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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
Microsoft gives users the right to "downgrade" Windows 8.1 Pro to
Windows 7 Pro, but actually doing so can be problematical. The details on how it is supposed to work are he http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/lice...id=jYOzN6LvHWi There are specific, step-by-step instructions that on the surface seem pretty straightforward. The problem is that the procedure outlined involves using the Win7 Pro license key from another random computer, and when presumably it does not activate you call in and a customer representative is supposed to "provide a single-use activation code to activate the software." Sounds good in theory, but... Sometimes the random Win7 Pro key goes ahead and activates even though it's in use on another computer, but now you have more than one PC with the same key which is obviously not a good thing. Will Microsoft flag them as invalid at some point? The other problem is that when calling in, it is virtually impossible to get hold of anyone at Microsoft's call center that understands the downgrade process. Pointing them to the above web page falls on deaf ears, they insist they cannot do it, that we have to buy a Win7 Pro license. We went through this today, spending about 1/2 hour on the phone with the initial "customer representative" and his managers, getting nowhere, and finally getting disconnected. All very exasperating. I'm working with an office that has about a dozen PCs that need to be downgraded due to software compatibility issues and we just keep running into these roadblocks where we can't get anyone at Microsoft to assist us in the process that they themselves publicly document. Does anyone know of a direct contact number that works for this, or is there some mystical incantation we're missing, or something else we need to be doing? -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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#2
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
Roger Blake wrote:
Microsoft gives users the right to "downgrade" Windows 8.1 Pro to Windows 7 Pro, but actually doing so can be problematical. The details on how it is supposed to work are he http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/lice...id=jYOzN6LvHWi There are specific, step-by-step instructions that on the surface seem pretty straightforward. The problem is that the procedure outlined involves using the Win7 Pro license key from another random computer, and when presumably it does not activate you call in and a customer representative is supposed to "provide a single-use activation code to activate the software." Sounds good in theory, but... Sometimes the random Win7 Pro key goes ahead and activates even though it's in use on another computer, but now you have more than one PC with the same key which is obviously not a good thing. Will Microsoft flag them as invalid at some point? The other problem is that when calling in, it is virtually impossible to get hold of anyone at Microsoft's call center that understands the downgrade process. Pointing them to the above web page falls on deaf ears, they insist they cannot do it, that we have to buy a Win7 Pro license. We went through this today, spending about 1/2 hour on the phone with the initial "customer representative" and his managers, getting nowhere, and finally getting disconnected. All very exasperating. I'm working with an office that has about a dozen PCs that need to be downgraded due to software compatibility issues and we just keep running into these roadblocks where we can't get anyone at Microsoft to assist us in the process that they themselves publicly document. Does anyone know of a direct contact number that works for this, or is there some mystical incantation we're missing, or something else we need to be doing? If you use an install-only key, those can't really activate, because they'll get stopped at the Microsoft activation server. After the install is finished, you can then change the key. In Windows 8, it is "slui 3" to reach the "change key" interface. These are examples of install-only keys for Windows 8. Normally, the pages with install only keys, list a large number of "Enterprise" install-only keys. These are the only ones I've snagged for home-user type installs of Windows 8. I didn't find these on the first or the second try. Windows 8.1 Pro: XHQ8N-C3MCJ-RQXB6-WCHYG-C9WKB Windows 8.1: 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT 8.1 Home Windows 8.0 Pro: XKY4K-2NRWR-8F6P2-448RF-CRYQH Windows 8.0: FB4WR-32NVD-4RW79-XQFWH-CYQG3 8.0 Home I can't find any for Windows 7. Sure, I can find them for Windows 7 Enterprise - the install-only keys for that (for interworking with KMS setups) are available right on the Microsoft site. It's the "home user" kind of keys, that there aren't any Windows 7 keys I can find. Sure, I can trawl through search results, and find *some* random Windows 7 key, but I'd prefer to use an install-only key if such a thing exists for Win7 or Win7 SP1. I tried a test install in a VM, and it would not accept the Enterprise install-only key, as I was installing from my Win7 SP1 Home Premium x32 disc (to suit the x32 VM environment). And that was a no-go. It would really depend on what version you were downgrading to, whether the license key would be easy to find or not. Paul |
