Downgrade XP SP3 to SP2 from fresh SP3 install

[craftech]

I am building a new computer for someone and want Windows XP Pro SP2 on it.

It is only possible to buy a Windows XP Pro with SP3 install disc these days, but he would like to run SP2 instead for 16-bit applications and for other reasons.

With a fresh install of XP with SP3, the SP2 download won't be allowed to be installed because it is older, and SP3 won't appear in the ADD / Remove programs list so that's out.

I have searched the internet, but am not finding a good solution from either Microsoft or another source. I know others besides myself must also want to do this. Can anyone point me to a post somewhere that explains how to do it?

I do have another machine that I built a few years ago using the original version of Windows XP Pro Retail Disc and updated it to SP2 if that would be of any use somehow using the new key from the SP3 disc. Not sure.

John

 

[VirtualLarry]

I don't understand why you would want to do this. SP3 didn't change XP's support for 16-bit code that I know of.

 

[alevasseur14]

You could try the RTM disk but there's a decent chance it won't work. With SP3, Microsoft added a bunch more keys to the pool because some people were still buying XP over Vista. If the SP3 disk came with one of those new keys, you're out of luck.

That said, I believe VirtualLarry is right. Even with SP3, XP will still run 16 bit apps. Throw it on there and if it doesn't work, then start working on a different solution. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised, depending on what the 'other reasons' are.

 

[RebateMonger]

eBay is probably the only way to get a copy of SP2-or-earlier XP Professional. Or Craig's list. The only "legal" product would be Retail-boxed used/new XP or a sealed OEM version. You'll likely find a ton of products that are either counterfeit, being sold outside of OEM license terms, or very pricey (if they are truly Retail, sealed versions).

Originally posted by: craftech
I do have another machine that I built a few years ago using the original version of Windows XP Pro Retail Disc and updated it to SP2 if that would be of any use somehow using the new key from the SP3 disc. Not sure.

Or install/license the XP SP3 disk on YOUR PC and install/license the XP RTM disk on your client's PC.

 

[craftech]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
eBay is probably the only way to get a copy of SP2-or-earlier XP Professional. Or Craig's list. The only "legal" product would be Retail-boxed used/new XP or a sealed OEM version. You'll likely find a ton of products that are either counterfeit, being sold outside of OEM license terms, or very pricey (if they are truly Retail, sealed versions).

Originally posted by: craftech
I do have another machine that I built a few years ago using the original version of Windows XP Pro Retail Disc and updated it to SP2 if that would be of any use somehow using the new key from the SP3 disc. Not sure.

Or install/license the XP SP3 disk on YOUR PC and install/license the XP RTM disk on your client's PC.

Thanks for the help everyone.

To RebateMonger,

Are you saying that I can:

1. Transfer my license for XP to my client. (I have an original XP Pro Retail disc) then upgrade his machine to SP2.

2. Re-register my copy using the newly purchased XP Pro SP3 OEM Serial Number

3. Keep XP Pro SP2 on my machine only with a new XP Pro SP3 serial number - but now it is OEM so I can never move it to a new machine I might build for myself.

Is that correct?

John

 

[RebateMonger]

The client will end up with your Retail XP Pro, can upgrade it to SP2, and can move it to another PC later on.

You will end up with OEM SP3 and can't move it (according to MS' EULA).

You lose in the deal, unless you charge enough money for it....

You won't be able to use the OEM SP3 Key with anything but an OEM install.

 

[craftech]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
The client will end up with your Retail XP Pro, can upgrade it to SP2, and can move it to another PC later on.

You will end up with OEM SP3 and can't move it (according to MS' EULA).

You lose in the deal, unless you charge enough money for it....

You won't be able to use the OEM SP3 Key with anything but an OEM install.

Thanks,

That's what I thought.

This place has a very good track record at Resellerratings, but I am a little confused about the different versions of what appears to me to be the same thing:

http://www.outletdeal.com/subcategory.php?id=50

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/OutletDeal

Do any of those aside from the expensive one for well over $200 sound like XP Pro SP2?

Thanks again for the help.

John

 

[RebateMonger]

In your case, the best option from that site would be the $227 Full Retail-box version of XP Professional SP2. Assuming it's what it says it is. As you'll see in looking at eBay prices, you can likely buy that version and re-sell it in two years for about what you paid for it. There's not that many Full Retail XP out there. Most of it is OEM.

 

[craftech]

Originally posted by: RebateMonger
In your case, the best option from that site would be the $227 Full Retail-box version of XP Professional SP2. Assuming it's what it says it is. As you'll see in looking at eBay prices, you can likely buy that version and re-sell it in two years for about what you paid for it. There's not that many Full Retail XP out there. Most of it is OEM.

Thanks,

I am sure when I explain this to him, he won't mind spending a little more to get what he wants.

Thanks for all the help,

John