Downgrading New PCs from Windows Vista to Windows XP Pro
How to Get Back to the Industry Standard Business OS - Windows XP Pro
In August of 2008, Forrester research reported that of the over 2500 companies they surveyed (comprising a total of 50,000 PCs), the Windows Vista adoption still sat at a measly 8.8%.Further, that 8.8% is almost entirely a result of the new PC's acquired since Vista became the only Windows OS available from large PC vendors.
Even with the release of Service Pack 1, Vista's performance still lags behind that of Windows XP, notwithstanding custom application compatibility issues. Perhaps more importantly, the learning curve for staff, who've often been working with Windows XP almost eight years now, can be steep enough to reduce the benefit of any feature enhancements Vista may tout for the enterprise.
Recognizing this reality, in September 2007 Microsoft quietly gave in and granted 'downgrade rights' (Word doc) to businesses who ordered new PCs with Windows Vista, allowing them revert to Windows XP Pro if they so chose. This program extends until January 1, 2009, and similar deadlines have been extended before.
Since September '07, when you buy new PCs for your business, you get a license for both Windows Vista Business (or Ultimate) and Windows XP Professional.
That's all well and good, but obviously you can't simply flip a switch to roll back to XP Pro. While your Vista Business or Vista Ultimate license includes rights to use of Windows XP Pro, what you really need is a CD to load it with.
Currently, there are three options for XP Pro CD media disks:
- A Microsoft Volume License Disk (If your business is already on the Volume License Program, you'll need to order the Windows XP Pro CD from your Microsoft reseller.)
- A new or existing retail copy of the Windows XP Pro installation disk. Not so easy to find on the store shelves now, but can still be ordered online from some computer outlets. If you currently have an XP Pro installation CD, it can be used as well.
- Finally, some PC manufacturers are kind enough to supply their business customers who purchased PCs pre-loaded with WIndows Vista Business and Ultimate with replacement recovery CDs containing WIndows XP Pro.
Lenovo (IBM), requires you call their support center to request your XP recovery CDs. Be sure to have your machine's serial number and model number handy when calling in.
HP provides a thorough walkthrough for ordering and installing XP from replacement recovery CDs.
Dell isn't so generous. If you've neglected to tick the box requesting XP CDs with your original order, your out of luck. Dell doesn't currently offer their existing customers a recovery CD option. They do mention however that if you've neglected to add the XP CDs at the time of order, and you're still within their complete return period you can return your entire computer and order another one with the disks. Now...wouldn't it be more efficient for them to just offer a set of CDs via mail vs. returning the whole PC? Maybe they'll come around...
Whichever installation disk option you choose, it's important to keep the following top of mind:
The downgrade process to XP wipes your hard drive's data, so if you've started using the machine you want to downgrade later, be sure to backup your data to a CD, DVD or network share ahead of time.
Another key point to note is that the 'downgrade rights' don't apply to Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium, so consumers are out in the cold on this one...
The next planned iteration of Windows, code-named "Windows 7" isn't due out until 2010, and with XP's proven field testing over the past eight years, Microsoft knows they have their work cut out for them in getting businesses to adopt Vista. Many users still have the memory of Windows ME, a placeholder between 98SE and XP, burned into their collective memories. It too suffered from many of the adoption challenges and technical nightmares Microsoft has faced down with Windows Vista.
For the time being, refreshing your business PCs while XP is still an option might be the best forward-thinking strategy.
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