#3
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 2014-06-25, Paul wrote:
If you use an install-only key, those can't really activate, because they'll get stopped at the Microsoft activation server. After the install is finished, you can then change the key. In Windows 8, it is "slui 3" to reach the "change key" interface. We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Really the problem is two-fold: First, if the key used activates online we wind up with multiple PCs that have the same license key. (Supposedly if a key is in use on one machine it will not activate on another, but experience in the field has shown this is not always the case.) Secondly, if the key does not activate (which is the desired result), per Microsoft's instructions when we call and get a representative on the phone they invariably have absolutely no knowledge of the downgrade process and refuse to provide the one-time downgrade activation key documented on Microsoft's web site. It is very frustrating. On the one hand it's great that Microsoft provides downgrade rights to end users, as it is sometimes necessary to use a previous version of the OS due to compatibility issues. On the other hand, they seem to have this jerry-rigged procedure for actually performing the downgrades which just doesn't work the way that Microsoft says it should on their own web site. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
#4
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Just trying to help, One piece of information that I don't see (perhaps others have) is whether your company's Windows 8.1 licenses are OEM licenses, per definition of MS: (1) Purchase a PC preinstalled with Windows. (2) Something like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Windows-8-1-Sy...=Windows+8+OEM It's the OEM version of Windows 8.x that is eligible for downgrade rights. Regarding downgrade process, I'd think Ken1943's suggestion for a clean install is better, and here is one article that may also help: How to Uninstall Windows 8, Install Windows 7 on Your PC (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2417361,00.asp). A word of caution for future reference: 1. For business computers, it is strongly advised to buy from a system builder (large or small, brand name or nearby shop), so you would have support for all sorts of problems including but not limited to this one. 2. For business computers, it is also strongly advised to delay OS migration or even for applications, at least, not until thorough tests (hardware, peripherals, applications, etc.) have been passed, and pilot roll-outs have been done followed by proper training. In many serious companies, IT head will be fired for putting their business into situations like this. Hope this helps and good luck |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
Ken1943 wrote:
On Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:24:26 +0000 (UTC), Roger Blake wrote: On 2014-06-25, Paul wrote: If you use an install-only key, those can't really activate, because they'll get stopped at the Microsoft activation server. After the install is finished, you can then change the key. In Windows 8, it is "slui 3" to reach the "change key" interface. We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Really the problem is two-fold: First, if the key used activates online we wind up with multiple PCs that have the same license key. (Supposedly if a key is in use on one machine it will not activate on another, but experience in the field has shown this is not always the case.) Secondly, if the key does not activate (which is the desired result), per Microsoft's instructions when we call and get a representative on the phone they invariably have absolutely no knowledge of the downgrade process and refuse to provide the one-time downgrade activation key documented on Microsoft's web site. It is very frustrating. On the one hand it's great that Microsoft provides downgrade rights to end users, as it is sometimes necessary to use a previous version of the OS due to compatibility issues. On the other hand, they seem to have this jerry-rigged procedure for actually performing the downgrades which just doesn't work the way that Microsoft says it should on their own web site. Do you have Win 7 drivers ? Maybe a clean install ? KenW I tested it here. The problem is, when you install Windows 7, the copy phase and some number of reboots happen, before you're prompted for a license key. Roger is trying to solve the license key issue, where you need to reach Microsoft to get this fixed, but you can't get to that stage, without using some (valid) key. I tried some of my list of VLK install-only keys for Enterprise, and those won't work on Home Premium. If there was such a thing as an install-only key, for the "non-business" lower-end OSes like Home Premium, we could at least get past that point. There are such things for Windows 8, and I eventually found them. I don't really like the idea of grabbing a key that is already in usage, or grabbing a key off some random hacker site either. There should be a procedure and information, to do this in an orderly manner. Paul |
