PC makers such as Dell and HP have removed XP from the computers they sell. Users of Windows XP will not be able to continue using Windows XP on new computers, but will have to first purchase Vista Ultimate or Vista Business in order to legally "downgrade" to XP. Starting Monday, Microsoft will stop selling Windows XP to retailers and large computer manufacturers. However, some PC users have said that they do not wish to be forced to use Vista.
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 on the InfoWorld website called "Save XP," demanding that Microsoft 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.
Last week, Microsoft stated that it would continue to provide technical support for Windows XP for the next six years, until 2014, rather than the originally planned 2009.