Vista License backwards compatible with XP?

[helsknight]

I have a client who purchase a PC with Vista on it. Some applications is not supported by Vista yet. I faintly recall that XP license were compatible with 2000. Meaning if you had a XP license you can install 2000 on that machine. It's not dual boot or anything. So it has Vista on it, don't want Vista... can I install XP using the Vista CD key?

Hels

 

[linney]

I don't think that would be possible because of all the Activation problems it may create, especially if you have already used the Product Key and Activated Vista. 2000 didn't have Activation, you just needed the correct Product Key.

Any redress might have to be sought from the Retailer.

Has the Client (does he like Vista or want to change it too?), tried installing these applications (or running them) in the Compatibility Mode of XP SP2, perhaps they may work that way?

Where is his old PC, maybe you can transfer that XP to the new machine, if it was not an OEM deal?

 

[NoCalAdmin]

you'll have to contact Microsoft. Yes you can trade back licenses for a legacy (still supported) product. But they will want to try and get your current license to work for you. There are a lot of hoops...but I've seen it done...

Tom

 

[Leozack]

The licence is but the key isn't. So for instance right now people buying volume licenses are buying vista & office 2007 instead of xp and office 2003, for the same standard volume price - though they're installing xp and office 2003 and when they're ready for vista/2007 at a later date they can install them then.

The keys aren't compatible though so non volume editions needing activation etc will have issues - perhaps just phone the MS product activation line and put in your vista key then when you get to a human explain you're installing xp using a vista licence please and they should give you a key.

_________________________________
Leozack

MakeUniverse($infinity,1,42);

 

[firewolfrl]

have you tried virtual PC or VMware
you can make a Virtual XP machine that should run all the apps just fine....and keep the benefits of the new VISTA... as what they are.

 

[helsknight]

Thanks for all the feedback.

How do I run apps in the XP compatible mode? His old machine is 98 and Vista came with the new computer.

I want to make this as simple as possible. So VM would be out of the question.

 

[linney]

You can start/run (and read about) the Program Compatibility Wizard by typing "Program Compatibility Wizard" in the Vista Help program's search box.

You can also right-click on any .exe file, or a shortcut to any .exe or .msi file, and via the Properties, access the Compatibility tab. There you can apply various settings including compatibility modes for 98 or ME.