Chosen Solution

I have XP on an unused computer. Can I replace Vista in my present computer with it?

Yes, you can use that key. But you will have to back everything up from vista (if you want to). If you have the XP CD or the CD that came with your unused computer, it SHOULD work, sometimes, if its OEM (came with the computer) it won’t work, in that case, torrent an ISO and burn it. Since you already purchased it, its not illegal as long as you use the CD key that came with the unused computer.

it is imposible to just downgrade windows. you will have to reinstall the thing as well. if you upgrade windows, all it does is updating system files and settings. when downgrading, you must reinstall. BTW, how unused that computer is? if it is branded make, serial key wont work. they put licence key for the same machine, not to use anywhere. {i hope you understand}

Why do you want to downgrade? You can fix all of your ills by installing Windows 7, it has an “XP mode” if you’re worried about compatibility.