Although it’s going to be around well into the next decade, and will benefit from Extended support until 2014, Windows XP is almost out, with OEMs having just another three months to offer it preinstalled on new machines. Until October 22nd, 2010, original equipment manufacturers will still be able to sell netbooks, or ultra low cost PCs, sporting Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). However, after the first year since the launch of Windows Vista’s successor, Windows 7 will push the Windows OS released in 2001 out, and become the only option for new netbooks. In this context, the software giant is telling members of the Microsoft Partner Network to point their customers to Windows 7.

“After October 22, 2010, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system builders will no longer be able to manufacture netbook PCs that run the Windows XP operating system. Take this into account when making manufacturing and assortment decisions. And inform customers that many OEMs are already producing netbook PCs that run Windows 7,” Microsoft informs on the website dedicated to its partners.

Of course, Microsoft will continue to allow OEMs to sell XP. The Redmond company announced changes to the Windows lifecycle policy and sales availability recently, and also made it clear that volume licensing agreements allow OEMs to provide their customers with XP on new computers. However, this will only be possible in the context in which new Windows 7 PCs are purchased, featuring the SKUs which, in concert with volume licensing agreement provide downgrade rights.

At the same time, 2010 brought with it the end of support deadline for two older releases of Windows. “Microsoft support for the Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) operating system ended July 13, 2010; support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended April 13, 2010. Advise your customers against running an unsupported operating system and encourage your customers to upgrade to the Windows 7 operating system,” reads the Redmond company’s advice for its Partners.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta are available for download here.

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