Windows Vista on 2000 Network

[mmoseley]

Hiya chaps,

We ordered 20 new machines from a supplier and we specifically stated that the machines need to come with Windows XP, had them delivered and guess what.....The have got Vista Business Edition on them!!! :twisted:

We have rang the supplier and they dont want to know as they believe we made no comment as to what OS we wanted on them!

We are currently testing Vista on a testbed server (windows 2000) and it wont work! (DNS problem!) :S

Does anybody know if Vista runs on a 2000 network with or without any problems? Cant seem to find much on the net.

Thanks

Mart

[Quackers]

Why not just install Windows XP on them? I'm sure you allowed to run the previous version under the licence. Like we cannot buy Office 2003 licences anymore, so we buy Office 2007 ones and run Office 2003 under this licence.

[mmoseley]

Are you saying, you can use the Vista license key when installing Windows XP Pro?

[Quackers]

No, but if you do have a volume licence edition of Windows XP and a key for it yes? As i cannot see how any school can survive without one.

[OutToLunch]

Can I downgrade my OEM version of Windows Vista Business to Windows XP Professional?
Yes. OEM downgrade rights for desktop PC operating systems apply to Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate as stated in the License Terms. Please note, OEM downgrade versions of Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate are limited to Windows XP Professional (including Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows XP x64 Edition). End users can use the following media for their downgrade: Volume Licensing media (provided the end user has a Volume Licensing agreement), retail (FPP), or system builder hologram CD (provided the software is acquired in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder License). Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows Vista Business License Terms, and the end user cannot use both the downgrade operating system and Windows Vista Business.

http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...rade_chart.doc

[starscream]

It is a nightmare if you don't use VLM. I used to spend hours on the phone to microsoft activating machines that wouldn't activate.

[mmoseley]

No, its a big mistake that we dont!, we do plan to though,

As far as im aware you can downgrade vista business (which these machiens are) to XP Pro if you call Microsoft and state that you have downgraded, then they will give you a new key,


am i right in thinking that?

[FN-GM]

you just install the machines with your existing VLK, aslong has you have your COA your ok

[FN-GM]

What did you end up doing?

[mmoseley]

Fantastically, if you ring MS they will give you a new cd key (but only if your downgrading from Vista Business, not any other version), BUT they didnt ask me for anything to clarify just gave them my situation.............

[FN-GM]

good for once something sounds to have gone right from MS

[mmoseley]

Hi Folks!

Sorry to bring up an old topic, but do you guys know if there is a problem administering a windows server 2000 active directory network from a windows vista PC? my boss is convinced it would nacker the network but im unsure?

I wanna be able to run group policy management tool + active directory users and computers!

Please could anyone advise?

Ta, Mart

[FN-GM]

I doubt it will break anything it would rather work or not.

I know you can do it for a Windows 2003 network see here - Install Windows Server 2003 admin pack on Windows Vista