Windows Vista Business -> Windows XP Pro Downgrade

[ZippyDan]

I am in a South American office with a bunch of computers that have stickers for Windows Vista Business OEM licenses.

However, all the computers are running pirated versions of Windows XP Pro.

The local tech representative told me that a downgrade to Windows XP Pro is included as an option in all OEM licenses of Windows Vista Business.

This sounded familiar and I confirmed it (http://download.microsoft.com/downl...cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf, http://download.microsoft.com/downl...9d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc)

What is unclear to me, is what key am I supposed to use to legally install/activate Windows XP

 

[pcgeek11]

I am in a South American office with a bunch of computers that have stickers for Windows Vista Business OEM licenses.

However, all the computers are running pirated versions of Windows XP Pro.

The local tech representative told me that a downgrade to Windows XP Pro is included as an option in all OEM licenses of Windows Vista Business.

This sounded familiar and I confirmed it (http://download.microsoft.com/downl...cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf, http://download.microsoft.com/downl...9d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc)

What is unclear to me, is what key am I supposed to use to legally install/activate Windows XP

You would use the " Downgrade " Windows XP Key provided by the OEM.

 

[ZippyDan]

You would use the " Downgrade " Windows XP Key provided by the OEM.

OK. I realize now I probably should've posted this in the Operating Systems section.

But to continue the conversation: what if I don't know/can't find the OEM or it no longer exists? Remember I'm in S. America 🙂

 

[pcgeek11]

OK. I realize now I probably should've posted this in the Operating Systems section.

But to continue the conversation: what if I don't know/can't find the OEM or it no longer exists? Remember I'm in S. America 🙂

The only other option that is keeping within the guidelines of the license would be to purchase a license for Windows XP. Either OEM or Retail.

 

[Zargon]

But to continue the conversation: what if I don't know/can't find the OEM or it no longer exists? Remember I'm in S. America 🙂

so cocaine use is the obvious answer!

they probably provided downgrade dvd's that have gotten lost, which would make you SOL. so basically what pcgeek11 just said.

The ones I have that were downgraded I got a DVD with no keys for xp sp3. and vista dvd's, with vista COA's on the cases