Microsoft retires OEM version Windows XP in 2008

By the end of January 2008 the Software Giant Microsoft will stop Windows XP of being available on new PCs. The software giant will still deliver the retail version. This decision affects all the versions of the operating system to make way for Windows Vista.

Microsoft has confirmed that from 31 January 2008 large PC makers, such as Dell, HP and Toshiba, will no longer be able to buy licences for the software so they can install it on new machines. Yet Robert Epstein, Microsoft's European spokesman on Windows licencing claimed that support for XP will be continued for a considerable time.

Vista is available in six separate versions - three for home users, two for businesses and one for emerging markets.