#6
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
Roger Blake wrote, On 6/25/2014 9:24 PM:
We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Really the problem is two-fold: First, if the key used activates online we wind up with multiple PCs that have the same license key. (Supposedly if a key is in use on one machine it will not activate on another, but experience in the field has shown this is not always the case.) Secondly, if the key does not activate (which is the desired result), per Microsoft's instructions when we call and get a representative on the phone they invariably have absolutely no knowledge of the downgrade process and refuse to provide the one-time downgrade activation key documented on Microsoft's web site. It is very frustrating. On the one hand it's great that Microsoft provides downgrade rights to end users, as it is sometimes necessary to use a previous version of the OS due to compatibility issues. On the other hand, they seem to have this jerry-rigged procedure for actually performing the downgrades which just doesn't work the way that Microsoft says it should on their own web site. qp Use genuine Windows media **and** a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade. The media/key should come from a previously licensed product from the OEM or retail channel. End users who are licensed separately through Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) may provide their VL media and key to a system builder to facilitate the downgrade on their own systems. Insert the downgrade-eligible version of Windows media and follow the installation instructions. Enter the product key." /qp Is there unique Win7 Pro media (OEM or retail) and its corresponding product key for each purchased OEM 8.1 Pro pc being downgraded ? If yes, is the media OEM or Retail ? Were any of the 8.1 machines upgraded from 8.0 ? -- ...winston msft mvp consumer apps |
#7
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
In ,
Paul typed on Wed, 25 Jun 2014 22:23:14 -0400: I don't really like the idea of grabbing a key that is already in usage, or grabbing a key off some random hacker site either. There should be a procedure and information, to do this in an orderly manner. Downgrade rights are only available for OEM Windows. If it is a branded OEM version, it is probably using a volume license key (maybe there is another name for this?) from the manufacture. These keys should not require any activation and nor do I believe hardware changes will trip them to do so. That is assuming the BIOS key never changes, they seems to be always happy. If you don't know if you are using one of these volume license keys, Belarc Advisor (free for personal use) is one utility that will report whether or is or not. -- Bill Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Kingston 120GB SSD - OE-QuoteFix v1.19.2 Centrino Core Duo T2300 1.66GHz - 4GB - ATI X1400 - Windows XP SP2 |
#8
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
In ,
.. . .winston typed on Thu, 26 Jun 2014 03:21:58 -0400: Roger Blake wrote, On 6/25/2014 9:24 PM: We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Really the problem is two-fold: First, if the key used activates online we wind up with multiple PCs that have the same license key. (Supposedly if a key is in use on one machine it will not activate on another, but experience in the field has shown this is not always the case.) Secondly, if the key does not activate (which is the desired result), per Microsoft's instructions when we call and get a representative on the phone they invariably have absolutely no knowledge of the downgrade process and refuse to provide the one-time downgrade activation key documented on Microsoft's web site. It is very frustrating. On the one hand it's great that Microsoft provides downgrade rights to end users, as it is sometimes necessary to use a previous version of the OS due to compatibility issues. On the other hand, they seem to have this jerry-rigged procedure for actually performing the downgrades which just doesn't work the way that Microsoft says it should on their own web site. qp Use genuine Windows media **and** a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade. The media/key should come from a previously licensed product from the OEM or