Microsoft offering replacement XP license for VISTA license?

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We are a public library that unfortunately purchased 4 new vista computers in
the spring. We are unable to get them running smoothly. They reboot
themselves, give blue screens, you name it we've had it. We heard that
Microsoft is allowing VISTA business users to install XP without having to
purchase XP licenses (since we've already paid for VISTA licenses). We have
decided going to XP is our only option. The tech support on these VISTA
systems has robbed us of time, money and patience.

Anyone know how we go about doing this if it is true? Thanks for the help.
 
Vista Downgrade Rights:
http://download.microsoft.com/downl...cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

--------------------------------------------------------------------

We are a public library that unfortunately purchased 4 new vista computers
in
the spring. We are unable to get them running smoothly. They reboot
themselves, give blue screens, you name it we've had it. We heard that
Microsoft is allowing VISTA business users to install XP without having to
purchase XP licenses (since we've already paid for VISTA licenses). We have
decided going to XP is our only option. The tech support on these VISTA
systems has robbed us of time, money and patience.

Anyone know how we go about doing this if it is true? Thanks for the help.
 
Having read the provided PDF link, I assume that the correct answer to the
original question is 'NO'. You can only 'downgrade' if you already have an
XP license. If you buy a new computer which comes with Vista installed,
there will be no XP license available for 'downgrading'.

We have run into this situation at my university where students buying
Vista-based machines are finding themselves unable to run key statistical
analysis software. Since these machines all have 'home' Vista, they have no
downgrade rights, even if a copy of XP were available. This is a very
frustrating situation for people who find Vista to be an inappropriate
operating system for their needs.
 
"buying Vista-based machines are finding themselves unable to run key
statistical analysis software."
Did these students check with the university to determine requirements
before purchasing a new computer?

This type of problem is not new.
Students have been purchasing inappropriate computers and later
finding out they are unsuitable for their specific university
requirements for many years.

Among other things, perhaps schools should be more proactive in
letting students and prospective students know their computer
requirements as easily and quickly as possible.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org
 
Our university does not support (nor recommend) Vista. However, Microsoft's
marketing has now made it impossible to buy a computer at commercial outlets
which has any OS except Vista. Hence, unless they shop at the unviersity
computer store, our students have little choice but to buy Vista systems,
even though the software is not available.

Could the university have done more? Probably, yes.

Should Microsoft provide people with more options? Definitely yes.
Including the option to convert any Vista computer to XP without having to
buy a separate XP license. This is the issue raised by the first poster - do
they have any recourse when the only operating system on the computer they
bought (the only OS option which they were offered by the computer vendor) is
inappropriate for the task?
 
"Microsoft's marketing has now made it impossible to buy a
computer..."
Not at all since Windows XP computers are still widely available.

"our students have little choice but to buy Vista systems"
Why?
Is Dell not an option?
How about the local shops?
Most near me have options available including Windows XP.

"the only OS option which they were offered by the computer vendor"
If that is all the vender offers and it does not suit the needs of the
student, the student should purchase elsewhere where the needs are
met.
 
I also have same issue.
I contacted Microsoft, Dell, and HP.
I got same answers. Use a XP Pro OEM key that cannot be activated anymore,
so when you click activation, XP prompt you to call MS activation center.
I am suppose to "the OS will prompt the customer to call the Activation
Support Line and explain the circumstances to the Customer Service
Representative. Once it is determined that the Vista Business or Ultimate
license is valid, the Customer Service Representative will manually activate
Windows XP".

Ya, right. Activation center told me I still need valid XP Pro OEM key and
they did not even want to know my valid Vista Business key. Maybe activation
center is not up to date. I yelled at them and at the end I got SP Pro
activated. They just want to deal with me anymore.

I contacted Dell and HP again. Will see what they have to say.
 
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