Vista business downgrade question.

[Xtreme]

I have a computer and the customer is wanting to get rid of Vista Business. Doesnt Vista business offer a free downgrade to XP Pro? Or was this only for a certain amount of time?

 

[Alan22]

You can downgrade, but it's not free. I don't know if its ever been free as an XP Pro license needs to be purchased. In essense the computer has two licenses, Vista Business & XP Pro, but can only use one or the other.

I helped clients purchase systems with Vista Business w/ XP Pro downgrade which typically cost an extra $99 from the manufacturer. I thought the $99 was outrageous, but it was the least expensive (legal) way to go.

 

[ITMAN]

IIRC you install XP using a legit copy of XP (OEM, can be a copy) and call MS and quote the Vista code, they will then activate the copy of XP

Or at least that what MS said when I last rang them to do just this

 

[Xtreme]

Yeah for $99 the customer can just buy XP.

I tried what you said ITMan, well I got to the point where it asked for the product key and obviously the Vista Business product key does not work. And I have read those same steps online somewhere so I am wondering how can you activate it before it is installed with a valid key?

 

[topaz]

down grade

Buy a old desktop for £10 use the xp licence Cut off with sharp blade
Use superglue to stick back on
Install xp useing generic OEM disk activate on line useing new key
Activate online after install
so I get £40 for the licence +£50 reload = £90 less £10 for the oid pc which is worth £15 for parts

This is legit as the licence is the COA.

 

[joydivision]

If its OEM its not legit. The COA belongs to the computer. As soon as the motherboard or even case changes the COA is invalid although MS does turn a blind eye to it. However transfering OEM COAs is ilegal and completly against the terms.

 

[topaz]

If its OEM its not legit. The COA belongs to the computer. As soon as the motherboard or even case changes the COA is invalid although MS does turn a blind eye to it. However transfering OEM COAs is ilegal and completly against the terms.

Microsoft will turn a blind eye to oem transfer as long as the licence is not used twice!!
Trading standards have told me that Microsoft is ok with the pratice as long as its a part of a recycling action.

 

[chrisaroz]

You're either going to need to call MS and see if they'll help you as ITman suggested, or buy an XP key from somewhere.

 

[wimwauters]

Microsoft will turn a blind eye to oem transfer as long as the licence is not used twice!!
Trading standards have told me that Microsoft is ok with the pratice as long as its a part of a recycling action.

Rubbish. If any of those customers complains to Microsoft, they will send their lawyers after you.

Also, it clearly violates the OEM license agreement. OEM licenses can not be transferred.

And since when are trading standards experts on Microsoft licensing

Recycling computers does not include messing about with OEM license stickers.