retail channel. End users who are licensed separately through Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) may provide their VL media and key to a system builder to facilitate the downgrade on their own systems. Insert the downgrade-eligible version of Windows media and follow the installation instructions. Enter the product key." /qp Is there unique Win7 Pro media (OEM or retail) and its corresponding product key for each purchased OEM 8.1 Pro pc being downgraded ? If yes, is the media OEM or Retail ? Were any of the 8.1 machines upgraded from 8.0 ? This is the way it is supposed to work. Maybe you've given Windows 8 a fair shake and it just isn't working for you, or maybe you're so against upgrading that you don't want to buy a new computer until you know you can downgrade. No matter your reasons, you may actually have a way out. Some Windows 8 PCs come with what are called "downgrade rights." If your PC comes with Windows 8 Pro, you can downgrade to Windows 7 Pro just by installing it on top of your existing OS. You'll need a legitimate disc and product key, but you can just use an old or used one -- after you install, you can call Microsoft and they'll activate your downgrade for you. You can even downgrade multiple machines with the same CD and key. http://lifehacker.com/5974318/downgr...ows-7-for-free Sounds easy enough, but as Roger has noted, calling Microsoft will get you nowhere. All they want to do is to sell you a new key(s). -- Bill Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Kingston 120GB SSD - OE-QuoteFix v1.19.2 Centrino Core Duo T2300 1.66GHz - 4GB - ATI X1400 - Windows XP SP2 |
#9
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
In ,
Roger Blake typed on Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:24:26 +0000 (UTC): On 2014-06-25, Paul wrote: If you use an install-only key, those can't really activate, because they'll get stopped at the Microsoft activation server. After the install is finished, you can then change the key. In Windows 8, it is "slui 3" to reach the "change key" interface. We're using ordinary OEM Win7 Pro keys from other computers, as specified in Microsoft's instructions. What we are trying to do is perfectly legitimate, per the company's own "explanation of downgrade rights" page, we are not attempting to subvert the licensing agreement via pirated keys. Really the problem is two-fold: First, if the key used activates online we wind up with multiple PCs that have the same license key. (Supposedly if a key is in use on one machine it will not activate on another, but experience in the field has shown this is not always the case.) Secondly, if the key does not activate (which is the desired result), per Microsoft's instructions when we call and get a representative on the phone they invariably have absolutely no knowledge of the downgrade process and refuse to provide the one-time downgrade activation key documented on Microsoft's web site. It is very frustrating. On the one hand it's great that Microsoft provides downgrade rights to end users, as it is sometimes necessary to use a previous version of the OS due to compatibility issues. On the other hand, they seem to have this jerry-rigged procedure for actually performing the downgrades which just doesn't work the way that Microsoft says it should on their own web site. The easiest way to do this and to avoid Microsoft activation is if the machines that you want to downgrade are all from the same manufacture (whether the same model may not matter). If true, this makes everything so much easier. Sometimes you can get the Windows 7 Pro from the manufacture for free or for a small price like 10 bucks or something. If they won't supply you will one (I don't think they have to legally). And let's say all of the machines are Dells or something. All you need is one branded Windows 7 Pro OEM install disc from that manufacture (you can find them on eBay). You won't need a key for any of the machines. Nor do you need to call Microsoft for anything. Nor does your installed Windows 7 Pro need to be activated. As these are all pre-activated due to the legal key in the BIOS. Use one of these discs on a machine from the wrong manufacture will either fail or acts like a generic OEM install and then you must have a key and go through the activation process. -- Bill Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Kingston 120GB SSD - OE-QuoteFix v1.19.2 Centrino Core Duo T2300 1.66GHz - 4GB - ATI X1400 - Windows XP SP2 |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 2014-06-26, xfile wrote:
