Windows 7 RC Expiration

  • March 1, 2010 – Windows 7 RC pre-expiration shut downs begin.
    Beginning March 1, the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will start to shut down every two hours in preparation for its expiration on June 1, 2010. That means you will need to migrate your RC systems to a released to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows 7; or your previous operating system. Remember to back up all your data as either option will require a clean installation.

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Support for Windows Vista RTM Ends

  • April 13, 2010 – Support for Windows Vista RTM ends.
    To help ensure your Windows Vista PCs stay secure and up to date, make sure they are running Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Service Pack 2 (SP2).

Support for Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 Ends

  • July 13, 2010 – Support for Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2000 ends.
    If you are running Windows XP, stay more secure by moving to Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) or migrating to Windows 7.

Updating your Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Vista–based PCs before the end of mainstream support dates will ensure that your PCs stay supported and receive security updates. Migrating to Windows 7 provides the longest support lifecycle for your organization, helping to ensure protection, support, and timely updates.

End of Support

Visit our new End of Support center when it goes live Feb 18th @ www.microsoft.com/eos. For more information on Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Server End of Support visit Windows 2000 End of Support Solution Center. 

Testing/Evaluating Windows 7 and More

There are a number of downloads providing a great opportunity for you to  test/evaluate a full version of Windows 7 Enterprise, and a number of solutions as well: