Downgrading from Vista to XP

Question

I recently ordered a laptop from Dell which came with Vista pre-installed.  My question if I wanted to install Windows XP instead of Vista would I have to purchase a new copy of XP or would the Vista registration etc. be enough for me to install a previously purchased (and now unused) copy of XP.   Would there be any issues if I decided to us XP instead of Vista (aside from having to download drivers etc)? Would I void any of my warrenties?

GioAguilar · Answer

Yes, you will need to buy a XP licence, and you will not have problem, just remember you will need to get the drivers for XP wich you can download from support.dell.com just typping your Service TAG...

PivotManG · Answer

http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/2/3/d23b9533-169d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc   'Rights to OEM versions of systems software are granted in the OEM License Terms. The OEM License Terms for most OEM versions of systems software do not grant downgrade rights. The exception is the OEM License Terms for the Windows® XP Professional operating system and the Windows Vista™ Business and Windows Vista Ultimate operating systems, which grant downgrade rights. See the full text of the OEM License Terms for the specific downgrade rights. '   So It you have Vista Business or Ultimate you can downgrade to XP PRO.   I have done it on two systems a Latatude D620 with Visa Ulitimate and a Precision 390 Vista Business. Both Downgraded to Win XP Pro(You need a copy of the CD with SP2) with drivers off of the Dell support site.     If you have Vista Home Basic or Home Premium you can't.

chrisripley · Answer

I just purchased a Dimension 520. I had to purchase it with Vista.   What do I need to do to downgrade to XP pro?

GioAguilar · Answer

You may received a Resource CD, I heared it also works for XP, but you can download the drivers for XP from support.dell.com   When you get that (or if you allready have them) you will need only XP system, and then you're ready to go...

PivotManG · Answer

'I just purchased a Dimension 520. I had to purchase it with Vista.   What do I need to do to downgrade to XP pro?'     You need to have bought it with a copy of Window Vista  Ultimate to downgrade(for free) to XP Pro.     'You may received a Resource CD, I heared it also works for XP, but you can download the drivers for XP from support.dell.com   When you get that (or if you allready have them) you will need only XP system, and then you're ready to go...'   The Resoure DVD that comes with Vista does not have XP Pro drivers.  You will have to download them from Dell.

itzken07 · Answer

Hi there,
I know Vista Bussiness and Ultimate customers can downgrade to XP Pro (though you need to have installation disk). But PivotManG, can you let know how? As far as I am aware it needs to call Microsoft and they do give activation key for XP Pro. But while doing so, does in needs to inform Dell about downgrading or it just to call (what's the no.??) Microsoft straight after receiving system...!! Thanks.

PivotManG · Answer

itzken07 wrote:
Hi there,
I know Vista business and Ultimate customers can downgrade to XP Pro (though you need to have installation disk). But PivotManG, can you let know how? As far as I am aware it needs to call Microsoft and they do give activation key for XP Pro. But while doing so, does in needs to inform Dell about downgrading or it just to call (what's the no.??) Microsoft straight after receiving system...!! Thanks.

This one is easy. As per most Dell systems(not all yet) all you do is do a clean install of Win XP Pro on an OEM install of Vista Business or Ultimate system and you will not even need to put in one of those 25 long activation keys that is on a sticker on the computer somewhere. If by change it does ask you can just put the Visa 25 long activation keys in XP Pro SP2 install and it will work.

As of now I have 5 downgraded Dell computers. Our major software still is not Vista Compatible.

Hopefully soon as I need to get 2 more and it is a pain to be doing XP Pro clean installs as they are getting longer and longer with all the updates needed.

OH If any one does do this. You no longer have Operating System support from Dell and also Hardware support is more difficult (Except for a few systems that Dell has certified and still does installs with XP Pro on them).

Thanks

PivotManG

itzken07 · Answer

Hi PivotManG, Thanks for your help. Much appreciated. Cheers, Itzken07

Windows General

Downgrading from Vista to XP

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