One piece of information that I don't see (perhaps others have) is whether your company's Windows 8.1 licenses are OEM licenses, per definition of MS: (1) Purchase a PC preinstalled with Windows. (2) Something like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Windows-8-1-Sy...=Windows+8+OEM Yes, it is OEM Windows 8.1, installed by the manufacturer (in this case a local computer shop). Each PC has a legitimate OEM Windows 8.1 Pro licence key. That part is covered. Regarding downgrade process, I'd think Ken1943's suggestion for a clean install is better, and here is one article that may also help: How to Uninstall Windows 8, Install Windows 7 on Your PC (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2417361,00.asp). That's what we've been doing. The problem is that the activation process for the downgraded OS is ill-conceived and poorly implemented. One thing I was wondering is if anyone here knew of a Microsoft support number that one could call where the personnel actually know about the downgrade process and can proceed as documented on the company's web site. 1. For business computers, it is strongly advised to buy from a system builder (large or small, brand name or nearby shop), so you would have support for all sorts of problems including but not limited to this one. The computer shop is also struggling with this problem, they have been attempting to assist us but have run up against a brick wall with Microsoft. 2. For business computers, it is also strongly advised to delay OS migration or even for applications, at least, not until thorough tests (hardware, peripherals, applications, etc.) have been passed, and pilot roll-outs have been done followed by proper training. Not always possible for small companies that do not have their own internal support staff. The problem here is that these PCs were purchased with the intent of downgrading them to Windows 7 as detailed on Microsoft's web site for compatibility, but the process has turned out to be seriously flawed. This is not due to hardware or driver issues, it is a problem with Microsoft's real-world implementation of their downgrade policy. Hope this helps and good luck Thanks, I hope I've provided a little more detail as to what we are doing. As I said, we have PCs with legit OEM Windows 8.1 Pro licence keys. They are being wiped and installed with Windows 7 Pro from scratch. This is all in accordance with Microsoft's instructions. The PCs are perfectly functional aside from the activation problems. That's where the trouble is, we simply cannot get anyone we have spoken to at Microsoft to even acknowledge the existence of downgrade rights despite the step-by-step instructions the company provides on its own web site. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 2014-06-26, . . .winston wrote:
Is there unique Win7 Pro media (OEM or retail) and its corresponding product key for each purchased OEM 8.1 Pro pc being downgraded ? If yes, is the media OEM or Retail ? Were any of the 8.1 machines upgraded from 8.0 ? The installation media is genuine Microsoft Win7 Pro OEM. The machines came with Windows 8.1 out of the box. We don't even get to that point in the discussion with Microsoft representatives, they deny all knowledge of the downgrade process. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 2014-06-26, BillW50 wrote:
Sounds easy enough, but as Roger has noted, calling Microsoft will get you nowhere. All they want to do is to sell you a new key(s). That's it exactly, in a nutshell. The Microsoft representatives are disavowing the downgrade process, claiming no knowledge of it, and insist we have to purchase new Windows 7 Pro licenses. So far asking for a manager has not helped, the "manager" also stonewalls us. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 2014-06-26, BillW50 wrote:
If they won't supply you will one (I don't think they have to legally). And let's say all of the machines are Dells or something. All you need is one branded Windows 7 Pro OEM install disc from that manufacture (you can find them on eBay). You won't need a key for any of the machines. That may be true for Dell and other large manufacturers, but these are locally-built machines from a small shop that do not have the licence key in BIOS, the keys were entered manually by the builder when the machines were loaded. But you are right, if we had purchased Dell PCs this would have been a lot easier, but we have local shop that builds a good product that we prefer to deal with. Unfortunately we naively took Microsoft at their word regarding the ability to downgrade the machines to Windows 7 Pro, so now we're in a bind. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger Blake (Change "invalid" to "com" for email. Google Groups killfiled.) NSA sedition and treason -- http://www.DeathToNSAthugs.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
BillW50 wrote:
In , Paul typed on Wed, 25 Jun 2014 22:23:14 -0400: I don't really like the idea of grabbing a key that is already in usage, or grabbing a key off some random hacker site either. There should be a procedure and information, to do this in an orderly manner. Downgrade rights are only available for OEM Windows. If it is a branded OEM version, it is probably using a volume license key (maybe there is another name for this?) from the manufacture. These keys should not require any activation and nor do I believe hardware changes will trip them to do so. That is assuming the BIOS key never changes, they seems to be always happy. If you don't know if you are using one of these volume license keys, Belarc Advisor (free for personal use) is one utility that will report whether or is or not. "Downgrade rights are only available for OEM Windows" Yes, that's how I read the terms. If you buy a Windows 8 Pro machine from Dell or HP, then you should be able to install Windows 7 Pro. As far as I know, large businesses, when a machine comes in, they basically throw away the royalty OEM copy of Windows, and install the corporate image in its place (so the Acer games get removed). They use a VLK and a KMS server for that. They're basically paying for a license twice, as the incoming royalty OEM is thrown away. Install-only keys, as I understand it, are one way of preparing installation images, for later replacement. And that's why Microsoft has a page, with install-only keys for Enterprise or Pro. The large business user, in the above scenario, isn't using the downgrade right, since they always install their own corporate image of Windows, and license using their own purchased (Volume) key. A small business, might not be using KMS. Maybe they actually want to use the key that came on the machine. And the downgrade idea is important to them. There is no install-only key for Win7 or Win7 SP1 that I could find, in a quick search. And without a KMS/VLK purchase by the company, there would be no organization at Microsoft supporting them. So the only support they'd get, is the workaround by talking to a human at Microsoft, at activation time. And that's the hole in the process. If the downgrade right had been backed up by some sort of COA sticker on the machine, the whole downgrade thing might be more believable. (They could make up a COA, that only works on a machine with a BIOS key. Or, they could have specified to the OEMs, that not only would a BIOS key be present for Windows 8, but a SLIC table for Windows 7 would be in there. The OEM computer maker obviously doesn't feel this is a "feature", since the support for it is poor. Otherwise, they'd complain to Microsoft about the mechanical aspects, key management for the downgrade.) There are enough bits and pieces (custom BIOS key for each Windows 8 motherboard, OEM-wide SLIC table for Windows 7 or previous), to have made a complete downgrade-supporting solution. One wonders what the license terms dictated to the (royalty) OEM said in the process, whether they're allowed to put both in the BIOS or not. (Royalty OEM, is any large company making computers that is paying $50 a unit to put Windows on the computer, and use a key of some sort that automatically activates. System builder OEM, is a copy of Windows you buy at Newegg, intended to stay with the one computer, where each box of software has its own key and COA sticker. That's for people who build computers for other people, by hand. The Royalty version uses BIOS tricks, such as SLIC for Windows 7 or a discrete license key for Windows 8. The System Builder is handled like any home user, more or less.) Paul |
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Exercising 8.1 Pro to 7 Pro "downgrade" rights
On 6/26/2014 7:43 PM, Roger Blake wrote:
On 2014-06-26, BillW50 wrote: If they won't supply you will one (I don't think they have to legally). And let's say all of the machines are Dells or something. All you need is one branded Windows 7 Pro OEM install disc from that manufacture (you can find them on eBay). You won't need a key for any of the machines. That may be true for Dell and other large manufacturers, but these are locally-built machines from a small shop that do not have the licence key in BIOS, the keys were entered manually by the builder when the machines were loaded. But you are right, if we had purchased Dell PCs this would have been a lot easier, but we have local shop that builds a good product that we prefer to deal with. Unfortunately we naively took Microsoft at their word regarding the ability to downgrade the machines to Windows 7 Pro, so now we're in a bind. After reading your replies and the linked page you initially provided again, it seems to me that it's best for you to simply return those systems to the shop and ask them to perform the downgrade process for you, or provide you with Windows 7 systems. Excerpt: "Important: the information on this page is intended for system builders and the downgrade rights that apply to their customers. If you are a customer of a direct OEM, please contact your OEM for more information about downgrade rights. If you are a direct OEM, please contact your Microsoft Account Manager." Actually, it's not your job to perform the downgrade process if you purchased from an OEM, and you should ask them to sort it out for you. Good luck! |
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