts are in red. msconus= ms con us....?
Hello
This is in response to your e-mail regarding access to the Partner Program.
This is in response to your e-mail regarding the invitation to associate with the Microsoft Partner Program.
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered. To correct this issue we ask if you will try a few options that are listed below:
First, make sure that you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer with all of the Microsoft web sites for the best results. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, you may then want to delete your cache and cookies. To delete your temporary Internet files follow the steps below:
On the tools bar of your Internet Explorer browser select the “Tools” option, and then click “Internet Options”. Next, make sure your General tap is select at the top of the Internet Options box. Now, click the "Delete Cookies" button. Then click the "Delete Files" button. Last click the "Clear History" button and then select "ok".
After you delete your cache and cookies, sign back in using a Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to the following web site:
https://partners.microsoft.com/partnerprogram
If you are still receiving the same error message, we request that you please provide the URL that you are trying to access. We ask that you send us screen shots of all your steps, starting from when you sign in up to the message that you receive.
Along with the screen shots, you will want to provide us with your Microsoft Windows Live Unique ID number. Please provide us with your alpha-numeric unique passport ID. To obtain your unique ID please sign into the Microsoft Passport web site below:
www.passport.net
Now, select Account Services and sign in select the link titled "Settings". In the center of the page you will see under the "Credentials" section you will see your unique ID.
Then we will forward your information to our Technical Team for a resolution. You may send those screen shots to:
mspp-na@microsoft.com
Once we forward your unique passport ID and screen shots to our Technical Team, they will respond back to you in two business days with an update or a resolution. We value your participation and appreciate your patience throughout this process.
If there is anything else we can do for you, please let us know. Thank you for contacting Microsoft.
Denise
MSPP-na@microsoft.com
http://www.microsoft.com/partner/
Tel: 1-800-765-7768
Fax: 1-661-775-6478
Action Item of the Month: Submit Customer References Today to Keep Current in MSPP! https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40035938
Message received date: 5/3/08
Original sender: do-not-reply@microsoft.com
Case ID:
If you need any further assistance with this specific query, please reference the Case ID above when contacting us.
Original Message Follows: ------------------------
CAP Service Request ID:
Date: May 03 2008 08:01 PM
Customer email: msconus@microsoft.com
Customer information: From: msconus@microsoft.com<br/>Subject: Windows Vista Downgrade to XP Pro<br/>CUSTOMER PROVIDED SYSTEM PROPERTIES Country/Region: Canada PARTNER INFORMATION Membership Level: Not Enrolled COMPANY NAME QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Problem Area: Windows Live log in issues Message: https://login.live.com/login.srf?wa=wsignin1.0&rpsnv=10&ct=1209844051&rver=4.5.2130.0&wp=MBI_SSL&wreply=https:%2F%2Fpartner.microsoft.com%2FCanada%2Fprogram&lc=4105&cb=wreply%3Dhttps%253a%252f%252fpartner.microsoft.com%252fCanada%252fprogram%26uselc%3DTrue&id=42377 I didn't think that I was a member, so I went to enroll in the program. I went to the home page and my email address was already there, so I entered my password for that account. Message informed me that there was no record of my email in the accounts and that I should sign out, then come back and register. I went to the above URL, and received Error 404, page not found. It advised me to use the 'contact us' link. Here I am!
Yes,maybe all of this issue are my mistake to make probem to all of you,I did windows transfer easy from laptop to desk top,and my friend's laptop is using vista untilmate.But all system in this laptop was old system that my laptop(repairing) regarding Microsoft Incident: SRX1065626179.So I just trying to transfer it to my desk top for follow your guide on web.I really sorry and don't know how to cover my mistake because only few day but I made for all of you so many problem.If you want to do any thing to me I also can not say anything,once again I have say REALLY SORRY TO ALL OF YOU and THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP in last few day.
Wish all the best to all of you.
steve
- Format your HDD and re-install XP as a fresh installation
- Same problem. Hate vista. Have spent hundreds $, reformatted & reinstalled Vista >5 times, changed Dell laptop for Toshiba & still can't rely on it - nonstop nightmare.
rinarae wrote: Same problem. Hate vista. Have spent hundreds $, reformatted & reinstalled Vista >5 times, changed Dell laptop for Toshiba & still can't rely on it - nonstop nightmare.
Came here by accident, because of an issue of a customer's m$ laptop...
After reading this thread I'm glad we changed all computers (desktops/laptops) to ubuntu and the servers to gentoo in our company 2 years ago and though it was not easy and everything new, we will never go back. Right now I have just one vista ultimate in a vmware left, in order to program for customers who...
anyway good luck to you all !
PS: most funny post in this thread was #9:
"Even if the motherboard is replaced you will need to buy a seperate OEM pack unless the replacement is done under the warranty period."
You can install without a key as the oem version of xp should check bios and not need authenication.I can't say on a ibm I know this is the case on all dells. The oem downgrade rights apply to vista ultimate and busines edition 32 bit only. 64 bit I'm not sure. The vista key won't work but the license will cover the machine as far as documented rights and oem only cd on the machine takes care of not needing further authenication.
I tried to downgrade from Vista Business to XP Pro, with key. I deleted the Vista partition, created a new one and formatted it NTFS. I get the same error:
Windows XP Pro Setup
The following list shows the existing partitions and unpartitioned space on this computer.
Unknown Disk (There is no disk in this drive.)
This repeats four times in my case.
If I try to reinstall Vista Business things proceed normally recognizing the partitions etc.
??? Does anybody know this one?
SATA hard drive, and XP doesn't have native drivers for the SATA controller.
Preferred fix: download the SATA drivers for your computer from either the mobo manufacturer (if you-built) or computer vendor (if pre-built), and apply SATA drivers at the F6 prompt.
Alternative workaround: disable AHCI mode (or, if so worded, enable "legacy IDE mode") for the SATA contoller in the BIOS. Then install XP. Note that, if you do this, you can never enable AHCI mode, as doing so will cause XP to fail to boot.Hi, I found elsewhere that changing the bios settings from a RAID configuration to IDE or Compatiblity mode solves the problem. It worked for me- XP Pro can find the partitions, drives etc. at the beginning of the installation.
I couldn't install XP Pro syccessfully yet, as the installer hung up after the first reboot during installation. I am guessing this is because I just wiped the partition when uninstalling Vista Business. There are probably some obscure files that need changing. I am going to back up everything and reinstall XP Pro first, then Home Premium. Now that I remember, after the XP Pro installation failed, I was unable to boot into Home Premium. I'm guessing it was due to changing the bios settings for the hard disks- catch 22.
This will require you to make a telephone call to Microsoft per the following link and selected text:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9040318
"...How do I downgrade? Install a copy of Windows XP Professional with the product key that came with the copy, and then when you hit the activation screen -- which is near the end of the installation process -- select the activate by phone option rather than the online method. You'll likely end up talking with a live rep; tell him that you're downgrading from Vista to XP, and give him the Vista product key. The rep is supposed to walk you through the rest...."
Doug Thornton
dsthornton_2005@yahoo.com
- I have a Vista and I want to downgrade to XP for free. I have a product ID for XP.VISTA SUCKS SO BAD and so does all of Microsoft, but there are a few things I cannot run on my Mac as I don't have a Windows CD to install on Bootcamp.
- MAN I HATE MICROSOFT GO MAC!!!Stupid computers. Vista is for total losers.
Hi,
I have bought a new desktop (Packard Bell iMedia 2415 with Windows Vista (R) Home Premium - still unopened in box) I will need this new pc to run software which is only compatable with XP Pro. I have also purchased a new XP Pro Licence & media disk - assuming that you could downgrade from any version of Vista. As far as I have seen so far from previous posts, I am unable to downgrade to XP as the Vista Home Preminum addition does not contain the downgrade rights.
This is obviously a pain in the backside and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a plan of action! would it be best to upgrade to Vista Business/Premium and then downgrade to XP (this is nonsense if you as me!) Or would I be better off just returning the new desktop PC and purchasing one that already has Vista Business as the OS and then downgrading to XP using the newly purchased XP disc & licience?
Any comments would be really appreciated!
