Apr
7
Microsoft to Allow Downgrading from Windows 7 to XP
According to AppleInsider, Microsoft has granted HP the right to downgrade the operating system installed on new computers to Windows XP for another year. Currently, HP allows purchasers of new PC’s to downgrade their OS from Windows Vista to the eight-year-old Windows XP. However, this right was set to expire in July as Microsoft transitions to the new Windows 7 release.
With this new extension, HP will be able to offer its customers the option of Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP on new computers (once Windows 7 is released). This extension will last through April 30, 2010.
Since many Windows users were extremely reluctant to upgrade to Vista when buying a new computer, offering a Windows XP OEM alternative was essential for hardware manufacturers. These “downgrades” basically transferred the Vista user license to XP Professional at no charge, with the option of upgrading to Vista for free in the future. This is how the Windows 7 downgrade program will work as well.
Will users remain skeptical of the Windows 7 ugrade? The buzz around the internet is saying Windows 7 will receive a much more favorable response than Vista did, possibly making these downgrades obsolete. Maybe once Windows 7 is released it will finally be time to say goodbye to Windows XP (and Vista).
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