Windows XP OEM

[Howard Kaikow]

Looking at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/future.aspx (Windows
XP: The future), there is a statement that Windows XP systems could be sold
only until January 2009.
And that downgrades are available from particular versions of Vista.

But, I also see a number of well known sites still selling media with an OEM
version of XP, some include SP2, others include SP3.

Until when can such media be sold?
Has MSFT made a statement on this?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Looking at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/future.aspx
(Windows XP: The future), there is a statement that Windows XP
systems could be sold only until January 2009.
And that downgrades are available from particular versions of Vista.

But, I also see a number of well known sites still selling media
with an OEM version of XP, some include SP2, others include SP3.

Until when can such media be sold?
Has MSFT made a statement on this?

Now is a great time to point you to one of the easiest ways to find
information on problems you may be having and solutions others have found:

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

Example finds:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/03/windows_xp_recovery/
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/08/windows-xp-downgrade-deadline-extended-to-july-31-2009/
http://www.webmasterworld.com/microsoft_windows_os/3762014.htm

Plus - as long as someone still has it available - they likely could/will
sell it.

A more official place:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

"Licenses will continue to be available through downgrade rights available
in Volume Licensing programs after end of general availability."
and
"As of April 2008, Microsoft is extending availability of Windows XP Home
Edition for OEMs to install on Ultra Low-Cost PCs. The new OEM end date will
be the later of either June 30, 2010, or one year after the general
availability of the next version of Windows."

 

[Howard Kaikow]

So, if I intend to build an XP system, I should buy xP now, and build
whenever?

 

[Ray Luca]

So, if I intend to build an XP system, I should buy xP now, and build
whenever?

Or you could buy it later and build it whenever.

Or you could buy it whenever and...

Make a decision. It's not like you're buying a freaking house.