Vista ultimate downgrade

Install XP, then reinstall all applications and copy data and settings from the external drive. There aren't any downgrade utilities to do the kind of work that upgrade, or migration, tools provide when you're moving up in the world, operating system-wise, so don't bother looking for them. Any caveats? Although Vista has been out for less than a year, that's plenty of time for change.

If you bought a machine preinstalled with Vista, make sure there are XP drivers for the PC, its components, and any new peripherals before you downgrade. Check the computer maker's site.

If you find any major holes, reconsider. I'm lazy but still want to downgrade. What are my options? If you're fed up with Vista, but not so sick of it that you're ready to face a complete mulligan on the operating system, virtualization might be for you.

You'll still need a licensed copy of Windows XP to be legit. Only Vista Business and Ultimate, the downgrader's friends, can be legally run in a virtual environment. The biggest bonus in going virtual is that if you change your mind -- again -- and decide Vista isn't so bad after all, you can just delete the VM and have your old, or new, machine back.

This story, "Giving up on Vista? Here's how to downgrade to XP" was originally published by Computerworld.

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A lot of reviews have been labeling Windows Vista as bloated, hard to use, tons of compatibility issues, inconvenient, not user friendly, not stable and etc.

According to Microsoft :. Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business License Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista. Retrieve and record down the product key for the Windows Vista Business or Ultimate edition that is currently installed. Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business Licence Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista Business.

Downgrade rights are not granted under FPP system licences. For more details, you might contact Microsoft Customer Service directly. How and when to contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support.

Good Luck! How exactly does one perform the downgrade, I mean, what is the process? I want to downgrade my machines from Vista Ultimate to Business. Reason is my University just licensed Windows 7 Professional from Microsoft and it is free to all faculty, etc.

I have 5 machines that are running Vista Ultimate and I want to install Windows 7 Professional via an upgrade not new install to avoid reinstalls of software. Office Office Exchange Server. Not an IT pro?