Windows 7: Moving back to WinXP from Win7RC

I am just curious if it is possible to re-install Windows XP Home once I have installed Windows 7 RC? I am pretty sure it is, but the main thing I am concerned with is re-validating the key for XP. Will I run into a problem if I ever wanted to move back down to XP before I upgrade to Windows 7 for good?

using the same key you should not have issues - with retail builds.

With an OEM key, you might have issues - but if you called M$ and explained, I think they would be willing to activate it for you.

Ok, cool. I am assuming that since I bought this laptop through Dell that they gave me the OEM disk. Thanks for the info.

You will have no problem with activation if you reinstall XP after using Win 7RC. Note the EULA terms say your copy of XP must stay with the laptop and cannot be used on any other computer (not to say that never happens). I can't say for certain of personal knowledge, but I read where you may be allowed to activate your Dell XP 10 times before doing a call-in activation. That said, reinstall XP and activate. No Sweat.

It would be easier for you to save an image of your laptop hard drive with XP on it. Then if you decide to go back to XP, just restore the image (a few minutes vs a few hours to reinstall) and activation is unnecessary.

Win 7RC is a full version so installing it on your laptop will have no effect on the old XP key. You get a Win 7RC activation key when you download the DVD iso. Note if you then install the $49 7 upgrade when it ships in Oct, you will still not be allowed to use (legally) the Dell XP on any other computer than the laptop.

A few hours? I install XP in 15 minutes.