Microsoft allowing PC makers to offer XP downgrade from Vista

by Brad Linder Sep 21st 2007

Windows Vista is pretty. Nobody disputes the fact that the Aero interface is pretty, and in some cases even useful. And there are a lot of security measures built into the operating system. But many users have reported software they rely on isn't compatible with the latest operating system from Microsoft. Power management features often don't work the way they're supposed to. And sometimes too much security isn't a good thing (for example when your computer asks for your permission to perform what seem like the most basic tasks.

It turns out Microsoft has not turned a blind eye to all these complaints. And while most computer makers are offering Vista on their new PCs, Microsoft has made it easy for PC manufacturers to offer a downgrade option to Windows XP.

The downgrade option is only available for Windwos Vista Business and Ultimate editions. And PC makers get to decide if and how to offer the downgrade. Fujitsu has begun including an XP disc in boxes of computers it ships, while HP offers customers the ability to configure business models with XP. Lenovo will be selling XP "recovery discs" to customers who buy Vista Business or Ultimate until July 31, 2008. Hopefully by then Windows Vista Service Pack 1 will be out and will address most, or at least some of the major complaints.

[via Engadget]

Tags: downgrade, vista, windows-vista, windows-xp, xp

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mark said 11:16PM on 9-21-2007

They need to make a correction; going from Vista to XP is actually an upgrade.

Pedro said 11:17PM on 9-21-2007

wow, I think this is a very big sign of how bad are things with MS right now. It's another way of assume that Vista is not a good product....

Onshot417 said 11:17PM on 9-21-2007

I am using vista and loving it, no problems with hardware at all! just got to tweak it right!

Seraphim said 11:20AM on 9-22-2007

This is probably the best,most unbiased critique of Vista i have ever read. Brad Lidner; thank you.

cadman said 12:22PM on 9-22-2007

How many years has MicroStuff been sell it's "beta"
OS to us ... this is no suprise to me after XPs rollout and the problems it had there is no way I will upgrade to VISTA until it has been out for 3 years.
Hardware is not the issue its the software, MS has conspired with notable companies like AutoDesk maker of various CAD programs so that their new programs won't run on anything but VISTA and if you are using an earlier version that runs into a glitch in XP MS send you a message saying the CAD program is no longer supported and that you should upgrade to VISTA. This is an out right lie because AutoDesk says they do support 2007.
Conditions must be very sad at MS because they gave QWEST MSN and HOTMAIL.

Dr Rumble said 7:34PM on 9-22-2007

Kubuntu FTW!

Mark said 10:45AM on 9-23-2007

While Windows Vista may work great for some users, business users who rely on certain CRM and other enterprise softwares will not upgrade to Vista if there are even the tinyest compatibility issues.

Just because Windows Vista works fine for you, does not mean it works fine or better for others. There are many features in Windows XP that were removed in Windows Vista, many which you probably wouldn't notice, but to a Business who has been relying on these legacy features, upgrading is not really an option until alternatives are put into place.

Some features from Windows XP were unique to Windows XP and I really don't understand why they had to remove them, as they were really convienent features for those who actually used them...

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