Activation code to roll back to XP??

I want to roll back to XP, but am unable to do so following the instructions
on the Microsoft site because my Vista upgrade installation did not leave a
"windows.old" folder. However, I have just read this article on the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7017624.stm

They mention that it is possible to ring Microsoft and obtain an "activation
code" to roll back to XP. Is this true? And what number do I have to ring?

"Ric" <> wrote ...
>I want to roll back to XP, but am unable to do so following the
>instructions on the Microsoft site because my Vista upgrade installation
>did not leave a "windows.old" folder. However, I have just read this
>article on the BBC:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7017624.stm
>
> They mention that it is possible to ring Microsoft and obtain an
> "activation code" to roll back to XP. Is this true? And what number do I
> have to ring?


The BBC link you refer to has nothing to do with uninstalling Vista from an
upgraded computer.
You have to perform a clean installation of Windows XP with the appropriate
XP Product Key.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925809/en-us

Willem

"Ric" <> wrote in message
news:1D5118E7-5BA1-40AF-8218-...
>I want to roll back to XP, but am unable to do so following the
>instructions on the Microsoft site because my Vista upgrade installation
>did not leave a "windows.old" folder. However, I have just read this
>article on the BBC:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7017624.stm
>
> They mention that it is possible to ring Microsoft and obtain an
> "activation code" to roll back to XP. Is this true? And what number do I
> have to ring?


Did your computer come with Vista? If it did there is no way to "roll back"
to XP because XP was never on the computer. If you have Vista Business or
Ultimate you can downgrade to XP Pro but you have to do a clean install of
XP. You have to supply your own installation media and key. If the key has
been previously used you won't be able to activate it. At this point you
ring Microsoft to obtain an activation code.

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...rencesheet.pdf

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca

OK, thanks. Looks like I am stuck with Vista then, as I am not prepared to
spend a whole weekend reinstalling and setting everything up again.

I really feel angry with Microsoft that they do not allow easy roll-back to
XP for those who have "upgraded", then realised that it is not worth the
hassle.

"Ric" <> wrote in message
news:6FE4DAAF-C223-407B-8709-...
> OK, thanks. Looks like I am stuck with Vista then, as I am not prepared to
> spend a whole weekend reinstalling and setting everything up again.
>
> I really feel angry with Microsoft that they do not allow easy roll-back
> to XP for those who have "upgraded", then realised that it is not worth
> the hassle.


I think Geek Squad will come to your house and do it for $159 + OS costs.

I find most non-Intel notebooks hate to be rolledback though, lots of new
Vista only devices out there including sound chipsets usually.

Good luck.

"Ric" <> wrote in message
news:6FE4DAAF-C223-407B-8709-...
> OK, thanks. Looks like I am stuck with Vista then, as I am not prepared to
> spend a whole weekend reinstalling and setting everything up again.
>
> I really feel angry with Microsoft that they do not allow easy roll-back
> to XP for those who have "upgraded", then realised that it is not worth
> the hassle.


What are your complaints about Vista? Perhaps if you detailed them, folks
here might offer solutions to your problems.

Lang