Microsoft To Retire Windows XP in 2008

Microsoft is sticking to its plans to stop selling Windows XP to OEMs in January 2008, despite continuing issues with Windows Vista.

Microsoft Corporation has announced it plans to stick to its timetable to stop selling Windwos XP to computer makers in January, 2008—meaning any Windows PC offered for sale after that date is going to have Windows Vista installed, like it or not. The decision applies to all versions of Windows XP, including tablet through media center editions, and means computer makers like HP, Dell, Toshiba, Gateway, and others will no longer be able to offer new systems with versions of Windows XP as pre-installed options.

The confirmation comes as customer surveys show an overall lukewarm response to Windows Vista, with a Harris Interactive survey finding only 10 percent of respondents were planning to upgrade their systems to Windows Vista in the near future.

The move may also rankle even Windows enthusiasts: although Microsoft is likely to introduce a service pack upgrade for Windows Vista before the licensing cutoff for Windows XP, the operating system is beset with lingering driver issues and many Windows users have balked at Vista’s higher system requirements (especially for much-touted features like the Aero interface), meaning they may only move to Vista when they junk their current PC.