I bought a Compaq laptop new from Pantip plaza in BKK, was loaded with a not so legal copy of XP, the norm there as most of Thailand.
Loaded a legal copy of XP pro that I paid 300 USD for, and all worked well except for the audio, was told that I needed to upgrade to Vista by the Microsoft help center as the audio was not supported on XP, drivers etc.
Paid another 159. usd for vista premium home edition back in the USA.
Audio worked as expected, computer did not, normal vista problems as we all know.
Re installed windows XP after a full format, when it came time to activate had to call the windows number for activation.
Told them what happened and was informed that you cannot down grade from windows vista to windows XP, some kind of legal issue and they would not activate it, so much for being honest.
Going back to BKK soon, will buy the 4 usd copy of XP with service pack 3 included.
I understand why people do this now.
Bill Gates is his own worse enemy.