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Windows XP End-of-Sales presents a great opportunity for you to consult with your customers on the benefits of moving to Windows Vista. With higher levels of reliability, security, performance, administration, and support offered by Windows Vista with Service Pack 1, you can help your small business customers transition to Windows Vista while providing additional services and hardware upgrades to grow your business.
Windows XP End-Of-Sales (January 31, 2009)
Microsoft will soon discontinue selling Windows XP through our sales channels. In industry terms this is called "End-Of-Sales" (EOS). The last day Microsoft Authorized OEM Distributors can purchase Windows XP from Microsoft will be January 31, 2009. For major PC manufacturers, this EOS date was June 30, 2008. OEM Distributors can continue to sell Windows XP to their system builder customers subsequent to January 31, 2009, while they work through their existing inventory.
| SKU | Channel | End of Sales Date | End of Mainstream Support Phase* | End of Extended Support Phase* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows XP Home, Pro, Media Center, Tablet PC, Pro 64 Bit |
Direct OEM | June 30, 2008 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 |
| FPP | June 30, 2008 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 | |
| System Builder Channel | January 31, 2009 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 | |
| Windows XP | Ultra-low cost PCs (ULCPC) | June 30, 2010 | April 14, 2009 | April 8, 2014 |
* Both the Mainstream Support and Extended Support phases require the product’s supported service pack be installed to continue to receive support (including security updates).
For more information, please see the service pack policy at http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifesupsps.
Making the Move to Windows Vista
With Windows XP “going away,” now is a great time to talk with your customers about Windows Vista. It has features they are sure to love: it’s more secure, it’s reliable, it’s fun, and it makes work easier. Help your customers understand everything Windows Vista can do for them.
- Help remove spyware with Windows Defender
- Keep children safer with Parental Controls
- Browse the web more securely with Microsoft Internet Explorer 7's Phishing Filter
- Help protect your data with automatic backups
- Windows Vista tunes itself for enhanced performance
- Windows Update installs updates automatically
- Share pictures with Windows Photo Gallery
- Watch and record TV with Windows Media Center in Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate editions
- Enjoy games with DirectX 10 graphics
- Finding documents, email, photos and movies is easier with Instant Search
- Effectively synchronize documents and access information and devices with Windows Mobility Center and Sync Center
- Connect with customers and colleagues online with Windows Meeting Space
Downgrade Rights
After customers understand the benefits of moving to Windows Vista, you may find a few customers who still want to downgrade to Windows XP. Certain customer groups are eligible to downgrade. If your customer is eligible, downgrade rights allow them to acquire Windows Vista, but continue to run Windows XP until they are ready to upgrade. Note that only certain versions of Windows Vista are eligible for end user downgrade rights. If your customer wants to downgrade, get the detailed information you need to proceed.
Windows XP End-Of-Sales Marketing Resources Windows XP EOS campaign materials are available for the local OEM channel. These materials will help you and your customers understand Windows XP End-Of-Sales, the benefits of Windows Vista, and will help facilitate your customers’ transition from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
