XP Pro installation and activation after Vista release

[DSO]

I have an unopened XP Pro retail box on the shelf that I have been
saving for another system build. My question is, how long after Vista
is released will I be able to build a system and install *and
activate* this retail XP Pro software? Is there a Microsoft public
policy in place regarding this? If there is no public policy in place
then educated guesses from MS mavens would be appreciated. A related
question is how long after Vista is released will security patches be
offered for extant XP installations?

Thanks for any helpful replies.

- DSO

 

[Frankster]

It's all public and published. Have phun!

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

-Frank

 

[Kerry Brown]

Activation and support are two very different things. I would like to think
that activation would work forever. I believe support for XP Home ends two
years after the next version is released, XP Pro has extended support for
another five years years after that. Currently, to the best of my knowledge,
security updates don't distinguish between Home and Pro. I'm assuming that
means security updates would be available for both for at least seven years
after Vista is released.

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselect

 

[GHalleck]

I have an unopened XP Pro retail box on the shelf that I have been
saving for another system build. My question is, how long after Vista
is released will I be able to build a system and install *and
activate* this retail XP Pro software? Is there a Microsoft public
policy in place regarding this? If there is no public policy in place
then educated guesses from MS mavens would be appreciated. A related
question is how long after Vista is released will security patches be
offered for extant XP installations?

Thanks for any helpful replies.

- DSO

One can look at activation as being a component for the
consummation of a purchase and activation must continued
to be provided so long as the purchase is in the hands of
a legitimate buyer/owner. And there are various options
for Microsoft to get around the need to provide the means
for perpetual activation. One already exists --- offshore
labor. Other means might include a pre-set date in the
product, after which activation is no longer required. Or
providing a patch to eliminate the need to activate a
discontinued product. Or Microsoft could also elect to
replace/upgrade the original buyer. We'll know when we
get there and someone pushes the lawsuit button.

In regards to the other question, Microsoft does have
policies regarding product support and the URL has been
given.