Microsoft allows downgrades to XP for PC makers.

[Gary]

I noticed this article on ZDnet UK.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/0,1000000121,39289592,00.htm
It seems that Microsoft is still allowing pc manufacturers to use XP as a viable alternative to Vista partly because of its graphics and memory needs and allowing downgrades to users, this seems particularly important to business users even though vista was pushed out to the business sector almost a year ago.

[Rik]

I wonder whether this will extend beyond the current January 31, 'expiry' for XP, Gary?

[Gary]

Well Microsoft want that to stop that but the demand is there amongst the companies so with XP still making up a considerable amount of their sales revenue, see this link about that. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,134908-page,1/article.html In the light of this I'm not so sure they will adhere to that date Rik. There is an interesting Blog  which gives a little glimpse inside the Microsoft machine Rik, here is the link. http://minimsft.blogspot.com/ it makes good reading but how long it will go on for I don't know, the person is already flying close to the edge.

[Rik]

Very interesting. The American work ethos is strange. I can remember my contacts at Adobe would go on vacation, but take a notebook and log in every day just to keep an eye on things.

[Gary]

Indeed their ethic is odd, I find it interesting that Microsoft see a big chunk of revenue still coming in from XP, I know a few Microsoft die hards who have moved to mac's for the advantages of processing power without the overheads of Vista and dual boot if they need windows using XP Pro, one actually works for Microsoft. I myself am considering this, wife allowing of course 

[Rik]

Wives can be a big restriction on dual-booting.

[Gary]

Wives can be a big restriction on dual-booting.

[MoHux]

  (dual-booting!!)

[Rik]

But wouldn't a dual-boot require the use of both feet simultaneously? 

[MoHux]

Bend over ....... we'll find out!! 

[Rik]

I'm bending, but I can't see your feet from here. Sue, otoh, is sneaking up with a strange look on her face!! 

[Gary]

For the love of money run Rik Run 

[Lance]

I'm bending, but I can't see your feet from here. Sue, otoh, is sneaking up with a strange look on her face!! 

Probably hoping there isn't going to be an escape of wind!

[Rik]

You may just have a point, Lance.

[Noreen]

Windows XP Direct OEM and retail license availability extended to 6/30/2008 effective today. Previously, the OEM and retail license cut-off date was January 31, 2008.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

[Rik]

Interesting and, imo, good news, Noreen. Thanks for posting.

[Noreen]

I think so too. If I decide to get a new laptop I'd like to get one with XP if I can.

[Gary]

I thought they would have to do that, we talked about the probability at the beginning of this thread Rik, we also have XP sp3 to look forward to which really is just a bunch of bug fixes I think, but I wonder if they will keep on schedule for that now considering the demand for xp still?

[Gary]

I think so too. If I decide to get a new laptop I'd like to get one with XP if I can.

Lap tops are the ones that seem to suffer with Vista's power requirements the most Noreen, but that could all change with SP1 I suppose, but most online pc builders should be able to equip you with XP it seems now 

[Rik]

As you know, Gary, I've long had the feeling that Vista has become a bit like Me was - effectively an interim release. If others, particularly business customers, are responding in the same way, it would make sense of the M$ move, and would suggest that SP3 will gain extra impetus.

Time will tell.

[Gary]

As you know, Gary, I've long had the feeling that Vista has become a bit like Me was - effectively an interim release. If others, particularly business customers, are responding in the same way, it would make sense of the M$ move, and would suggest that SP3 will gain extra impetus.

Time will tell.

Well Vista's replacement is meant to be in 2009 and I can't see them making the error they did with bringing Vista out so late after XP, also if Vista sales do not pick up, and with the demand for XP going strong late 2009 should be about right for a new OS.

[Gary]

Quote from the BBC for manufactures concerning the XP date extension.  "The XP date change applies to retailers and other manufacturers who sell Microsoft products. Independent firms that use Windows XP when installing and maintaining computers and networks for businesses can continue to offer it as an option until 30 January 2009"

[Rik]

I also noted the reference to maintaining sales for lower powered machines...

