Microsoft ends sales of Windows XP starting Monday

According to foreign media reports, Microsoft will stop selling Windows XP to retailers and large computer manufacturers starting from Monday. However, some PC users have said that they do not want to be forced to use Vista.

Once PC manufacturers like Dell and HP sell out of computers with XP installed, users who want to continue using Windows XP on a new computer won't be able to. They will have to first purchase Vista Ultimate or Vista Business in order to legally "downgrade" to XP.

However, Microsoft will continue to allow small PC companies to purchase Windows XP until the end of January next year. Ultra-low-cost computers like the Asus Eee PC will still support some version of XP.

Some computer users have initiated a petition campaign called "Save XP" on the InfoWorld website, urging Microsoft to continue selling the XP system until the launch of the new Windows 7 system. Software developers for Windows 7 have indicated that the software is expected to be released at some point in 2009.

Microsoft stated last week that it will continue to provide technical support for Windows XP for the next six years, until 2014, instead of the originally planned 2009.