Comments on: The XP alternative for Vista PCs

Microsoft is quietly telling PC makers they can offer a Windows XP "downgrade" to customers buying systems preloaded with Vista.
Image: Lenovo's XP 'downgrade' program

This just shows that Microsoft is a monopoly and should be subject to anti-trust legislation. There is no way that manufacturers should be pushed around and be told what they can install on their computers. The fact that so many users think Vista is so poor would have made Microsoft think again at a much earlier stage if they had any serious competition, and I don't include Linux in that no matter how well-meaning the system is.
Congress should legislate to remove copyright restrictions from XP so that other software companies can use it to base their own operating systems on. Although Microsoft will hate it, healthy competition will bring out the best in them, too.

[windsocklady]

I recently bought a new Dell computer, but I insisted on having Windows XP and NOT Vista. When I saw all the trouble a friend has had with Vista and I tried to help him with it, I got so flustered I had to quit. Dell did send me a Vista disk should I ever (NEVER) decide to switch. I will stay with XP for as long as possible.

[LaraineMae]

I just called Dell (and several other manufacturers) and nobody ships with XP installed, only the "downgrade" option. Anybody know how difficult/easy it is to downgrade? I do know how to install an OS, just don't know how this particular process works. I think the XP license is "tied to" the Vista OS. Thanks.

[iainkayphd]

I am disgusted with the hype over Microsoft Vista and Microsoft 7. I spent many happy years using Windows 95 and have also been spending many happy years with Microsoft Windows XP.

In a nutshell: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Mr. Leslie Iain Kay
[e-mail]

[secondofour]

Vista is Bill Gates' way of making more and more money. I had to buy a new computer, but all the laptops in the store were running Vista. So now, my old MS Office won't work, nor will my PrintShop software. If Gates thinks people like me, who have very little money, are going to now buy MS Office 07, he can think again. Open Office is free, compatible, bug-free, costs nothing, and is easily downloadable. Sorry Bill, but you'll get no more money from me for any of your software.

[Scapel]

Why would they not let Windows XP remain since it works so well. Is it money greed that wants to sell the other programs that is driving this?

[JRod9393]

Downgrading from VISTA to Win XP

Here's the quick fix to downgrade from Vista to XP, this is what I did with my Dell notebook that came with Win Vista installed, since I wanted to keep Win Vista, I pulled out the HD and installed a new HD that I purchase to install Win XP pro, if you have a reinstallation CD for Win XP that's what you'll need to downgrade, if you don't have one you'll need to purchase one, ebay or google good place to purchase for a cheap price ( win XP reinstallation CD ) you don't need to purchase the expensive Microsoft version of of Win, once you have the Win XP reinstallation the installation is normal, once XP is installed next you'll need to download all the drivers for your system for Win XP, Win Xp will not run properly until you installed the correct drivers for your system to run XP, since the Drivers on a Vista system don't work with XP, Drivers could be downloaded from the maker of the system you're using. keep in mind you don't need the Win XP product key, the reinstallation will automatically recognize your system key installed already

Peace and enjoy your downgrade from vista to XP

JRod