windows xp

Microsoft gives OEMs an additional six months to peddle Windows XP

Paul Mah — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:10:43 -0400

In yet another extension to the long, long death of Windows XP, OEMs were given an additional six months in which they can sell new PCs bundled with an accompanying Windows XP recovery disc. This "downgrade" technique is an open secret that essentially allows OEMs to continue selling Windows XP while allowing Microsoft to count it as a sale in favor of Windows Vista. OEMs are eager to offer this option because they say Windows XP is what their customers are asking for. The most recent deadline for this to stop was originally January 31, 2009. It is understood that Microsoft's hardware partners are working to have this new deadline extended even further. Well, we will report on it again when that happens.

For more on Windows XP's long death:
- check out this The Register article

Microsoft makes additional move to address pirated copies of Windows XP

Paul Mah — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:36:29 -0400

Microsoft is updating its Windows Genuine Advantage tool this week with "significant updates" designed to make things even more uncomfortable for owners of non-genuine Windows. The changes are targeted specifically at Windows XP, apparently because Windows XP Pro is the operating system that Microsoft says "has the highest likelihood of having a non-genuine copy." Failing a validation check will now result in the desktop being changed to a plain black background. The user can modify this to their personal preference, except that the black background will repeatedly reset every hour. So that there would be no ambiguity, a watermark urging users to "ask for genuine Microsoft software" will appear in a persistent position above the system try. The notification is non-interactive and transparent, so that users can continue to interact with the desktop underneath.

To read up more about this story:
- check out this Custom PC article

HP: Sales of XP outstrips Vista

Paul Mah — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:42:53 -0400

One of the top PC makers, Hewlett-Packard, has revealed that the number of machines loaded with Windows XP that it is selling outstrips that of Windows Vista. On the surface, this appears to fly counter to persistent claims by Microsoft that Windows Vista has sold tens of millions of copies. The explanation is really much simpler. First, one must understand that PC makers can no longer ship a PC with an XP license. However, because business PC buyers are still "overwhelming" opting for Windows XP, companies like HP have resorted to shipping PCs with a Vista Business license, but with Windows XP pre-loaded. According to a HP spokesperson, "[t]hat is still the majority of business computers we are selling today." This will probably change eventually. In the meantime though, negotiations are already ongoing with Microsoft to push back a January 2009 deadline for doing this.

For more on this debacle:
- check out this APC article

Windows XP Service Pack 3 coming very soon

Paul Mah — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:02:46 -0400

It has been just days since Microsoft halted sales of the venerable Windows XP operating system via retail channels or pre-installed on full-fledged PCs and laptops. Yesterday, Microsoft issued a reminder that it will be pushing the final service pack, SP3, out for Windows XP very soon. This was not unexpected, as Microsoft earlier announced that it would be releasing Windows XP SP3 in the "early summer" of 2008. Nick MacKechnie, a senior manager for Microsoft's New Zealand operations, wrote in a blot post that, "we would like to remind you that Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) will be released to Automatic Updates shortly."

Once Microsoft flips the switch, users with Windows Update enabled will see their machines download and install the service pack automatically.

For more information on this report:
- check out this InformationWeek article

Microsoft stops offering boxed Windows XP

Paul Mah — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:40:52 -0400

As of Monday, Microsoft has stopped selling boxed copies of the 7-year-old Windows XP operating system. Having said that, various levels of product support for Windows XP installations, especially pertaining to security updates, will still be available through April 2014.

The only way to get Windows XP on a new system from a big-name computer vendor, however, will be via the "downgrade" route available to certain editions of Windows Vista. Another exception would be going for "low-end" hardware: Makers of mini subnotebooks as well as low-end desktops, according to an announcement from Microsoft back in April, can still ship their hardware with Windows XP through June 2010.

For more on the availability of Windows XP:
- check out this ComputerWorld article

Microsoft updates Virtual PC, Server products

Paul Mah — Tue, 20 May 2008 06:08:53 -0400

Microsoft has improved both its Virtual PC 2007 and Virtual Server 2005 R2 products with service pack 1 updates. The new version now supports Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3 under both host and guest modes, and provides support for Windows Server 2008 Standard as a guest operating system. This update is proof that Microsoft is eager to ensure the continued popularity of its virtualization offerings, with more than 2 million downloads of Virtual PC 2007 to date. Ed Bott at ZDNet tried out Virtual PC 2007 SP1 and noted that its performance is much smoother now. So, if you already are a Virtual PC 2007 user, or previously have discarded Virtual PC because of performance issues, the SP1 update is a must download.

For more on Microsoft's virtualization products:
- check out this InfoWorld article

Vista gets the cold shoulder

Mon, 19 May 2008 06:59:59 -0400

A new survey has found that fewer than 1 in 12 programmers currently are writing applications targeting Windows Vista, with most still sticking with ASP.Net and Windows Forms applications and finding that most of Windows XP's legacy technologies work fine in Vista

Yet some warn it's premature to call Vista a flop with developers. Despite the 140 million copies Microsoft claims to have shipped, the market hasn't reached a tipping point yet, they say.

To explore the ups and downs of Vista:
- see this infoworld.com article

HP working to fix Windows XP SP3 problems

Paul Mah — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:26:19 -0400

HP has confirmed that the existence of an endless-reboot problem with certain systems that are based on processors from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) after the installation of Windows XP service pack 3 (SP3). Working in tandem with Microsoft, HP says it is attempting to fix the problem. A patch is expected to be released and distributed to customers this week via its automated HP Update service that will nullify the endless reboot problems, among other issues.

The reboot problem appeared to stem from the fact that HP utilized the same images meant for Intel-based system with those running on AMD-based systems. Upon booting up, SP3 searches in vain for a non-existent Intel driver, resulting in an endless loop. If you are affected, you might want to check out this article on how to recover from this error.

For more on HP and Windows XP:
- check out this eWeek article

Windows XP comes to OLPC

Paul Mah — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:21:14 -0400

Limited trials of Windows XP on the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) are slated to begin next month in "four or five" countries. The general availability of Windows XP on OLPC's XO laptop will follow and could come as early as September of this year.

Putting Windows on the XO laptop will cost $3 per machine. This is the same licensing fee that Microsoft charges under its Unlimited Potential scheme that it makes available to some developing countries. The decision to consider Windows XP in the first place appears to stem from the reluctance of governments and educational ministries to settle for a machine that does not run Windows, the dominant operating system. As founder Nicholas Negroponte noted: "These people are much more comfortable with Windows."

For more about Windows XP on the OLPC:
- check out the New York Times article

Microsoft green lights XP SP3 and Vista SP1

Mehan Jayasuriya — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:55:43 -0400

Been waiting with baited breath for Microsoft to resume downloads for Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1? Breathe a sigh of relief. The company apparently has managed to sort out those pesky Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) compatibility issues that kept the two service packs grounded for a week. XP SP3 is now available via both Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center, and automatic distribution of Vista SP1 has resumed. Go forth and upgrade, Microsofties.

To download and install the service packs:
- visit Microsoft TechNet