Vista Downgrade 1

[ATLMatt]

Does anyone have a link to information on downgrading from Vista to XP? I'm having trouble finding in on the Microsoft site. I saw some info on downgrading from Ultimate to XPPro, but nothing on Home Premium. Thanks!

If anyone is curious about why the switch, see below...

The bottom line for me is Vista doesn't do anything better than XP, yet it uses more system resources, and is much more aggravating. The security features (even in full admin mode) are intrusive, and when disabled "broke" things like Control Panel. The layout seems cumbersome as well, having to hunt through option menu's that where intuitive in XP is a waste of time, not to mention the driver and software compatibility issues, even with the "run in X compatability mode options".

Informing me that is was going to restart because it had just downloaded updates (no option to wait, save my data, etc.) was the last straw. While at first I was content to fix issues, make adjustments to the UI, etc. I finally decided that it isn't worth the trouble, XP works, and when I get on this particular machine, that's what I want. A gaming machine with all new hardware should be a stress reliever, not a stress creator!

 

[ArizonaGeek]

There are dozens of posts regarding this you can do a search for them or check the FAQ:

http://www.tek-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=6713

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[ArizonaGeek]

Something else I forgot, make sure you have all your drivers on a disk or USB key, and make sure you can even get XP drivers for your machine. There are some, like HP/Compaq for example that do not offer XP drivers for machines loaded with Vista.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[ATLMatt]

Thanks for the reply, but as far as the installation goes, I've got that covered. I don't think I was specific enough, allow me to restate the problem.

Microsoft allows some versions of Vista licenses to be downgraded to XP licenses. (IE you don't have to buy XP). What I need is specifics on how to do that, and I was unable to find what I needed on the MS site. (They want you using Vista). Thanks.

 

[ArizonaGeek]

I've not heard of MS allowing Vista users to downgrade to XP. Not saying that it isn't possible but that just doesn't seem logical with all the years I have been dealing with Microsoft. They want you to buy the latest and if you can't use it they'll be happy to sell you a copy of XP. Personally I am a fan of Vista, have been using it almost a year now and have no complaints at all about it. Of course I am an IT guy and know how to turn off all of Microsoft's "features" and make it do what I want it to.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[BadBigBen]

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.

can be found here:

http://download.microsoft.com/downl...9d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc

Royalty OEM Reference Sheet - Windows Vista Downgrade Rights

http://download.microsoft.com/downl...cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[BadBigBen]

forgot to mention:

since you are using HOME PREMIUM, a downgrade is not SUPPORTED... you will need to buy a separate license for XP to be installed...

if you had BUSINESS or ULTIMATE versions of VISTA, it would be allowed and you would not have to purchase a separate license...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[linney]

While you wait to downgrade, one more Vista fix to look at. It should be adaptable to Vista Premium.

XP Home auto restart after updates
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