Downgrading Microsoft Windows Vista OS Business on HP

Business Desktop FAQs

Q: What are the dates of the Windows Vista® downgrade:?

A: The Factory downgrade and Field downgrade are available as follows:

a. Field Downgrade is available through January 31, 2009

b. Factory Downgrade is available through July 31, 2009

These dates will vary by region and product based on HP regional needs.

Q: What is the difference between the Factory and Field downgrades?

A: These are internal HP names used to describe the two different Windows Vista® OS downgrades

that we offer. The “Factory downgrade” is done at the request of the customer when the HP

Business DT is ordered. While still at the factory, the Vista Business PC is downgraded with a

Windows XP Professional “Custom Pre-install Image” prior to shipping to the customer. The “Field

Downgrade” occurs when an HP Business DT has already been shipped to the customer and the

customer would like to downgrade from the Vista OS on their own or with the assistance of an HP

Partner; HP ships recovery DVDs so the customer can reinstall the Microsoft® Windows® XP OS.

Q: What does the customer receive when they purchase the factory Vista downgrade?

A: In the Factory downgrade, the customer receives Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional 32-bit

preinstalled on the HP Business DT and a Microsoft Windows XP Professional 32-bit OS image on

the PC recovery partition, a Windows Vista® Business Edition COA (and license), a Windows

Vista Logo on the Business PC, and both Windows Vista Business and Windows XP Pro recovery

kits in the product carton. (Later on, when the customer desires to migrate to the Vista OS using

the enclosed Vista DVD, they must understand that this is a complete reinstall of different OS and

a backup of all files and applications will be needed).

Compaq 500B Downgrading Microsoft Windows Vista OS Business on HP Business Des

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