Report: Microsoft relaxes Windows downgrade rules

Microsoft Corp. has relaxed its "downgrade" rules and will let computer makers continue to sell PCs preinstalled with the aged Windows XP for as long as six months after it launches Windows 7, according to a report published Wednesday.

The information obtained by TechARP.com, a Malaysian Web site that last weekend leaked Microsoft's plans to offer free or discounted upgrades to Windows 7, seems to confirm other reports that Hewlett-Packard Co. had been given the green light to sell new PCs with XP Professional through April 2010.

Yesterday, TechARP spelled out the new options Microsoft will offer computer makers such as HP and Dell Inc.

For six months after Windows 7's official launch, a date Microsoft calls "general availability," Microsoft will let OEMs sell new PCs equipped with Windows XP Professional and market them as such directly to customers or through their channel partners. Those machines must include physical media for Vista Business or Vista Ultimate, the two editions that provide downgrade rights.

"Downgrade" describes the Windows licensing rights that let users -- or, in their stead, computer manufacturers -- replace the current operating system with an older edition without having to pay for another license. Those XP Professional PCs must be advertised as such, TechARP said, noting a number of Microsoft requirements. "OEMs may market this option [but] advertising must primarily and prominently feature the Windows operating system version that is preinstalled on the system. For example, 'Microsoft Windows XP Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows Vista Business)' would meet this requirement," Microsoft has told computer makers.

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