Can you install Win XP with a Vista retail licence

[chrestomanci]

Question:

Will Microsoft allow you to use a Windows vista license, to install Windows XP?

The reason I ask is that I have recently built and new PC, so I need a copy of windows to run on it. I would like to stick with windows XP for the moment, but I am aware that in the long term I will need to upgrade to vista for compatibility reasons, so I don't want to pay for a copy of XP now that Vista is out.

I know that with some Microsoft products, a license for the latest version, allows you to run any previous version if you want to, but I don't know if that applies to operating systems, and if it does how I would go about getting a key that the windows XP installer will accept.

It will be a retail copy of Vista, probably home premium or Pro. I have a friend who is taking a holiday in the states in a few weeks and he said that he could buy me a copy if I wanted.

[herulach]

In a word, No.

[dave87]

Vista Business & Ultimate can be 'downgraded' to XP Pro, the rest can't

[chrestomanci]

Vista Business & Ultimate can be 'downgraded' to XP Pro, the rest can't

Thanks for the info. I was probably going to go for Professional rather than Home premium anyway, as I think access to remote desktop will be more useful than a bunch of games, and I don't need media center.

I have sent an email to Microsoft UK (licensing@microsoft-contact.co.uk), to ask about it. I will post their reply.

[Splash]

As far as I was aware the previous version of which you speak allow a one time choice - ie the Windows XP boxes here at work have a code for XP Pro or 2K Pro, but clearly state that it's a one time choice.

[vinnyT]

I would be interested in MS reply.

I would also think that once you have used the vista key to downgrade to XP (pro, or otherwise), that this would preclude you later using the same key to upgrade to vista.

[chrestomanci]

I would be interested in MS reply.

The reply has arrived:

Thank you very much for your email about downgrading Windows® Vista™ to Windows XP Professional.

Please note that if you purchase Windows Vista as a Fully Packaged Product (i.e. over the counter from a reseller) you do not have downgrade rights. If you purchase your Vista preinstalled on a new computer, you do have downgrade rights, but would need to source your own media.

For more information on downgrading, kindly see the following web page:

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/r.../volbrief.mspx

I hope this information has answered your query but if you have any more questions please feel free to call me on 0870 60 10 100 (select option 2, then option 2 again). Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm. Of course if you prefer, please send me an email.

I wrote back to ask which versions of windows vista this applies to, and if it applies to the Retail OEM copies Like the ones you get from scan and the like

They answered:

As the system builder, you are permitted to purchase OEM software, so you would have the right to downgrade.

Your downgrade options are as follows:

Windows® Vista Business and Ultimate to Windows XP Pro, XP Pro 64bit and XP Tablet PC.

[vinnyT]

Thanks

[dave87]

Anyone know what happens when you later want to upgrade (back to Vista)?