Reverting from Windows 7

[SteveHelms]

Hi all,

I couldn't find exactly what my situation carried so I thought I would ask. I am operating Windows XP Professional. I am going to install Windows 7 (I think standard). Here are my two questions...

1. Can I revert back to XP if I do a full install of 7 or can I only revert if I do an upgrade from XP to 7?

2. If I am able to revert back, am I able to use my same XP Pro key again that I'm currently using, or am I required to buy a new key?

Thank you for all the help in advance!

Steve Helms

 

[tremmor]

it will be a wipe if installing win 7.

you can use the xp key if you have the xp installation disc.

 

[voyagerfan99]

it will be a wipe if installing win 7.

you can use the xp key if you have the xp installation disc.

In other words, you will not be able to revert, no matter how you install Win 7. If you wanted to go back to XP, you would have to do a clean install of XP. And yes, you can use the same key.

 

[SteveHelms]

Thank you both very much! So, I assume it records it somewhere in the registry what keys have been used on a hard drive? I also assume that I wouldn't be able to use my current XP key on a new PC or hard drive if I install Windows 7 on this one, or does it free it up or something for another PC?

 

[voyagerfan99]

Thank you both very much! So, I assume it records it somewhere in the registry what keys have been used on a hard drive? I also assume that I wouldn't be able to use my current XP key on a new PC or hard drive if I install Windows 7 on this one, or does it free it up or something for another PC?

Unless it's a retail copy of XP (you bought it in the box), you will not be able to transfer the license.

And no it does not record what keys are used on what hard drives in the registry.

 

[firefrost]

I bought the full version of win 7 home premium. Bought and installed a new internal hard drive. Then did a clean install of win 7 so that now I have dual boot. XP can still be used on the original hard drive and win 7 on the new. You can install XP inside win 7 using 'Virtual Box' but I found it very involved. Might have another go at that.