Microsoft extends XP downgrade availability to 2011. When will it end?

Hold onto your hats folks, 'cause Microsoft has just done the unthinkable and extended availability of its Windows XP downgrade option, again. This latest move, of course, follows complaints that new licensing issues with Windows 7 could cause some serious headaches for businesses still hanging onto XP, and basically force them to either stock up on XP-ready systems before April 23rd, 2010 or face the possibility of Vista-only downgrades thereafter. The new deadline isn't quite as clear cut as past ones, however, with Microsoft saying only that the XP downgrade option will be available for 18 months after the release of Windows 7, "or until the release of a Windows 7 service pack, whichever is sooner." So, as ComputerWorld notes, if Microsoft pushes an SP1 update out the door six months after Windows 7 is released, folks could well be out of luck yet again -- at least until Microsoft sets a new deadline, that is.

[Via Electronista]

[dagamer43 @ Jun 19th 2009 1:55PM]

This needs to stop. XP needs to die. If you can't run Windows 7, then you really need some new hardware. Simple as that.

[Sean @ Jun 19th 2009 2:02PM]

I really think that microsoft should hurry up and end windows and jump to there new project. I forgot what its called, but I think there completely new operating system can dig them out of this hole.

[Magallanes @ Jun 19th 2009 2:02PM]

Yes, if you are a consumer whore, but for the rest of people, XP is nice, runs pretty well on old machine and is quicker than windows7 on high-end machine.

And truly, many people don't care about aero.

[Christian @ Jun 19th 2009 2:04PM]

What if you don't want vista or 7 because 7 now appears to have similar fatal flaws and stupid versions for the different types of systems. What if it's going to be plagued by problems for the first 1-2years and XP still works great.

My XP is fine, I'm getting a new computer in a month or so, I'm going to stay with XP until getting windows 7 is a good and proven upgrade.

[mikethevee @ Jun 19th 2009 2:03PM]

"their" new product. not there.

[Precurse @ Jun 19th 2009 2:06PM]

@Sean

I think it's called Mojave ;-)

[Chuckles McGee @ Jun 19th 2009 2:06PM]

Seriously. XP will be 10 years old in 2011. Suck it up and buy a new PC!

[Maddy @ Jun 19th 2009 2:06PM]

If it ain't broken, don't fix it. People for whom XP works perfectly do not want to make any change to their operating environment unless they absolutely have to. A capable hardware which is sufficient to do everything you need to do should not be obsoleted just because you're forced to "upgrade" to a newer bloated operating system, which does not even provide any major new functionality.

[Bash @ Jun 19th 2009 2:09PM]

Its not about hardware. Its about the business not wanting to upgrade. If they upgrade then they will need to get a license for ever other computer in there business which would cost a lot so they just want to keep XP. There is also the face that a lot of business use programs for XP and if they get Vista and 7 they will get compatibility errors so they would be stuck or end up having to pay for that software for vista/7 if its available which it might not be.

If your thinking "Just get another software" well that would cost more money too because you would have to pay for the license for that and you would have to train everyone in the company.

Simple Answer upgrade costs a lot of money and/or is a hassle.

[Mizzike @ Jun 19th 2009 2:09PM]

no, because then everybody would scream 'omg fuck vista bring back xp!'
Microsoft just need to give a free vista pack that sorts out its infamous flaws, and make it so its similar to xp but not completely the same

[Emeka Diribe @ Jun 19th 2009 2:09PM]

Microsoft should grow some balls. Apple would never do this.

[Bash @ Jun 19th 2009 2:13PM]

Another thing with upgrading is you would have to train everyone over again to use vista/7 too..

[xeong5 @ Jun 19th 2009 2:17PM]

Magallanes are you serious?!?! wtf are you running a single core hyperthreading p4? You seriously need to check out windows 7, its not about aero either it not that it matters since most gtx 260 run for 150 dollars. And security wise is much more than the give everything admin rights approach that xp has its not only aero. If your a gamer WDDM 1.1 is a must you should look up technical differences before you say anything. And besides theres a free copy of xp to run in windows 7 for ultimate and business users you get two for the price of one.

[d889 @ Jun 19th 2009 2:21PM]

i have a single core amd 3200+ with 1 gig of ram and a 36 gig raptor hard drive.

my computer ran xp like a champ, could edit video with cs3 programs and it never crashed.

my computer ran vista like a champ, never blue screened, never had a problem.

my computer currently runs windows 7 rc amazing, fast as xp, can still game and video edit.


all of this vista hating is a joke, if you have problems with your computer buy a fucking mac, i havnt used an antivirus program in 3 years and have never had a virus of spyware.

