Microsoft set to end Windows XP

January 2008 Windows XP will be stopped

13 April 2007 14:00 GMT / By Ryan Haynes

The announcement is official and after the recent launch of Windows Vista, XP has been giving its last moment of life.

As of January 31 2008, Microsoft has confirmed that Windows XP will no longer be available on new PCs. The operating system in all its versions, including for media centre or tablet PC will be affected by the decision.

Dell, HP, Toshiba and all PC manufacturers will no longer be able to buy licences for the software to install into machines. Although, PC makers could get hold of licences until 2009 if they are bought from third-party suppliers rather than Microsoft.

The pre-released versions of Vista, that was offered free for trial will also come to end on June 1 this year. Anyone who installed the new Windows must re-install earlier versions of Windows onto their PC or upgrade to a full version of the recent release of Vista.