[Rik]

with the demand for XP going strong late 2009 should be about right for a new OS.

That's my gut feeling.

[mogden]

Late 2009 should be about right for a new OS.

Here's hoping it finally has a robust file system and registry. Bought SWMBO a laptop with Vista and it's - er - strange. Like doing some jobs incredibly fast and taking an age to do 'simpler' tasks like file copying.

Also the wireless keyboard and mouse will only work if they're plugged into one of the USB ports - use the wrong one and she don' work. But the Skype phone is fine in any of them. 

I do love the file explorer and the interface however!

[Rik]

A curate's egg vote from you, then?

[Gary]

Here's hoping there is no registry  oh that would be so good

[Rik]

You sure that wasn't a rectory?? 

[mogden]

You sure that wasn't a rectory?? 

Plug and pray? 

Sorry, couldn't resist!

[Rik]

You're going to fit in just fine, Matt.

[Simon]

One thing I can't get sorted in Vista is my files and folders.  On my laptop, the hard drive is partitioned 'C' and 'D'.  If I move all my data folders (Pictures, Music, Documents, etc) to the 'D' drive, it still insists on creating duplicate folders on the 'C' drive, which I don't need.  I'm sure there's a solution, but it's very irritating all the same, when you tell a machine to do something, and it thinks it knows best!

[Rik]

it's very irritating all the same, when you tell a machine to do something, and it thinks it knows best!

I've always hated it when an OS or app does that to me. I prefer to decide for myself how I organise my machine.

[Gary]

I've always hated it when an OS or app does that to me. I prefer to decide for myself how I organise my machine.

I like to organise my machine into the following: working or off

[Rik]

What is this off of which you speak?

[Simon]

What is this off of which you speak?

That's asking for trouble, Rik!  So many things can precede 'off'. 

[Gary]

What is this off of which you speak?

It is the state after electricity has ceased to be used by in huge amounts and then in theory only the steady trickle to the motherboard after shutting down, which seems more like a stream via the UPS, all of which my my wife points at in our electricity bills Rik 

[Rik]

 

Don't let her near a power meter then, whatever you do.

[Gary]

Don't let her near a power meter then, whatever you do.

That piece of information could save me a lynching  8)

[Lance]

One thing I can't get sorted in Vista is my files and folders.  On my laptop, the hard drive is partitioned 'C' and 'D'.  If I move all my data folders (Pictures, Music, Documents, etc) to the 'D' drive, it still insists on creating duplicate folders on the 'C' drive, which I don't need.  I'm sure there's a solution, but it's very irritating all the same, when you tell a machine to do something, and it thinks it knows best!

Have you actually told the machine where the new path is? I wonder if it is creating the duplicate folders because the folders aren't where it expects them to be.

To change them, right click on the folder (ie Documents) in the start menu, click properties at the bottom, and then the location tab. On there you should be able to repoint the operating system to the right place.

[mogden]

One thing I can't get sorted in Vista is my files and folders.  On my laptop, the hard drive is partitioned 'C' and 'D'.  If I move all my data folders (Pictures, Music, Documents, etc) to the 'D' drive, it still insists on creating duplicate folders on the 'C' drive, which I don't need.  I'm sure there's a solution, but it's very irritating all the same, when you tell a machine to do something, and it thinks it knows best!

This is less to do with Vista and more to do with the partitions. Windows' default action has always been to move on the same disk and copy onto another disk.

If you hold down the shift key when you drag and drop, it moves the files instead of copying them. Alternatively, select files - right-click - cut (Ctrl x), find destination - right-click - paste (Ctrl v)

HTH

[Lance]

But moving the files won't make Windows realise that you want to move the location of the 'default folders'. To do that in Vista you have to do as I have posted above.

I have done it today, for my pictures and music folders, and so far no duplicate folders have appeared!

[Simon]

Thanks guys, will give that a try.