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How to Downgrade to Windows XP

December 14th, 2007 @ 6:46 am

2 Comments

Categories: Software

Tags: Microsoft Windows XP, Operating System, Microsoft Windows Vista, Computerworld, Microsoft Windows Vista (Longhorn), Microsoft Windows, Operating Systems, Software, Rick Broida

windows-xp-logo.jpgSo you’ve decided Windows Vista just isn’t your cup of OS tea. Perhaps you’re not happy with its sluggish performance or software incompatibilities. Whatever the reason, you may be able to “downgrade” to Windows XP (or, if you prefer, an earlier version of Windows). All volume-licensed editions of Vista, meaning those purchased by corporations, come with downgrade rights, as do OEM versions of Vista Business and Vista Ultimate.

Computerworld tells you everything you need to know about downgrading. Well, almost everything: One option the author doesn’t mention is setting up a dual-boot configuration, meaning you install XP alongside Vista and then boot whichever OS you need. That’s a much less drastic solution, as it doesn’t require wiping your hard drive. Find out more about dual-booting from Lifehacker.

Are you living with Vista? Have you ever thought about downgrading? Hit the Comments and give us your thoughts on this OS mess.

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    1

    jongreer

    12/14/07 | Report as spam

    Just bought an XP machine

    I just got a new XP laptop for my wife. I'm now a Mac person and she's not much of a techie, so it was a no-brainer to avoid dealing with the new OS. Let's face it, XP runs fine for business apps, and who needs the hassle of learning the new OS? And furthermore, MSFT has done a terrible job of telling users what's new and better about Vista -- I have no clue why and if we should have wanted Vista over XP. Maybe it's just that the Windows OS has gone as far as it can and there really isn't anything to tout.

  •  
    2

    Emp Rx

    12/17/07 | Report as spam

    RE: How to Downgrade to Windows XP

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

    I purchased an HP quad core desktop with Vista preloaded., Can't even run Office 2007. I hope this fix works. I never thought I would look forward to going back to XP.

    If my firm's products and service performed this way, I would be out of business ........ and would deserve to be.

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