Vista Downgrade Rights to keep XP Alive

[Indyan]

Dell uses "Windows Vista Bonus" to keep shipping XP
Microsoft (MSFT) is no longer shipping Windows XP, but frustrated Vista-hating consumers may have new options to avoid the operating system. Dell (DELL) says it's found a loophole in its licensing agreement with Microsoft that allows it to keep selling Windows XP Professional.

From the Dell blog (http://direct2dell.com/channel/archive/2008/06/26/xp-down-for-the-count.aspx):

The short version is that Dell can sell what we’ve branded “Windows Vista Bonus” which allows us to preinstall XP Professional with a Vista license (on select system categories). This lets customer’s [sic] upgrade to the Vista platform when they’re ready. And yes, Dell will support both OSs.

It's possible Dell has some sort of special deal with Microsoft which allows it to offer its "Windows Vista Bonus" (we love this name). But more likely, Dell's move comes from a creative reading of the standard Microsoft license. If so -- and if the market's aversion to Vista is as strong as we think it is -- expect more computer manufacturers to follow suit.

Source (http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/7/dell-finds-a-bonus-in-its-license-with-microsoft-and-keeps-shipping-windows-xp-dell-msft-)
Windows Vista Bonus :D

[New]

So,MS has to start service packs to patch loop holes in this agreement:))

[j1n M@tt]

Dell says so?!! then how come they don't provide any drivers for XP???

[Indyan]

They do provide drivers for XP on their website.

[mavihs]

i don't think so!!!

[praka123]

so desperate are the consumers to save from ta$iV

[j1n M@tt]

no, Dell don't provide drivers for XP on their website.....

[Indyan]

no, Dell don't provide drivers for XP on their website.....

That is so not true (Bing! (http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=165176)) :D

[gary4gar]

Windows XP is still available

After June 30th you can continue to have Windows XP Professional preinstalled on your new system.
This option is called “Vista Downgrade Rights”. This service allows users who purchase Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate to keep using Windows XP Professional for as long as needed.

Your business may not be ready to change to Windows Vista® Business just yet, so Dell provides you with a simple solution with the Vista Downgrade Rights.


Is there any way to get Windows XP after June 30th?
Customers may continue to get Windows XP Professional by exercising Downgrade Rights that come with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate licenses. Dell has the ability to exercise “Windows Vista downgrade rights” on your behalf in the factory if your business is still reliant upon Windows XP and you’d prefer to have Windows XP Professional preinstalled on your PCs.


So, what are Windows Vista “Downgrade Rights”?
Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate have what Microsoft calls “Downgrade Rights.” Downgrade Rights means that anyone with a Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate operating system can downgrade to Windows XP Professional provided they have the media for Windows XP Professional. Customers may use one operating system at any single point in time (cannot run both operating systems simultaneously unless an additional license is purchased). For customers who decide to exercise Downgrade Rights on their own, however, please note that Dell will only support the factory-installed operating system. Windows Vista Home Basic and Windows Vista Home Premium do not have this option, as they are not capable of downgrading to Windows XP.


What does it mean for Dell to exercise “Downgrade Rights” for me? Where can I find this option?
When you are configuring your system online or through the help of one of our sales experts, you will have the opportunity to select which operating system you would like on your PC. When selecting your operating system, you will see an option called “Genuine Windows® Vista Business with Windows® XP Pro Downgrade Rights” and “Genuine Windows® Vista Ultimate with Windows® XP Pro Downgrade Rights.” With these options, you may purchase the licensed rights to Windows Vista but have Dell factory install Windows XP Professional. You will also receive a backup media disc for Windows XP Professional as well as the media for Windows Vista so you can upgrade when you’re ready. Furthermore, with these options Dell will provide technical support for the factory-installed Windows XP Professional image and your licensed version of Windows Vista.


Can I downgrade on my own?
Yes, you can as long as you have your own Windows XP Professional media (i.e. from a prior purchase). However, Dell’s standard policy is to provide technical support on the operating system that comes pre-installed on your PC. Dell does not encourage you to change your operating system on your own as this can be a complicated process.


So, if I choose to have Dell downgrade for me, does that mean I can only get technical support on Windows XP Professional since that is what will be pre-installed?
No, with this option Dell will provide technical support on both Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate (depending on which version you choose).


I don’t need Windows XP Professional, but I still want Windows XP Home Edition. Is there any way for me to get this from Dell?
No, Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP MCE both End-of-Life (EOL) on June 30, 2008 and do not have the capability to transition to Windows Vista (i.e. these licenses do not include Downgrade Rights provisions). Microsoft created that capability only with Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate. Windows Vista Home Basic and Windows Vista Home Premium are unable to downgrade to Windows XP.


What do I do when I’m ready to upgrade my computer to Windows Vista?
You will use the Windows Vista DVD provided to you to install Windows Vista on your computer. If you upgrade and then realize you’re not quite ready for Windows Vista yet, you also have the freedom to go back to Windows XP Professional using the Windows XP Professional CD provided with the downgrade service.


Its called Downgrade Rights:rolleyes:

[Choto Cheeta]

Internet community / forums / discussion boards are buzzing with words about the the nearing death of Windows XP as Microsoft is in process to stop production for OEM / Retail versions of this product after 30th June.

http://www.chotocheeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/notebooks_right_eninbsd1.jpg

However many do not know or rather do not consider that Microsoft Vista END user license comes with an option called Windows Vista Downgrade rights.

http://www.chotocheeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/windows_vista_downgrade_rights.jpg

What is Windows Vista Downgrade Rights?

If you are a legal owner of Windows Vista OS (Business / Ultimate), you are allowed to downgrade your copy to Windows XP (Pro / x64 / Tablet PC) free of charge. Which means if you buy Windows Vista and for any reason you do not wish to continue with Windows Vista, Microsoft allows you to downgrade and install Windows XP on your system free of charge.

Read Details (http://www.chotocheeta.com/2008/07/14/windows-vista-downgrade-rights-to-keep-windows-xp-alive/)

[ssarti]

dude thats great news! lol that means i can finally use xp in my comp legally :D but does this agreement allow us to upgrade back to vista if need be?

[Choto Cheeta]

dude thats great news! lol that means i can finally use xp in my comp legally :D but does this agreement allow us to upgrade back to vista if need be?

Certainly it does, please read the details along with its FAQs :)

[Sumeet_naik]

Well.. Didn't know bout dis one..

[Pat]

Shouldnt this be in Tutorials section ?

[Sumeet_naik]

Shouldnt this be in Tutorials section ?

This is a tech news article.. Why should it be in tutorials?

[kumarmohit]

So is this scheme available here in India?
And does it come on Vista Home Basic?

[Sumeet_naik]

So is this scheme available here in India?
And does it come on Vista Home Basic?

Watever i've read tells me any owner of vista can downgrade to xp..ru tat means India too:) only business and ultimate users can downgrade to xp..

[Indyan]

Merged with previous (http://www.thinkdigit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=875799&postcount=9) thread.

[Pat]

This is a tech news article.. Why should it be in tutorials?

It TEACHES how to use vista downgrade rights and links to his own blog..anyways, its now merged with a proper thread. So its ok!

[x3060]

he ha ha ha....guess MS will never attempt to make another vista again..they must have really learned a lesson from this.

[lywyre]

^^ You think so... They already had a lesson with Windows Me and learnt nothing. Now Vista. I only think that the next OS for desktop from MS would need 40 GB of disk space and some 5 or 6 GB of RAM and a graphic capability that only a top notch studio would have :D.

[MetalheadGautham]

I have one small doubt:

Does it make sense for a guy with a low end rig to purchase vista business, install XP, and later on upgrading system then upgrading to vista ?

And, what are the key differences between vista premium and vista business which make the former or the later a better choice ?

Is there a similar clause to help downgrade from Vista Premium to XP Home ?

[Indyan]

AFAIK there isnt.

[iNFiNiTE]

@MetalheadGautham:
If by Vista premium you mean Vista Home Premium edition, then it compares to Windows XP Media Center Edition. While Vista Business compares to Windows XP Professional. Also Home premium is cheaper than Business edition by 50-60$. :p

Home premium has features like Parental Controls, Media center and Movie Maker etc.

Business edition has features like support for two physical processors (not cores), EFS, Backups and shadowcopy etc., IIS Server.

Choice depends on user needs..:D

[MetalheadGautham]

@MetalheadGautham:
If by Vista premium you mean Vista Home Premium edition, then it compares to Windows XP Media Center Edition. While Vista Business compares to Windows XP Professional. Also Business edition is costlier than Home premium by 50-60$. :D
I heard Business is around Rs. 6000/- to 6500/- in India, while (home) Premium is Rs 5500/-. Considering I am dealing with MS, I think 1K extra is worth the downgrade option :D

But the main question is this (forget comparison with older versions) Whats the difference between Business and Premium ?

@Home premium has features like Parental Controls, Media center and Movie Maker etc.

Business edition has features like support for two physical processors (not cores), EFS, Backups and shadowcopy etc., IIS Server.

Choice depends on user needs..:D
Premium looks better then. But aren't movie maker and media center free downloads from MS website ? And do they come with "powershell" ?

[Choto Cheeta]

Does it make sense for a guy with a low end rig to purchase vista business, install XP, and later on upgrading system then upgrading to vista ?

There is a catch, OEM / System Builder License shall not allow you to do so as they are binded by the Motherboard + Procy + VGA platform..

For such one is in need to opt for FPP products :) which are definably costlier than OEM packs :)

And, what are the key differences between vista premium and vista business which make the former or the later a better choice ?


have a quick read here :lol:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx

Is there a similar clause to help downgrade from Vista Premium to XP Home ?

As said, no with END user / System builder single license it is not allowed but in special cases of large volume license one is in need to have chat with MS sales to avail any such option :lol: