key for xp

FirstTimer4Me

hiya

i have a lappy with vista on it but chaging to it xp (what i prefer) but the shop says i need an xp key does anyone know where i can get one from

ta if anyone can help

[Deleted User]

You could chance Ebay.

You need to look for a Full Retail version though, which is getting quite rare.

FirstTimer4Me

anewhope wrote: »

You need to look for a Full Retail version though, which is getting quite rare.

thanks for the help i'm no expert on computers so don't have any idea what i'm looking for or if it will be ok but i'll take a look on ebay as you suggested

ta

closed

What aspect of Vista don't you like?

FirstTimer4Me

closed wrote: »

What aspect of Vista don't you like?

all of it

i'm not gd on computers but im used 2 xp i know windows 7 is coming out but i'd still prefer xp

triggerhappy_2

You can make Vista behave more like XP if you really must, there's a pretty simple guide here:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2134805_windows-vista-look-like-xp.html

Windows 7 has come on leaps and bounds btw, I'd hold out for that rather than spending money on outdated software.

Astuteboy

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

hiya

i have a lappy with vista on it but chaging to it xp (what i prefer) but the shop says i need an xp key does anyone know where i can get one from

ta if anyone can help

On the off chance you're running Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate, you can actually downgrade to Windows XP Pro under the same license:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/f/4/5f4c83d3-833e-4f11-8cbd-699b0c164182/royaltyoemreferencesheet.pdf

Also, see here:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistamigration/thread/6259acca-7f2a-4607-9942-bc3e0829b8e2

If you're running Vista Home Basic / Premium then the safest option would be to purchase XP Home for about £60 from any online software site.

Or you're probably best just hanging on for Windows 7 to be honest!

pault123

anewhope wrote: »

You could chance Ebay.

You need to look for a Full Retail version though, which is getting quite rare.

Full retail version is expensive, you can get OEM version for around £60 - £80ish..

Some places require you to purchase a piece of essential pc hardware with the OEM, such as a mouse etc.

[Deleted User]

pault123 wrote: »

Full retail version is expensive, you can get OEM version for around £60 - £80ish..

Some places require you to purchase a piece of essential pc hardware with the OEM, such as a mouse etc.

Ther terms of the OEM licence contain terms that need to be met in order for the installation to be licenced correctly. Joe Public cannot meet these terms, therefore they will have an unlicensed installation of the software. There's the common misconception regarding OEM software that it simply has to be purchased with some kind of hardware but that is not correct.

pault123

I know loads of people who have bought OEM xp and installed it, rung microsoft to activate and its all gone through fine

They stipulate if there are any major hardware changes though a new OEM may need to be purchased.

FirstTimer4Me

Astuteboy wrote: »

If you're running Vista Home Basic / Premium then the safest option would be to purchase XP Home for about £60 from any online software site.

hiya

it's vista home basic it came already installed on the machine