XP was doomed by Microsoft to promote Vista, but it has received yet another stay, confirmed reports.

The software giant has confirmed that it will continue offering XP on new PCs for another six months. Instead of the downgrade option, the computer makers will be able to obtain media for XP through the end of July 2009.  

The change comes in view of the shift in policy and it is been presumed that XP will be widely available long after July 31, 2009. . Earlier, Microsoft had planned to halt XP Professional media shipments to major computer makers after Jan. 31, 2009.

Jan. 31was also announced as the last date granted to system builders to purchase Windows XP licenses to install on the machines they assemble. The system-builder's deadline has not changed, and remains Jan. 31.

Even some PC makers like HP, have claimed that they will continue offering downgrades on computers even after Jan. 31 deadline.

Microsoft has sent Windows XP into semiretirement last June by withdrawing Windows XP Home from use on new PCs and allowed XP Professional to be installed as a Vista downgrade.

The extended availability will benefit users in terms of purchasing XP-powered PCs through next July, just months before Microsoft plans to roll out Windows 7, the successor to Vista.

Vinod Negi/ITVoir Network