14 DAY TRIAL // There’s now less than a month until the second service pack for Windows XP expires completely. Support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is set to expire come next month in accordance with Microsoft’s Service Pack Support policy. According to the Redmond company, “Support ends 24 months after the next service pack releases or at the end of the product's support lifecycle, whichever comes first.” On July 13th, it will be two years since Microsoft released the third service pack for XP.
But XP SP2’s imminent death will not be alone. On July 13th, all releases of Windows 2000 will expire, as the operating system version will have reached the end of the Extended support phase. While XP users will still be able to continue receiving support, provided that they upgrade to SP3, the same is not valid for Windows 2000 customers, who will have a dead platform on their hands.
“A reminder that Microsoft recommends customers using platforms that are near the end their support update to the latest supported service packs or to the latest operating systems,” Jerry Bryant, group manager, response communications, Microsoft, told me last week.
“This move will ensure those customers continue to receive security updates. Of note:
“• Windows XP Service Pack 2 will no longer be supported after July 13, 2010. Customers are encouraged to upgrade to Service Pack 3 or to Windows 7 as soon as possible.
“• Extended support for Windows 2000 will end on July 13, 2010. After that time, Microsoft will no longer provide security or any other updates for Windows 2000,” he added.
Continuing to run the XP SP2 of Windows 2000 represents a critical security liability for any environment. Microsoft will not provide any sort of support for XP SP2 or Windows 2000 as of July 13th, 2010, including security updates, hotfixes or assisted support from Microsoft Customer Service & Support.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Final is available for download here.
Microsoft Windows 7 90-Day Eval VHD is available for download here.
Another Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.