Downgrading from windows vista to windows xp

In effect, the license for Vista is transferred to XP. Think of it as a swap, Vista for XP, not as an extra license. By Microsoft's end-user licensing agreement EULA , you can't have both the Vista and its downgraded XP installed at the same time on the same or different machines.

You have to pick: It's one or the other. To the vast bulk of users, though, "downgrade" is a synonym for reverting to an older version. In that case, it simply means dumping Vista and returning to XP.

So, what downgrades does Microsoft allow? You are, as they say, SOL. How do I downgrade? Install a copy of Windows XP Professional with the product key that came with the copy, and then when you hit the activation screen -- which is near the end of the installation process -- select the activate by phone option rather than the online method.

You'll likely end up talking with a live rep; tell him that you're downgrading from Vista to XP, and give him the Vista product key. The rep is supposed to walk you through the rest. You will get XP which runs inside Vista, with minor compromise on speed, performance and have to go through Vista first on every bootup. For those who totally fed up with Vista and just want XP, or prefer a clean installation of OS has only this option to rely on. To downgrade to XP from Vista, you have to basically delete the whole hard disk that installed with Vista, and start anew with XP.

However, each system configuration is different, so you may have to adapt the steps to suit your own need. Note: If the setup does not allow you to delete or format the Vista partition or drive, you will need to find a third party software that can recognize and read NTFS filesystem to clear the drive or partition first.

You will also need a XP product key even if you legally can downgrade from Vista Ultimate or Business edition. You can also create a second partition with disk management utilities such as Acronis Director or Partition Magic, and then move the data files to the new partition. Ensure that also you have CD or DVD setup media for the software applications that you want to install and use after wiping off your system from Vista.

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Read the info below. Reload all Drivers and Utilities for your Motherboard. Mick Murphy - Microsoft Partner.