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Operating System

Windows XP Pro SP3 (Downgrade from Windows 7 Professional) [NO SUPPORT]

 

Puget Systems Description

Does not include Windows XP media or product key. OS is installed and activated using a Windows 7 Pro product key using Microsoft's Windows XP downgrade program.

If an OS reinstall is needed, the end user will need to secure Windows XP install media and a product key - but the key can be in-use on another computer. It is just used for the installation itself, and activation will need to be done manually with Microsoft (per the conditions of the downgrade program).

Windows XP does not include software for creating System Recovery CDs. As such, if your system is configured with Windows XP, Puget Systems will be unable to provide you with a Restore Disk for your system.

Windows XP does not, by default, include software for playing DVD movies. If you want this functionality, you will need to purchase a DVD codec from a third party such as nVidia or Cyberlink. Windows XP is a 32-bit OS and will only support up to about 3.5GB memory.

Note: Since 2009, Microsoft has characterized XP support using the phrase, 'Extended Support Phase'. Microsoft is no longer developing any hotfixes for this operating system, other than security hotfixes. New security hotfixes are going to be limited to those not requiring design changes or new features.

You can see the official statement from Microsoft here:
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/


Puget Systems Professional Advice
Richard Millard (General/Sales Manager) Says:
The actual copies of Windows XP aren't available anymore, and so these installations are done via the "Windows 7 Downgrade Rights" program. I recommend avoiding this if possible. Here's why:

1. XP drivers are becoming more and more scarce. Many of the hardware manufacturers aren't even developing XP drivers for their new stuff - so you really have your hands tied with your component selection. This will be an even greater challenge going forward, so in the future, you might find yourself without any upgrade options.

2. The 'downgrade rights' method of installation provides you with a Windows 7 disc, not a windows XP disc. So if your OS installation becomes corrupted, or for any other reason you need to reload your operating system, you'll have to come up with your own copy of the XP install disc (which is becoming increasingly more difficult).

3. Windows XP is starting to show its age, and in turn you're not going to be able to leverage the full capability of your hardware. Modern hardware is really designed with Vista/7 features in mind, and XP has some severe limitations. For example, a majority of modern systems have 4gb of RAM or more, and Windows XP, as a 32-bit operating system, is unable to index that much memory.

So, unless you have some sort of legacy hardware that is absolutely unable to function in an modern operating system, I recommend against Windows XP.

William George (Customer Service) Says:
We finally sold out of 'real' Windows XP licenses, so we are transitioning to use of the downgrade program offered by Microsoft. It is a bit awkward, but in short we install XP off a disc we have here and then call in to let Microsoft know that a downgrade is being performed and to activate Windows. This makes reinstallation a bit tricky, since we are not allowed to provide XP install media, but it is the only remaining solution at this point for doing Windows XP. Personally, I would encourage everyone to move to Windows 7 now. If you get the Professional version there is a free download from Microsoft called XP Mode, and it lets you run a copy of Windows XP Pro *inside* of Windows 7. I've played around with that a bit, and it seems like a great solution for anyone with legacy software.


Note: Installation is performed through downgrade rights from Windows 7 Professional, and does not include XP media or COA. You receive a full Windows 7 Professional DVD and COA.  

Manufacturer Description
Specifications:
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Maximum Specifications
RAM  4 GB

Since 2009, Microsoft has characterized XP support using the phrase,
'Extended Support Phase'.

In short, the primary support concern
is that Microsoft is no longer developing any hotfixes for this operating system, other than security hotfixes. New security hotfixes are going to be limited to those not requiring design changes
or new features. 

You can see the official statement from Microsoft here:
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/

Need more information? Email us your questions about the Windows XP Pro SP3 (Downgrade from Windows 7 Professional) [NO SUPPORT].


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