Windows 7 will allow downgrades,

Windows 7 will allow downgrades too | Beyond Binary - CNET News

Stupid. Stupid Microsoft. *sigh*. Make your OS and stand behind it. Make it better, don't just say "if its not better you can use old crap"

Hi there.

The CEO who made that decision was probably also smoking that "funny smelling tobacco" in an Amsterdam Coffe shop.

I'm really not sure there would be many takers for a "Vista downgrade". XP is another matter but even the XP diehards will probably move on once drivers etc have all been fixed.

It does send a bad message as well -- We've just launched a new product - but just in case it doesn't work then we can "downgrade" your OS.

2 basic rules broken here

any "101" course in Selling would emphasize that

1) You NEVER EVER admit the possibility that the product might not be fit for purpose.

2) Words like "Downgrade" etc which implies going backwards etc should be avoided at all costs.

What Microsoft COULD do (and this would spin it in a positive manner) would be to say "All users for a limited time period could ALSO have a copy of VISTA for FREE. Serial numbers would be interchangeable (maybe) and the free VISTA media would be supplied on request for just the Media fee and P&P - probably say 5 USD.

Most people wouldn't be bothered to apply so this would not represent a huge cost to MS -- and probably would encourage the take up of W7 even faster.

Cheers
jimbo