Wanna copy of Windows XP next year? Forget it

Microsoft is sticking to its timetable for withdrawing Windows XP, despite mounting proof most users are postponing their Windows Vista upgrade.

The company confirmed OEMs and retailers won't be able to purchase any more Windows XP licenses from the end of January 2008, based on guidelines issued last year.

A company spokesperson called it "standard practice" to allow OEMs, retailers and system builders to continue offering the previous version of Windows for a certain time after a new version had been released. According to Microsoft's timetable here, it will choke off Windows XP licenses a year after Windows Vista shipped.

"Microsoft is sticking with this timetable," Microsoft's spokesperson told The Register.

The decision comes as Harris International became the latest to disabuse Microsoft of the glorious notion Windows Vista is so compelling it will galvanize the PC-buying public to the point where the OS outsells Windows XP.

More than two months after launch most US adults know very little about Windows Vista, according to Harris who polled 2,223 grown-ups with internet access, while 67 per cent said they have no plans to upgrade during the next year.

That means, in less than a year, Microsoft will be forcing the market towards Windows Vista by removing Windows XP from the equation, despite mounting frustrations from PC users - including some Microsoft execs in conversation with El Reg - over the basics such as lack of driver support. ®