99% of the problems people encounter in windows is user error, in which case maybe they would better off on a computer where you cant do anything to it.

[LordPaul @ Jun 19th 2009 2:21PM]

Surely if these luddites want to stick with XP they should be more than happy with their current hardware.

Oh, that's right - Hardware only has a 5 year asset life & they get new hardware which comes with a new operating system.

This is just about laziness to spend time working on compatibility issues which should be ironed out by the company buying the new kit.

[xeong5 @ Jun 19th 2009 2:22PM]

Magallanes are you serious?!?! wtf are you running a single core hyperthreading p4? You seriously need to check out windows 7, its not about aero either it not that it matters since most gtx 260 run for 150 dollars. And security wise is much more than the give everything admin rights approach that xp has its not only aero. If your a gamer WDDM 1.1 is a must you should look up technical differences before you say anything. And besides theres a free copy of xp to run in windows 7 for ultimate and business users you get two for the price of one.

[alan hsiao @ Jun 19th 2009 2:28PM]

mike mike MIKE LOOK HERE!
shut up.

[LondonConsultant @ Jun 19th 2009 2:31PM]

Why should a business upgrade if it has thousands of existing XP users? Specifically, what is the business case to show a return on investment for the huge migration cost (user re- training, support staff re-training, migration of existing bespoke apps, etc)? There's rarely a valid business case and that's why most large corporates are still on XP. And the reality is that substituting Windows 7 for Vista in those business cases will make very little difference.

[mikethevee @ Jun 19th 2009 2:38PM]

alan! alan! ALAN!
way to fail. I'm sure you don't know the difference between the 2 but it's ok, you're just a moron ;)

[fastm3driver @ Jun 19th 2009 2:43PM]

"hanging onto XP"
My company is about to upgrade to XP from 2000 "some time" this year. 2000 actually boots pretty fast but the 1.6GB ram limit and IE6 are killing me.

[Michael Scrip @ Jun 19th 2009 3:01PM]

To everyone saying that it's expensive for business to upgrade their machines:

You act as though XP was the first operating system ever invented. Let's not forget that businesses had to upgrade *to* Windows XP at some point. We're not still running DOS either...

Windows 98 used to be everywhere... but "somehow" businesses ended up on XP. What made them do that? And what makes XP the "best operating system ever... so good that we will use it forever?"

[Richard @ Jun 19th 2009 3:08PM]

A lot of the comments here seem to think people are continueing to use XP because they don't have the hardware to run Vista or 7. For many people that is not the case and the reason I stick with XP is because it offers a vastly superior experience to Windows 7. The interface is more consistnet, more effective and and less wasteful meaning XP users can be more productive than users of Windows 7.

The fact that Microsoft need to keep offering XP downgrade extensions is proof that most people feel the same way as I do. The only way Microsoft will get out of this situation is if they implement the complete XP interface within Windows 7. If they did that I'd be happy to upgrade but I'm not giong to switch to an operating system that reduces my productivity. Since Linux supports multiple desktop environments I don't see why Windows can't and offering both environments would please everybody.

[BLToday @ Jun 19th 2009 3:19PM]

@Sean

I believe you're thinking of Singularity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Singularity

[HotBBQ @ Jun 19th 2009 3:25PM]

@Richard

You're assumptions are so full of shit I don't know where to begin.

[Giroro @ Jun 19th 2009 3:37PM]

@fastm3driver
It sounds like you need to find a better to work for. . .

Unless you own said company, in which case you are an asshole.

[cbgoding @ Jun 19th 2009 3:38PM]

Richard, where are you getting all this? XP has random, unpredictable SNAFUs that may be easy to fix, but still scare the shit out of my parents. I reformatted their computer and installed the Win7 RC and they LOVE it. My dad finally understands file organization, and has an easy time dragging things from the downloads folder to his pictures/video/whatever folder; his desktop isn't covered in random stuff he's downloaded now.

Merging the quick launch bar and the taskbar was brilliant on apple's part, and I'm glad microsoft stole it for Win7. Again, it makes it much easier for my parents to navigate through their PC.

[Richard @ Jun 19th 2009 3:43PM]

"@Richard. You're assumptions are so full of shit I don't know where to begin."

