Monday, June 16,2008 @ 6:40pm
Dell announces deadline for Windows XP laptops
Dell recently announced the last day to purchase one of the company's Inspiron laptops, desktops or workstations with an OEM Windows XP license, which is due to expire on June 30 as per Microsoft's Windows Life-Cycle Policy. Buyers have until June 18 to purchase computers thus equipped, and have the option of buying Windows Vista Business or Ultimate with a downgrade service to Windows XP Professional thereafter. This news confirms earlier reports that the PC and laptop maker will not offer Windows XP pre-loaded onto its products past the Microsoft-imposed deadline.
The downgrade option will be available until the end of January of 2009, and is offered by Dell as well as Lenovo. The downgrade option will be available for Dell's XPS 630 gaming PC, XPS 720 H2C powerhouse, and M1730 laptop systems.
The Life-Cycle Policy has Windows XP Professional, Tablet PC Edition, Professional x64 Edition, Home Edition and Media Center Edition licenses ending on June 30, 2008, with system builder licenses expiring on January 31, 2009. The only exception revolves around ultra low-cost PCs, which will involve an OEM end date of either June 30, 2010 or one year after the general availability of the next version of Windows, whichever is later.
Microsoft will still offer technical support for Windows XP Home and Media Center edition operating systems until April of 2009.