Microsoft forces consumers to buy Vista after June 30
By Jonathan Schlaffer
After June 30, it will be difficult for many to buy a copy of Windows XP. The company is determined to get us all running Vista this year and it will stop at nothing to do so. With the next version of Windows due in 2011 and you need a new computer now or soon, you will have no choice but to buy one with Vista.
When the date arrives, OEMs will still be able to install Windows XP Pro on orders that consist of 25 or more systems. In that case the order will come with a Vista Business or Ultimate license that has been transferred to the XP installation. You’re still getting a Vista PC on which XP has been installed. This is solely up to the OEM, but according to PCWorld they don’t have to provide this option at all.
For orders that are less than 25 systems, you must buy it with Vista preinstalled. It’s still possible to install XP Pro on them as the installation of Vista includes downgrade rights to Windows XP. An existing XP disc can be used or at its option, the manufacture may provide one. You will not be able to install XP Home on these systems.
Those with volume licenses for Windows XP Pro will be able to install it after June 30. The same idea transfers to Vista, if you have a volume license you will be able to use the “downgrade rights” to install XP Pro on your Vista systems. If the OEM is feeling generous enough, it may perform the downgrade for you.
Existing licenses for Windows XP will not expire and support will continue through April 14, 2009. Despite rumors that Windows 7 was due for a late 2009 release, Microsoft says it will be more like 2011. This isn’t the first time the company has slipped a date and it probably won’t be the last.
Vista SP1, you’re our only hope.
Related:
Entry was posted
on Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am
under 
Print This Post
Read more entries by Jonathan Schlaffer.
February 3rd, 2008
Microsoft can’t force this consumer to buy Vista. Got a computer, need an OS, don’t want Vista? Linux has you covered. Afraid of Linux? Well, that’s why PirateBay is there for: XP always available. Afraid of Linux and feel bad about using Microsoft software without paying them $300? Hello, ReactOS.
Of course, it’s just Mac for me now. How did I ever get along with Windows… *sigh* OS X is SOOOOO much better.