WinXP licencing question

[Kenazo]

If a computer comes w/ WinXP, am I licenced to run Win98 on that computer, rather than the WinXP?
The reason I ask is this quote:

If an enterprise relies on Windows 98, for instance, and wants to add another system to its environment, it would have to purchase a license -- probably for a newer edition of the OS, such as Windows XP, Goodhew pointed out -- then use that license's 'downgrade' rights to instead install Windows 98. However, the company would have to use its existing Windows 98 CDs or installation files on the network; Microsoft won't offer new Windows 98 CDs or make installation files available for downloading as of Dec. 23.

From Here

 

[FrustratedUser]

Does that mean I can install W98 and use the key from W2K?

 

[Mrburns2007]

Ugh why 98 was really bad

 

[FrustratedUser]

Hypotetical question

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Does that mean I can install W98 and use the key from W2K?

I've never tried using a newer key in an older OS. I've tried going the other way, and that doesn't work. Is it possible for the winxp licence algorithm to generate keys that the win98 algorithm will accept, but not the other way around?

 

[So]

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Does that mean I can install W98 and use the key from W2K?

I've never tried using a newer key in an older OS. I've tried going the other way, and that doesn't work. Is it possible for the winxp licence algorithm to generate keys that the win98 algorithm will accept, but not the other way around?

doubtful. Why would they bother? It's much easier just to make a new algorithm. Makes it harder to crack too, I'd think.

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: Kenazo

Originally posted by: FrustratedUser
Does that mean I can install W98 and use the key from W2K?

I've never tried using a newer key in an older OS. I've tried going the other way, and that doesn't work. Is it possible for the winxp licence algorithm to generate keys that the win98 algorithm will accept, but not the other way around?

doubtful. Why would they bother? It's much easier just to make a new algorithm. Makes it harder to crack too, I'd think.

But then how do you explain the original article quote?

 

[MAME]

you can probably give them you XP key, and they'll give you a 98 key. Otherwise they'll just expect you to use the same key on the 98 cd you're using to install on the downgraded computer.

no biggie

 

[So]

sounds about right to me. Most profitable option for MS too (for sure). No work implementing a complicated algorithm, and the fact is, virtually no one will take them up on this offer anyway, so the phone support costs will be negligable at best. Heck, they could even set up a website to do it, although that would be way too hack prone.