Downgrading from OEM Vista laptop back to XP!

[sysbuilder]

What's the proper way to go about downgrading from Vista to XP?

This is a brand new laptop and I want to utilize the license so that I don't have to go out to buy XP?

How is this done?

Many Thanks!

[djnes]

I may be wrong, but I don't think you can with an OEM license. I was thinking only corporate and possibly retail license allow this. Unless you have a very specific application incompatibility, don't turn your back on Vista without giving it a shot.

[sysbuilder]

Thanks--I've got some users who are adamant on moving back to XP; However, I want to ensure that they can then turn around and use the Vista OEM license later on.

I know, I know. What's the point? Keeping them at bay and providing what they want.

Any other places in here where I should place this post?

Again, many thanks!

[Bezalel]

Only Business and Ultimate can be downgraded and your customer must already have the media and a valid XP product key.

Install using your customer's product key and activate by phone. Inform the rep that you are downgrading from Vista.

[nitroshift]

Actually OEM versions can be downgraded, but in order to do so you must send M$ the Vista key you are downgrading and they will send you a XP key and invalidate the Vista one. I have done this for a few pc's in my company that came with Vista Business preinstalled and users were not too keen on using it...