- I tried and tried without success. I did find a better solution though: I installed the Trial version of Windows Server 2008.
dervybaby wrote: Hi,
I have bought a new desktop (Packard Bell iMedia 2415 with Windows Vista (R) Home Premium - still unopened in box) I will need this new pc to run software which is only compatable with XP Pro. I have also purchased a new XP Pro Licence & media disk - assuming that you could downgrade from any version of Vista. As far as I have seen so far from previous posts, I am unable to downgrade to XP as the Vista Home Preminum addition does not contain the downgrade rights.
This is obviously a pain in the backside and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a plan of action! would it be best to upgrade to Vista Business/Premium and then downgrade to XP (this is nonsense if you as me!) Or would I be better off just returning the new desktop PC and purchasing one that already has Vista Business as the OS and then downgrading to XP using the newly purchased XP disc & licience?
Any comments would be really appreciated!
Return your Packard Bell PC for a refund, then consider purchasing a Dell PC with the purchase option to have Windows XP Professional preinstalled by Dell.
See: http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostrodt?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
Hi
Regarding the unknown disk please try to disable the sata feature from the system BIOS setup and it will work
about the enduser i can't get your point, so can you make it more clear in order to help you
and by the way the vista is not that bad the problem is how to understand it and utilize it
Ahmed Fathi
Systems Engineer
MCSE - MCDBA - CCNA- i just purchased a HP pavilion a6542p PC and it came with Windows vista home premium and i need it to have windows xp professional on it in order to run some of the programs that are required to have with my job. do you how i can solve this problem? please help!
Either buy a copy of XP Pro (NewEgg, for example, is a good place to get it); but, first make sure that HP has XP drivers for the system...
Or, read Carey's post (3 up from this one.)ChrisLee7 wrote: i just purchased a HP pavilion a6542p PC and it came with Windows vista home premium and i need it to have windows xp professional on it in order to run some of the programs that are required to have with my job. do you how i can solve this problem? please help! Return your HP Pavilion PC for a refund, then consider purchasing a Dell PC with the purchase option to have Windows XP Professional preinstalled by Dell.
See: http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostrodt?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
- In BIOS set SATA off . Windows XP doesn't have driver for SATA and because of that it can not recignize the hard drive. Afte installation you have upgrade that driver and then set SATA on again.
- i am having the same problem right now...i have a HP Pavilian dv2000 notebook..i just bought it few months before with windows vista home premium installed. i am okey with vista but the problem is...i have to use few programs that can't run on vista...it is related to C++ stuffs..and i am about to buy Windows xp pro within few days...is there gonna be any problem while installing xp pro? can anyone tell me how to do it? do i have to format my laptop first or i can just boot it from the CD?
and can i get all the drivers from hp's website? is it possible to access internet after installing xp pro or do i have to install some drivers to get the wireless connection?
help me... Please visit the following HP support forum for assistance:
http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/categoryhome.do?categoryId=405
I have a hp laptop If I downgrade vista to xp, does it run as it was with vista without any problem or it does affect on some programs to not run properly?
advise me please.
thanks
Issues you will experience if you downgrade from Vista to XP:
Please visit the following HP support forum for further assistance:
http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/bizsupport/categoryhome.do?categoryId=405
Meemox wrote: "in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder license" does not mean taking it off another machine!!! it means aquiring a copy with your target machine at the time of purchase - borrow a retail copy off someone - problem solved!
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.
I just get a Sony FW190, can you tell me how to down load the Recovery down grade Windows XP? I just bought Windows XP pro from OEM. Thank you.
You must perform a "clean install" of Windows XP, then download and install Sony's Windows XP hardware drivers:
http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-list.pl?mdl=VGNFW190®ion_id=1
Clean Install Windows XP:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Mr. Gates providing a forum re. Vista problems on his own site instead of doing something about is a mystery to me. I have a brand new state of the art Vista PC, and are not able to print on, or communicate with other PC's on our state of the art Microsoft network. Sorry; not any help but a reflection.
Do not know what app's you run, but in Vista try "properties" and "compability" in order to fake XP environment.