I suggestion you begin by learning the the English language because I'm not an assumptions and don't like being called one. Once you've done that I suggestion you explain why 61.54% of people are still using XP and only 24.35% are using Vista. Clearly there's something people don't like about Vista and 7 and in the case of myself and a lot of the people I know it's the bloody terrible user interface.

[cbgoding @ Jun 19th 2009 3:48PM]

Richard, the win7 interface isn't terrible. I'd say it's FAR more intuitive than XP's. The problem that you have is a classic one: dealing with change.

[Andir3.0 @ Jun 19th 2009 4:28PM]

I happen to agree with Richard...

Windows 7 may be more intuitive for the new user, but for someone used to XP, it's far more efficient.

I don't want Aero, I WANT the classic (small, simple, customizable) start menu (even though YOU think the search is quicker), and I want to keep a simple minimalistic windows experience when I have to use Windows.

In Vista/7 they added more crap to the windows. The Back/Forward/Location bar cannot be re-sized, removed, or combined with other tool bars like XP where I can put every button, the address bar, file menu, and everything I need to use that window in one toolbar. In Vista/7 you have to have at least 2 tool bars across the top of the window. The Navigation and the "Organize" bars. If you enable the file menus, there's another bar cluttering up the screen.

Also, in Win7 (I haven't tried the latest RC, but the beta I tried in December) you cannot put the dashed lines and +/- icons in the treeview for Explorer. If you deal with a lot of files in a lot of folders (like most programmers do) it's a MUST HAVE feature that's been removed (to make it look pretty I guess?)

I won't even get into how convoluted it is to get to the networking settings now or other advanced configurations that they have buried further making it harder to administer the system...

Just because YOU like it doesn't mean it works for everyone. Windows Vista/7 are not as customizable as XP. Period.

[kazbaeden @ Jun 19th 2009 4:41PM]

@Richard

"Once you've done that I suggestion you explain why 61.54% of people are still using XP and only 24.35% are using Vista."

I see you've taken those stats from hitslink. Take a look at that data again and then tell me why XP markethsare is monotonically decreasing while Vista is monotonically increasing.

And can you point to where the UI is more inconsistant in Windows 7? One of the things they've spent a lot of time on is streamlining the UI, so I bet the dev team would like to know what is still lacking.

[iphonerulez @ Jun 19th 2009 7:54PM]

Woohoo. I'm sitting pretty for a couple of more years. I've been using XP Pro for years and think how much this has saved on upgrading hassles. Microsoft should just dump Windows 7 and start working on Windows 8 to be ready by 2012. Maybe by then I'll be ready to upgrade. Windows XP 4ever. Known as the OS that just wouldn't die. Why buy a brand new pair of shoes if the ones you have still have rubber on the soles and they're nice and comfortable. Maybe Microsoft should just stop building new OSs with bigger feature sets and just give minor upgrades to WinXP for stability and speed enhancements. Corporations desire not to upgrade is really a compliment to Microsoft for developing an OS that doesn't warrant a replacement.

[loosely_coupled @ Jun 19th 2009 8:49PM]

No, moron, what needs to stop is Microsoft pulling this crap. They should just sell all their products that in demand like a normal company without a monopoly.

[Chad @ Jun 20th 2009 1:55AM]

wasnt xp launched in 2001?

ten years? in technology - seriously guys?

[Chasethebase @ Jun 20th 2009 12:24PM]

Windows XP, to be renamed Windows 'Zombie Edition'. Grab your shotguns!

[iphonerulez @ Jun 20th 2009 8:41PM]

Engadget should put up a poll as to how many people think Windows XP is flawed enough that it is necessary to upgrade to Windows 7.

I swear that XP runs great and I have never seen a BSOD in my years of running it. I don't give a crap about Aero. I have an older computer and don't want to upgrade just yet. What is it that Windows 7 can do so much better than Windows XP that consumers and corporations "MUST" upgrade. Sure I can understand some individual that has the latest hardware and the latest software and likes to lick Steve Ballmer's balls, but for the person that just wants to use MS Office and browse the internet and use e-mail, why must they be forced to upgrade.

Just because MS says, you're done with that and I can sell you this instead. Be reasonable. XP ain't broken for most users. If it really was, it would have been gone already. That's like some company telling you that your good running car is five years old and has 70,000 miles on it, so you must sell it and get a new car. Screw that. Maybe one person it's OK for, but if you own a fleet of taxis or trucks, you'd be up sh!t's creek and nobody would stand for it. I'll move up when I'm ready and nobody is gonna tell me when. In business, the customer is always right.

