Microsoft throws another lifeline to Windows XP

06/10/2008 by swordfish.

Bowing to continued demand, Microsoft has again extended the life of Windows XP.

Although the largest PC makers can’t sell XP anymore (except for ultra-low-cost machines), they can sell Vista Ultimate and Vista Business machines with XP discs in the box, or even Vista machines that are ‘factory downgraded’ to Windows XP.

That option was supposed to go away early next year, as Microsoft was going to stop supplying Windows XP media after 31 January. However, the company now says it will offer the discs until 31 July, giving the option a six-month extension.

PC makers will also be able to sell the factory downgraded machines online.

Microsoft tried to put the best face on the move. “As more customers make the move to Windows Vista, we want to make sure that they are making that transition with confidence and that it is as smooth as possible,” Microsoft said. “Providing downgrade media for a few more months is part of that commitment, as is the Windows Vista Small Business Assurance programme, which provides one-on-one, customised support for our small-business customers.”

Source: ‘ZDNet‘

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