Microsoft creates new product keys for still popular Windows XP

It's not secret that a lot of folks are less than pleased with Windows Vista. And while Windows XP has been on the shelves for more than 5 years, Microsoft's longest-reigning operating system still suits the needs of computer users.

But it turns out that there's a downside to having an operating system that's been as popular as XP for as long as 5+ years. You eventually start to run out of working product activation keys.

Microsoft has created a new build of Windows XP Professional called SP2c. It's virtually identical to Windows XP Professional SP2. But it includes new product activation keys. SP2c will be available to computer makers and resellers within the next month, and will help support the availability of Windows XP Professional through January 31, 2009.

There's no word of updates for Windows XP Home, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC edition, or Professional 64-bit edition.

[via Computer World]

Tags: activation, osupdates, product activation, ProductActivation, sp2c, windows xp, WindowsXp