One more time, YES, THEY WILL for a long time (maybe longer than you even need)

As for my opinion, activation for Windows XP might even not be dropped for ever (for as long as Windows exist anyway, LOL). The activation procedure is also there in Windows Vista and is quite sure to be included in all future Windows Editions. So as long as the activation servers continue running, support for previous versions is virtually resource free for Microsoft.

A comment on: Will Microsoft continue to support activating and patching Windows XP after they stop selling it?

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New computers with XP Pro pre-installed can be had from Dell and HP assuming you are willing to buy and pay for the business or Ultimate versions of Vista.
New ultra-small ultra-cheap laptops will still be sold with XP Home edition.
Smaller PC vendors, referred to by Microsoft as system builders, will still be able to sell either XP Home or XP Pro on any computer, even after June 30th.
New retail copies of XP will no longer be sold by Microsoft, but existing copies that stores have in inventory can, I think, still be sold.
There are also OEM copies of Windows OS CDs, that differ legally, but not technically, from the retail shrink-wrapped copies of XP. I'm not sure what the rules are there.

A comment on: Will Microsoft continue to support activating and patching Windows XP after they stop selling it?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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All content Copyright © 2008.