Microsoft: Windows XP SP 2 Nears Retirement

Windows XP Service Pack 2 retirement

Plainly stated on Microsoft’s site, but looking more like a list of expiration dates, is the ‘retirement’ of all current software in Microsoft’s lineup. Windows XP SP2 is on the chopping block. If you’re using SP2, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be upgrading to SP3. But SP3 only buys you time, not a solution. SP3’s termination comes…

If you’re using Vista, you’re in the clear ’till 2013 with the latest service pack installed (SP2).

More importantly, anyone using the Windows 7 RC needs to start taking action to backup data, or upgrade to a real version of Windows 7. Come March 2010, the release candidate will expire — which means users will only have two hours of uptime before the OS shuts itself down, without warning. Backup, backup, backup. Why? Because you can’t do a ‘direct upgrade’ to a real version of Windows 7. You actually have to format and fresh install.

Banging the Windows 7 Drum

But what’s with all the buzz going on about this? It’s no surprise that Microsoft phases out these OSes. But maybe the media buzz is designed to get people thinking more about Windows 7. Nearly unanimously agreed by all, Windows 7 is the best OS Microsoft has put out in a long time, and it runs on Windows XP era machines smoothly.

With the Vista debacle behind them, Microsoft continues to fuel the Windows 7 marketing machine.

Still, how many VARs and MSPs are cashing in on Windows 7. Early channel reports seemed promising. But some industry pundits say Windows 7 projects aren’t materializing as quickly as the market had hoped.

Regardless, Microsoft’s older operating systems are showing their age — and heading toward retirement.