[This document applies to Toshiba portable computers that have Windows Vista pre-installed.]

If you have purchased a Toshiba computer with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate pre-installed, Windows Vista downgrade rights permit you to 'downgrade' to any version of Windows XP Professional (including Tablet PC Edition & x64 Edition). In this context, downgrade means to install and use Windows XP Professional in place of Windows Vista. You may downgrade to either a new copy of Windows XP, or to a copy that has already been installed (and activated) on another computer.

These downgrade rights are granted by Microsoft Corporation. For further information on this topic, contact Microsoft, or visit microsoft.com.

You can downgrade to Windows XP on a Toshiba computer by using your existing Windows XP Toshiba recovery media from another unit that you own of the same model (that has Windows XP pre-installed).
 
When you downgrade to a previously activated copy of Windows XP that is not from Toshiba recovery media, the online activation procedure may fail, and you may be prompted to call the Microsoft Activation Support Line (866-740-1256). The Support Line staff will verify that you have a valid Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate license and will assist you with the activation of your copy of Windows XP.

Windows Vista downgrade rights permit you to use either Windows XP or Windows Vista on your computer, but not both. The most straightforward way to downgrade from Windows Vista to Windows XP is to back up all of your data files and documents, format the hard disk drive, and then install Windows XP.  Before you downgrade to Windows XP, you may wish to use the software (included with some Toshiba computers) that allows you to create recovery media, from which you could re-install Windows Vista in the future.

Only Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate may be downgraded. Windows Vista Home Basic and Windows Vista Home Premium may not be downgraded.

Windows Vista downgrade rights support downgrading to Windows XP Professional only, and not to Windows XP Home, and not to Windows 2000 or other earlier versions of the Windows operating system.

Windows Vista downgrade rights also permit you to later re-install your copy of Windows Vista -- once you have removed your copy of Windows XP from the computer.

See also Support Bulletin 98082196 Windows Vista Express Upgrade order rejected because COA considered invalid.

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