Downgrading Windows 7 to Windows XP

Like its predecessor, Windows Vista, some editions of Windows 7 can be downgraded to Windows XP. The downgrade option isn't widely known and it doesn't apply in all situations. However, for those with the need and in the know, downgrading from Windows 7 to Windows XP may be an option.

Why would anyone want to downgrade a new operating system to one that's nearly ten years old? Despite its 2001 release date, Microsoft Windows XP remains a popular operating system, especially amongst enterprise organizations. Microsoft has kept Windows XP patched and current. Organizations running XP networks have used the previous Vista to XP downgrade option as a means of keeping their networks running smoothly. Because Vista and Windows 7 are completely different operating systems, introducing Windows Vista and Windows 7 workstations into Windows XP networks brings a variety of challenges.

For example, proprietary software that runs perfectly on Windows XP may be completely useless on Windows Vista and Windows 7. Network printers and telephony equipment may not be accessible via Windows Vista and Windows 7 workstations. Rather than investing money in new software and peripheral devices, it makes economic sense to order new computers running Windows XP.

Unfortunately, ordering a Windows XP system isn't an option. However, ordering a Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate system with a Windows 7 to Windows XP downgrade is. Note that only Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate allow a downgrade. You cannot downgrade the other editions of Windows 7. Early rumors that Windows 7 could only be downgraded for a limited time have been put to rest; Microsoft is offering Windows 7 end user downgrade rights through the entire Windows 7 lifecycle. This means that when the next Windows operating system is launched, Windows 7 end users still have two years after the new version's launch date to downgrade Windows 7 to Windows XP.

Just as you can only downgrade specific versions of Windows 7 (Professional and Ultimate) to Windows XP, you can only downgrade to specific versions of Windows XP: Professional, TabletPC, or Professional x64.

In order to downgrade Windows 7 to Windows XP, you will need a legally licensed media disk containing Windows XP Professional (or TabletPC). According to Microsoft, end users can use:

• Retail (full packaged product) Windows XP Professional discs
• System builder edge-to-edge media (if the software has been acquired in accordance with Microsoft's OEM System Builder License)
• Users who are licensed separately through Microsoft Volume Licensing program may provide their Volume Licensing media and key to their System Builder to use to facilitate the downgrade on only their systems

In addition, end users can use one legal version of the downgrade media for multiple Windows 7 to Windows XP downgrades. Since the end user purchased the full Windows 7 operating system for each computer that needs to be downgraded, the user has been granted the right to downgrade each system via each full license.

Downgrading any operating system requires specific skills. Get the Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP skills you need by teaming up with CBT Planet. CBT Planet offers a variety of technical courses covering all of these operating systems with both live and self-study classes available.

You can easily take a CBT training course that allows you to learn all of these new features and more on your own time and on your computer's desktop. Our computer training courses are taught by certified instructors in the industry, thus providing you with a quality IT training, with each and every course that we offer.