Windows Vista Downgrade Rights to keep Windows XP alive

Internet community / forums / discussion boards are buzzing with words about the the nearing death of Windows XP as Microsoft is in process to stop production for OEM / Retail versions of this product after 30th June.

Need Windows XP ?? Here is the answer !!!

However many do not know or rather do not consider that Microsoft Vista END user license comes with an option called Windows Vista Downgrade rights.

Windows Vista Downgrade rights

What is Windows Vista Downgrade Rights ?

If you are a legal owner of Windows Vista OS (Business / Ultimate), you are allowed to downgrade your copy to Windows XP (Pro / x64 / Tablet PC) free of charge. Which means if you buy Windows Vista and for any reason you do not wish to continue with Windows Vista, Microsoft allows you to downgrade and install Windows XP on your system free of charge.

Windows Vista to Windows XP Downgrade Charts

Few Quick FAQ about the Windows Vista to Windows XP downgrade

Who can install the downgrade software or reinstall the original software?

An OEM (when authorized by end user), or the end user.

Can end users return to Windows Vista Business / Vista Ultimate software after they downgrade to Windows XP ?

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 may later return to Windows Vista software provided that the end user deletes the Windows XP Professional software from the PC.

Where do customers get the CD to install Windows XP ?

End users must use a legally licensed version of the specified previous version of the Windows XP to install the downgrade software. The downgrade software may be from the retail, OEM/System Builder, or volume licensing channels. (In short layman’s language, borrow a genuine one from anyone rather using a pirated one)

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?

Windows XP activation will fail due to change of the Hardware and as its already actiavted some where else, hence users are in need 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.

What if you downgrade to Windows XP and the once again install Windows Vista only to find the OS too complicated or not suited for your need and decide to downgrade once more back to Windows XP, will you be allowed ?

Yes, you may follow the same process once again to repeat the downgrade action.

Which version of Windows Vista are allowed to downgrade to Windows XP ?

You may only use the downgrade rights with Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista ultimate. OEM / Retail / FPP copy of any other version of Windows Vista do not support Downgrade to Windows XP.

Which version of Windows XP you may downgrade to ?

You are allowed to downgrade to Windows XP Professional / Windows XP Tablet PC / Windows XP x64 Professional. Users are not allowed to downgrade their Windows Vista to Windows XP home.