14 DAY TRIAL // The downgrade rights from Windows Vista to Windows XP are a hot subject over at Microsoft. The Redmond Company is pouring a consistent amount of effort into convincing customers to upgrade from Windows XP and previous versions of the Windows operating system to Windows Vista. However, Windows users fail to see eye to eye with the Redmond Company in this particular subject. Although Microsoft has applauded in May, through the voice of Chairman Bill Gates approximately 40 million Vista sold licenses, downgrades are just as hot, if not even hotter than upgrades.
According to Lisa Michigan from the Microsoft U.K. licensing team, the first two positions in the company's top 5 licensing questions revolve around Windows vista downgrades. The first question is actually "what downgrade rights does Windows Vista Business have?" You can find that information right here on Softpedia, but Michigan also provided an explanation: "We have received this question countless times. We are able to answer this question quickly and accurately based on the OEM Vista Business Microsoft Software Licence Terms which state OEM Vista Business can be downgraded to Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition and Windows XP Tablet-PC Edition."
But since all "good" things come in a pair, the second question is "what media and key can I use when downgrading?" Michigan explained that "many partners and customers are aware that their MSLT/EULA/PUR permits them to downgrade, however we receive many questions about how customers can take advantage of these downgrade rights. We advise the customer that if their MSLT/EULA/PUR permits downgrade rights then they need to source the media and key themselves. They can use any legitimate Microsoft media that they own including FPP, OEM or Volume Licensing media and will need to use the appropriate key for the appropriate media."
What does this say about the success of Windows Vista? Well, not much actually. The fact of the matter is that customers have to have first bought Vista in order to access downgrade rights. Following additional preparation to accommodate the latest operating system from Microsoft, customers that downgraded Vista to Windows XP will be able to make the switch.