Windows 7 / XP Pro downgrade

J_Wholesale

Does anyone know how the XP Pro downgrade thing works? I'm looking at this PC here:

http://elara.ie/products/detailsfullat.asp?productcode=ECE2044782#spec

I was wondering if it's just a case of running an installation CD, or would it be prone to error? Has anyone done this?

I know XP is antiquated, but we have to have one fast XP machine in the office for reasons I won't go into as it would involve publicly slagging off a large Irish company.

Odaise Gaelach

I would get in touch with Elara Online's customer support and ask them what form the downgrade takes.

bhickey

How about just buy a Dell and borrow a Dell XP CD from someone.

subway

it means you can install windows xp on it without the need to purchase an additonal license.
you just need to get a key and cd somewhere.
you can use any cd/key and when it gets to activation stage you just call microsoft to tell them what you are doing and they give you a manual activation key.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/licensing/sblicensing/pages/downgrade_rights.aspx#windows7

To perform the downgrade, legally licensed Windows XP or Windows Vista
software media is required. The facilitating party should obtain such media
from the end user. The end user may already have the appropriate media, or
may be able to request media from the system builder who manufactured the
system. Note, however, that neither Microsoft nor the system builder is
obligated to provide such downgrade software media.

subway

to add, if you already have an xp disc and key in your office you are good to go.
this is the same for any legally sourced copy of 7 pro as per the above link

I did this once before for a customer, using Vista Business as the downgrade. I used an OEM disc and a Windows XP Pro product key taken from a scrapped case. When it came to activation I phoned Microsoft and told them I was downgrading. He gave me a confirmation ID right away, didn't issue me a new product key or anything. Not sure if that's the correct procedure (on their side) though.

woolymammoth

what's wrong with Windows 7 + Windows XP mode? Best of both worlds!