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Microsoft will allow Windows 7 users to downgrade to XP
Posted by Mary Jo Foley @ 10:04 am

Microsoft and its PC partners are going to allow Windows 7 users to downgrade not just to Windows Vista, but also to Windows XP, Microsoft officials are confirming.

Some company watchers have been wondering about the downgrade rights that Microsoft will offer when Windows 7 ships. When AppleInsider reported this weekend that HP was going to offer Windows 7 users the ability to downgrade to XP, I asked Microsoft about the story.

Here’s what a spokesperson representing the company’s Windows client division told me via e-mail on April 5:

MJF: Does Microsoft have downgrade rights for Windows XP planned as part of Windows 7?

Microsoft spokesperson: Yes.

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...Microsoft is planning to offer PC buyers a free upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 if they purchase new systems starting this summer — is now reporting that users who downgrade to XP also will be eligible for free Win 7 upgrades via the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program.
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More @ »blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2456

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NEOWIN.NET
Microsoft will allow Windows 7 downgrade to XP
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The downgrade will not only allow consumers to downgrade to Microsoft most recent predecessor, Vista, but will allow users to downgrade to Windows XP, and technically allow users to go back to Windows 2000 or even Windows 95.

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More @ »www.neowin.net/news/main/09/04/0···de-to-xp

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TechHARP: Downgrade Rights For Windows 7 & Windows Vista Leaked!
Date : 09 April 2009

Downgrade Rights For Windows 7 And Windows Vista

Microsoft has decided to enhance the End User downgrade facilitation options available to OEMs for downgrading systems with Windows Vista Business or Ultimate editions to Windows XP Professional. In addition, Microsoft will allow limited End User downgrade rights from Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate editions to either Windows Vista Business or Window XP Professional.

Yes, it's a little confusing, so we are here today to lay it all out for you. As usual, our intrepid source at Microsoft has given us the full details of the Windows 7 Downgrade Rights. Let's take a look at what these new Downgrade Rights entail. As usual, we will update this article as and when we receive new information, so be sure to check back often!

You can also take a look at our other scoops on Microsoft
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