A complete XP CD would, at boot, install XP on your PC, (formating = deleting everything on this drive)
Regards
Hi Krishna
You are facing this problem because of mis configuration of Hard disk
Just go to bios ( once "on" the system press F1 or F2 or F10 Key any one for go to setup bios)
select sata mode "Enhanced or Compatable"
Press F10
(Just save and Exit)
Now install xp again still having problem check the Media (Check wwith other CD any one)
Still having same error report send mail i will find answer for you
Thanks
Ramesh
So what you're saying is that if you are like a student and got a laptop with Vista and Office 2007 ... and the compatibility issues and recent crippling of several things in office by autmatic upgrades have redendered your machine very unreliable and unstable ...
Since you don't have a pro version of Vista ... you really can't downgrade to XP without buying another copy?
If that's the case ... I got suckered into a $1500 bondoggle that's leaving me high and dry three weeks before end of term in grad school.
Thank you Microsoft and HP!!!
BlacksmithTim wrote: So what you're saying is that if you are like a student and got a laptop with Vista and Office 2007 ... and the compatibility issues and recent crippling of several things in office by autmatic upgrades have redendered your machine very unreliable and unstable ...
Since you don't have a pro version of Vista ... you really can't downgrade to XP without buying another copy?
If that's the case ... I got suckered into a $1500 bondoggle that's leaving me high and dry three weeks before end of term in grad school.
Thank you Microsoft and HP!!!
Contact HP Support for troubleshooting assistance:
http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/contact_us.html- Sigh.
Thank you. I have already been there. I have that url bookmarked as a matter of fact as I've used it at least 10 times in the last six weeks.
The present recommendation is that given all the problems I'm having I should restore to factory defaults.
The reason I haven't done that is that I'm pretty convinced that at the core of my problems is a colission between MS and HP updates. Automatic updates that just seemed to happen. I thought I had that set to I had to be asked.
I think I said "yes" to one. I suspect "Defender" forced the other.
My question is: Since updates seemed to cause the problem, and the recommendation of both companies is that I restore the computer to defaults *and* install all updates ... will that not put me back to the same problem?
Yes, I've been 20 years in the IT industry, I *know* that there are other variables.
So many variables that if I'm going to take what will be a full day to backup my data, restore my system to defaults, reinstall Office 2007, restore the backups, let it spend *hours* downloading and installing updates from two companies.
Will it actually work? Will I have a reasonable chance of success?
And, most importantly, *will I be able to finish my six papers?!*
Since performance and interoperability seems to have been diminishing with each update I think it's a fair question.
Since I can't get an answer I consider the alternative: downgrading to a stable OS and Office suite.
Going to the HP support site does not do that.
Coming here doesn't do that.
The remedy.
1) spend $ on XP and try that.
2) restore to factory defaults and hope my backups work
Both require a *full day* with countdown to finals in the works.
Which would *you* pick?
The P2 with Windows 98 is looking better and better.
And that's my point.
$1500 for an HP laptop with Vista in January.
And by November I'm looking at finishing my term on a Win98 box because *it's reliable*.
If you honestly tell me that after 6 weeks of going to that url and implementing all but the last suggestion from them, that *this time it will be better* ... I will go again.
Will you write my paper if I get the same results? Will you file for the incomplete for me?
Will anyone make something that works? - I have both an HP notebook and HP desktop, both running Windows Vista with Office 2007 installed. Both are fully updated with Microsoft and HP updates and both are running just fine.
- Office programs don't hang on exit?
Shift+Ctrl+S brings up the Styles menu? (Right now mine brings up the system information window ... neat trick, but not when I wanted the Style box.)
Windows+N will open OneNote?
When you use Powerpoint along with Word the one application doesn't just "pop" over the other so you type into the wrong place?
Word doesn't "screen stutter" so you end up selecting the wrong text or editing the wrong text?
All of those have appeared or gotten worse immediately following updates from one or both companies.
Most of the Alt+key combinations in Office don't work anymore which has forced me to either use the "wonderful" Ribbon (don't get me started), or save out to the older format and use Open Office.
The *oddest* program I have had on my computer besides the standard stuff is Open Office and CamUnZip.
