"Enaggs33" <Enaggs33@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:FC29999F-E640-4885-ABC9-908A7C489BB9@microsoft.com...[color=blue]
> In reference to a post by "Technically Challenged";
>
> I've had numerous issues with Vista; most recently I've been through 2
> full
> system restores. It seems to be an ongoing issue with no support or help
> of
> getting the original issue solved. I have an OEM (assumably) version of
> Vista
> that came with my Gateway system. I have two questions:
>
> 1. Can I downgrade to XP Home or Pro without buying a retail copy?
> 2. If so, where do I go to get a version of XP?
>
> I've been told by Gateway that, by choosing to downgrade, it will void my
> warranty. Additionally, I was told to do a Google search on my downgrade
> options. At this point, I'm beyond frustration and have had no luck with
> Gateways' Customer Service line. Any help would be further than where I am
> now.....
>[/color]


My understanding of downgrade rights is that OEM versions of Vista include
downgrade rights to the appropriate version of XP (i.e. Home to Home) The
OEM supplier is not bound to supply you with media or a key for this. You
will somehow have to get your own media and key to install it. Once
installed if the key has been used before on another computer you will have
to use the phone activation method, explain what you have done, and the
installation will be activated. This is how it is supposed to work. If it
does is anybody's guess at this point. If you try it please let us know your
results.

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