Windows XP x64 Deadline?

[pcguideuser745]

As you may or may not know, Windows XP x64 can be acquired through Microsoft's Technology Advancement Program, which states that in order to be eligible for the software, your computer must have been built between March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2005. In addition, it clearly states that the Technology Advancement Program ends on July 31, 2005.

So I have two questions: (1) what happens if you purchase an x64 computer after the specified dates? (between march 2003 and june of this year). does that mean you cannot run Windows x64 on your computer?
Also (2) When it says that the Technology Advancement Program will end on July 31, 2005, does that mean that after that, no more orders will be accepted for the 64-bit version of Windows?

I guess I'll throw another one in...(3)if Windows x64 will not run on a computer built after June 30, 2005, what would happen if I purchased Windows x64 now (before the Technology Advancement Program ends) and waited to purchase my computer later? Would I still be able to run Windows x64?

**Note: I am planning on building my own computer (purchasing the hardware separately, then putting it all together). I am not a fan of preconfigured systems.

(The reason I am asking this is it makes no sense to me why Microsoft would put the "June 30, 2005" deadline. It just doesn't make any sense to me.)

Thanks for all the help.

[ErnieK]

I think this refers to the post I made a few weeks ago about MS offering a trial download of WinXP 64 which expires at midnight on July 31st 2005
See this link: http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=37634&highlight=XP64

The specs MS supplies means that it should run on a computer (with correct hardware) made between these dates. The full version will also continue to run as per normal windows running after this date. After the expiry date the trial verison will no longer work and you will have to purchase full version which will be released at somepoint in the near future.

I hope this explains it clear enough.

[pcguideuser745]

Hmmm, well that still leaves me puzzled.

The specs MS supplies means that it should run on a computer (with correct hardware) made between these dates.

So is Microsoft saying that if you build your own computer after June 30, 2005, it will not work? That doesn't make any sense.


The full version will also continue to run as per normal windows running after this date. After the expiry date the trial verison will no longer work and you will have to purchase full version which will be released at somepoint in the near future.

Um, I'm not talking about the trial version of Windows x64, and it is already possible to exchange your 32-bit version of Windows XP Pro for the Windows x64 edition.

(Ok, so it makes sense to me that Microsoft is ending the Technology Advancement Program at the end of this month. (As in, they will not be accepting any more orders for Windows x64 edition after this month.) What does NOT make sense to me, is why Microsoft has set an explicit timeframe which implies that all computers built after June 30, 2005 will NOT be able to run Windows x64. That June 30 date just doesn't make any sense to me. Why would Microsoft "stop" it right there?)

**Keeping in mind that Microsoft states that in order to be eligible to get Windows x64, your computer must have been built or purchased between the dates of March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2005.