I run OneCare because the folks that sold me the laptop told me to stick with MS all the way for awhile until Vista stabilized.
If I have a virus causing this it's not detected by OneCare.
And HP's sage advice (yes, went there again) is that XP is not an option.
And I get to do a backup and restore to defaults tomorrow.
I am not ammused.
I'm glad you're having a good experience with the product, but I'm very annoyed with my experience, the poor support, and the lack of options.
I have been scrupulous about my maintenance. Careful of what I have installed. I have followed all troubleshooting guidelines to the letter.
And I'm heading into finals and being told to take my system down for a day.
Lesson learned: buy used and stable and stick to open source. - I apologize for the "rant". You can probably imagine my level of frustration at this point with the load of schoolwork I have and HP telling me I need to do a "restore to defaults".
I was asking legitimate questions in the last post: your system does not have those things happening?
If it really is stable, then please tell me which version of Vista I need to get.
I presently have Home Premium.
I have recently found posts that Vista is only stable with the 64 bit versions. That the kernel is different, and this is important.
I'm trying to verify that.
I have come to accept that I'm "stuck" and this will simply cost more money (upgrade Vista, third party backup, external harddrive, etc.).
But that outlay is literally going to shift my diet for the next three months. So I want to be *sure*.
Timothy - What is the specific model number of your HP computer?
- Wow... After reading a good percentage of the posts on this thread, I'm beginning to have 2nd thoughts on downgrading... However.
I recently purchased a nice little Toshiba Satellite L305-S5902 laptop that has Vista Home Premium OEMAct installed on it, and I do have the product key for it. While I have no real gripes with Vista this far, I still prefer use of XP, and thus I ordered an OEM copy of XP Pro SP2. I'm pretty sure the Toshiba site has loads of drivers for xp, so that doesnt bother me. The thing that has really confused me is the licensing issues. I do understand the policy of ONE and only ONE registration with an oem copy. I guess I'll make a short list of questions.
1. Given my current Vista OS and the copy of XP pro on the way, are there any conflicting factors that would prevent me from downgrading, and would I have to use the XP pro key, instead of the Vista one? (Got a little mixed up with all that stuff posted)
2. When you say that the OEM can only be installed on one system, does that mean if I decided to go back to Vista, would I be out of luck? (I do have the restore disc, and the reg key is on the bottom of my system)
3.Are there any precautions you all may have before I decided to roll back to XP?
Any advice at all would be appreciated. @ Andra:
Since you do, already, have a clean copy of XP to install, so long as Toshiba really does have drivers available for your system, there are no technical hurdles for you.
1. Yes, you would use the XP key, not the Vista key. Your Vista OEM-PK key wouldn't work for an XP (OEM) disc, anyways.
2. No, you would not be "out of luck" going back to Vista on that system. Installing that copy of XP on another system, however, is another story (technically, that copy of XP will be tied to your laptop.) But, you seem to have the registration requirements figured out for an OEM OS. (reminder: you can reinstall it on that hardware in perpetuity; however, you can't transfer the license to another machine.)
3. Double-check driver availabilty - that's about it. And, of course, back up any data that you might have on the lappy - this will be a clean installation.- Thank you very much sir. I will report back here if I encounter any issues. Hopefully, I wont.
One final thing. By chance do you know if Vista will actually allow a downgrade from the disc? I've heard a lot of nags about it saying that it will not allow it to be rolled back to a previous version. I assume this could be fixed by using CMOS to boot up from the disc. Heh, at least I certainly hope so. Anything you know will help. I keep noticing the use of some program called dban or something like that but I'd rather not have to use a workaround to get the OS to downgrade. *knocks on wood*
Thanks again for your assistance. - No.
- What it "won't allow you to do" is an in-place downgrade from within Windows (where you put the disc in after you've booted into Vista, and run the installer from there.)
Vista will care not, though, if you do it as a clean installation (boot from disc > setup > delete partition > create & install.)
The other thing that has a lot of people thinking "Vista won't let me downgrade" is storage drivers (or, lack thereof.)
