I am pretty sure that if I have a valid key for Win7, I am allowed to use that for the downgrade to vista, is that accurate? Or does the OS have to be on the original media (i.e. Use Win7 key when activating (by phone most likely)Īfter reviewing the Windows downgrade procedures, I believe this is accurate, but I am worried about the downloaded iso. Install Vista Ultimate over Win7 Premium Download an ISO for Vista Ultimate (oem) & create the install disk Now, however I am having second thoughts, and before I complete this downgrade, I wanted to get feed back as to the appropriateness of the process, which follows: Discussing the issue with a tech from a company I used to work for, he suggested I find and download an iso, which I did. Other OEM Windows 7 versions (for instance, Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows 7 Home Premium) do not include downgrade rights.I don't have a technet account, and just starting out as I am, I don't have the funds to get one.Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate temporarily includes downgrade rights to Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, or Windows XP 圆4 Edition.Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate include downgrade rights to Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate.Only certain OEM versions of Windows 7 include downgrade rights: OEM Versions of Windows 7 Eligible for Downgrade Please note that Microsoft does not provide a full product key in this scenario.Īlso see the Step-by-Step Guide and FAQ for Windows 7 for customers. When it is determined that the end user has an eligible Windows license, the customer service representative will provide a single-use activation code to activate the software. Call the number and explain the circumstances. In this case, the appropriate local Activation Support phone number will be displayed. If the software was previously activated, you will not be able to activate it online. Insert Windows XP Professional or Tablet PC Edition media in the CD drive and follow the installation instructions.Additionally an end user, who is licensed separately through Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) programs, may provide their VL media and key to their system builder to use to facilitate the downgrade on only their systems. The media should come from a prior legally licensed version from the OEM or Retail channels. Obtain genuine Windows XP Professional or Tablet PC Edition and a corresponding product key.Perform the downgrade or authorize an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to perform it.įollow these steps to downgrade to a previous version of Windows:.Accept the Windows 7 Software License Terms.Purchase a PC preinstalled with Windows 7.

How to downgrade windows 7 to vista