MS and Ballmer can kiss my buttocks. And for those that must have Vista and Windows 7, get 'em and STFU. The rest of us can manage with Win XP, OK.

[Rel @ Jun 20th 2009 11:49PM]

There is only one reason to upgrade to windows vista/7 and that's if you need DirectX10 if not then you have an extra 10gigs of bloat for a shiny interface... as for security you can use Sandboxie or ThinApps and virtual machines for testing stuff ... ThinApps currently do not work on 7 and Sandboxie does not work on 64 vista or 7 it can work in XP 64 with the kernel patch removed. BTW I am currently using 7 and have been since the day beta started but will be dropping back to XP 64 for various reasons.

[Abhishek @ Jun 19th 2009 1:56PM]

Lol!!!!!!!!

[Dan @ Jun 19th 2009 1:58PM]

XP for Lyfe. =)

[patriotsn1 @ Jun 19th 2009 1:58PM]

So what you're saying is that Microsoft sucked for ending XP downgrade availability, but they also suck now that they've decided to extend it? Jeez... tough crowd.

[patriotsn1 @ Jun 19th 2009 2:08PM]

TRS..
Please prove to me that Microsoft sucks.. Thank you.

[va jj @ Jun 19th 2009 2:18PM]

they suck for charging new pc/laptop buyers to downgrade from vista.

[patriotsn1 @ Jun 19th 2009 2:21PM]

Ohhh gotcha... So other companies offer to take the time to uninstall the factory OS and reinstall with an older one for free? Not that I don't believe you but I'd love to see you link to that.

[va jj @ Jun 19th 2009 2:38PM]

uninstall? who needs to manually uninstall? they can just creat a xp version restore disc for that particular model and is automated.

[patriotsn1 @ Jun 19th 2009 3:07PM]

So you are suggesting that Microsoft simply give away millions of copies of it's software absolutely free? Not much of a business man are you..

[Look_Around_You @ Jun 19th 2009 3:24PM]

"ok, look here. when a new OS comes out, PPL SHOULD BE EXCITED ABOUT IT and want to go out and buy it. that means the OS is good and people trust the company. this is how apple's OSes are released. when a new OS comes out, ppl dish out the extra money to get it and upgrade their old one."

Businesses aren't in the business to be "excited". I'd rather them save $, and keep people employed, than have Win7 and find that they cant keep 1/3 of their workforce.

Apple machines typically are in small outfits where upgrading some machine to do video/photo editing isnt too big a deal. So there is a big difference.

It is not uncommon to see XP on THOUSANDS of machines in a university lab.

If you can find a similar # of macs in one place, I'll bet they dont rush out for a new OS upgrade every two year either.

[Inect @ Jun 19th 2009 3:36PM]

TRS you are obviously to mac fanboy to understand business. There is a difference bewteen average home consumer and a business. Its the businesses that want to down grade for many different reasons but the main ones are software that they have been using for the past 10 years. Its not as easy to just upgrade operating systems right away. The programs have to be rewritten and a business does not want to upgrade to the latest operating system right away because the security is unproven.

Mac are not used in the main business world and when they are its for graphic applications which get updated every year.

[cbgoding @ Jun 19th 2009 3:46PM]

TRS, I am excited about Win7, and I know that many others are as well. Vista works these days too; the only reason people hate it is because the apple ads told them to/they have really really old PCs.

[Giroro @ Jun 19th 2009 4:02PM]

TRS - This has nothing to do with Individuals, Vista, or Apple. This is about corporations that use windows XP refusing to install Windows 7 on their new computers. It's not because XP is better (it isn't) its because the tech guys don't want to learn a new OS.

That is why MS needs to kill XP already, corporations CAN continue to use XP, they WILL. Because they are used to it.

And of course Apple doesn't have this problem, serious companies don't use Mac OS, they use XP.

[amneziac @ Jun 19th 2009 4:31PM]

I use ms, and am no fan of mac, but TRS has a point. I've get more than enough hardware, but still use xp. Of course, the only thing I do in windows is gaming, otherwise I'm on linux.

[Andir3.0 @ Jun 19th 2009 4:35PM]

@Giroro:

Your assumptions astound me. With the lifespan of XP, people were able to create a lot of specific enterprise management software specifically for XP. It's not about the techs not liking it. I know a few techs that would suck off MS if they could, but even they say they like the ability to set ___ configuration remotely without having to drive to the various business locations to do it. Changing things is not about preferences. It's about replacing all your tools, applications, etc. Especially for an OS.