Remember: XP doesn't natively support too many SATA controllers. No native storage drivers = "no hard disc" error on installation. No native support = need to load "F6 drivers" from a floppy. - Thanks again folks. Appreciate the assistance and tips. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Hi there
I am looking at buying a re existing internet cafe, they are running vista home edition, and the OEM cant help me downgrade, but XP is much easier to use for the customers than Vista, I have sat many a days with our customers listening to them complain about Vista, so now I have to go buy 10 XP cd. Can I buy it with the Volume license??? and where?
Xp is also more compatable with most programs.
Tx Put your cd in and restart the comp press any key to boot from cd when it asks and follow the onscreen instructions
- agandhi22 said:
Dear Meemox,
If have downgraded Vista Business OEM (The one that got preloaded with my Sony) to XP Pro using the hologram CD. But where do i get the license key for the XP Pro ??
Does the Vista key work with the XP pro ??
Your help will be highly appreciated.
- David8987604 said:
I have a new IBM X60 notebook with 80GB SATA HD which comes with Vista BE. How could i downgrade it to XP Prof. as the IBM doesn't come with any restore CD. I have the media & installation ID on the XP Prof.
Thanks
- Sorry if this has been discussed, but if I "downgrade" Vista to XP PRO, will I lose any if not all the programs and files on my PC? Please help me!
- phoenixfire0132 said:Yes, you will (lose all programs and data.)
Sorry if this has been discussed, but if I "downgrade" Vista to XP PRO, will I lose any if not all the programs and files on my PC? Please help me!
It will be a clean installation of Windows, which starts with a full wipe of the hard drive.
[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.] - Chris Cupler said:phoenixfire0132 said:Yes, you will (lose all programs and data.)
Sorry if this has been discussed, but if I "downgrade" Vista to XP PRO, will I lose any if not all the programs and files on my PC? Please help me!
It will be a clean installation of Windows, which starts with a full wipe of the hard drive.
[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faste
Ok i got my laptop through my father in law, which was a display model at the store he got it from. Which means I don't have any software from when i got the comp. Will just installing XP wipe any of the drivers that were on the comp before vista was installed? - <Ok i got my laptop through my father in law, which was a display model at the store he got it from. Which means I don't have any software from when i got the comp. Will just installing XP wipe any of the drivers that were on the comp before vista was installed?>
Yes. The HDD will be wiped, everything on it will be gone. Poof. Vanished. Not coming back. Drivers? Gone. Installed programs? Gone. User data? Gone.
If you want to downgrade to XP, you have no choice on this - a downgrade must be done as a clean installation (read: Windows is installed to an empty drive (or, more accurately, an empty partition.))
Anyways, it's a moot point - XP drivers and Vista drivers are not the same. Vista drivers aren't compatible with XP, nor vice-versa. So, you'll have to do your research first, find and download the lot of them, and burn them to a CD (the one thing that's guaranteed to work on a fresh, driverless installation of XP.) If you can't find XP drivers for all of the hardware (this is a real possibility), then there's not much point in doing the downgrade. No drivers = no worky.
This part bothers me:
<which was a display model at the store he got it from. Which means I don't have any software from when i got the comp.>
Unless the machine in question has a recovery partition, the seller (who is an agent of the system manufacturer) is required to provide you with media. If they didn't, go back and complain to someone. It doesn't matter if it's a floor model, open-box return, or whatever - they must provide you with some way of reinstalling the operating system.
Make & model of said laptop?
[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.] - I have a Compaq Persario V6500. I does have a recover partition. Let me rephrase something, I don't remember if I got drivers or not, and with a move to a new house they could have easily be lost. I am trying to figure out what my best course of action will be. Thanks for any info, or opinions.
- At first u installed any xpp os from any already activated oem pack use that pack product key only ,after that u take with microsoft tole free or help line phon no for activate u r xpp.....on that time they people requeard u r vista product key...after that they provide u xpp activaction no by phone on that time........BUT FOR THIS U HAVE ONLY VISTA BUSINESS LICENCE REQUEARER....WITHOUT VISTA BUISNESS U HAVE NOT ANY DOWNGRED RIGHT....... THANKS... SOMENATH
