Q: So I am about to order a new laptop from Dell and was frustrated when it only gave me to option of Windows Vista. I absolutely positively DO NOT want Vista, I want XP. I did a live chat with an agent and he tried to tell me Microsoft pulled XP off of the market. I know that is not true since I can order XP online or go to my local CompUSA and buy it...but can you really not get XP on a Dell personal configured laptop anymore?? Vista S-U-X!! Anything I can do outside of buying XP and deleting Vista??
A: Dealers have been forbidden by M$ to install WinXP on new machines since 6-30-08......... Support for XP will be available as late as 2014 on a decreasing scale..........A less robust version of XP is being installed on new, barebones, beginner types of computers that will be distributed to 3rd world countries and will be available here as well in the US........ but they won't be able to have features added to make them like the full flavor XP............... Sounds like M$ is doing everything and anything to make folks go to Win Vista but even though it has been out about a year and a half now, many businesses and a heck of a lot of the general public like us don't want it, won't get it, and are staying with XP.... You can still get XP on Dells, it is just that it is Vista OS that is "downgradable" to WinXP - to use the M$ terminology..... Any Dell machines, or any other brands, that were built prior to 6-30-08 can and do have WinXP on them... so might be just a matter of shopping around a bit, but you can still find them........ Just won't be able to get one if you call Dell and order up a machine to your liking and needs... it just won't be able to have XP on it......... It is not dealer decision, but from Microsoft - M$