Dell extends sales of Windows XP systems

Dell has extended the time it will sell systems preloaded with Windows XP, citing customer demand for the older operating system..

The company had started to charge purchasers of certain lines to downgrade the operating system from Vista to XP from last week. However the company has now said on its web site that XP machines will still be available in the Inspiron and XPS range.

“We are able to offer the opportunity to purchase a Dell desktop with an OEM Windows XP license until June 26 at 5:59 AM central time,” said the company.

“After June 26th you have the option to purchase Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate with a downgrade service to Windows XP Professional. This option will be available on XPS 630, 720 H2C, and M1730 systems. After June 26th, Windows XP will no longer be offered on currently available Inspiron laptops and desktops.”

Microsoft has said it will stop selling XP licenses on June 30th, except for low end systems like the OLPC. However Dell, HP and Lenovo have all said they will continue to sell XP as a downgrade option.

The decision reflects the continued unpopularity of the Vista operating system, both among customers and developers. Microsoft has already extended the deadline for ending XP sales by six months but is unlikely to do so again.