You probably already know the story by now. According to Microsoft’s sales policy, as of June 30, 2008 you can no longer (easily at least) purchase a new computer preloaded with Windows XP. Whether or not you like or agree with this and regardless of anyone’s opinion of Windows Vista, this is just the way it is.

Windows XP On A New System: Your Options

So happens if you want to purchase a new computer and run Windows XP on it? Fortunately, you still have several options available. Please keep in mind, these are options available at the time of this writing and are subject to change without any notice.

• Order through the business division: The most common way people purchase new systems is through a major system builder such as Dell, HP or Sony (just to name a few). If you are a typical home user, you are not going (or at least will be extremely hard pressed) to find a system either on the showroom floor or on the respective web site preloaded with Windows XP. Everything is going to be Vista. However, the “loophole” to this is by ordering your new PC through the business division.
  Using two of the more popular PC builders, the Dell and HP business divisions both offer Windows XP preloaded. Granted, the preloaded XP option may cost more or require some kind of commitment on your part (Dell’s policy / HP’s policy). As an alternate to XP preinstalled, both offer to have your business system shipped with a Windows XP downgrade disc which you can use to manually downgrade.
  A potential roadblock with this method is you need to be ordering the PC on behalf of a business. To qualify, you would either need to have your own business or have worked out some kind of arrangement with your employer. Of course, (not that I am endorsing this) if you have the “moral flexibility” to tell some white lies, you may be able to weasel your way into order a system without this requirement.
• Order your PC from a local system builder: Have you ever considered having a system built by your local strip mall “mom and pop” PC store? Since systems built by people here are made to order in the purest form, they can probably do anything you want… including loading Windows XP as your operating system.
• Go refurbished: Traditionally, purchasing a refurbished system is a cheaper alternative to purchasing a new computer of equal specifications, but in this case it is a great way to get a “new” Windows XP machine. A great place to look for refurbished deals is Dell Outlet or HP’s refurbished listings. At the time of this writing, I found several desktop and laptop machines on Dell Outlet with impressive specs preloaded with Windows XP readily available.
• Purchase your system on Ebay: Ebay, the place where you can get anything… including a Windows XP computer. Whether you want a new or used system, you can find one here. Many local system builder types will post listings on Ebay, so if the local PC stores in your area cannot build what you need, take a look here.
• Find a hand-me-down: Is someone you know getting rid of an XP system? If so, offer to buy it from them. While the system is not new, it would be new to you. On top of this, you can probably get it at a heavily “discounted” price.

Purchasing A (Legal) Copy Of Windows XP: Your Options

If you are the do-it-yourself type, fortunately not too much has changed for you (at the time of this writing at least).

• Purchase through an “e-tailer”: While you probably are not going to find Windows XP on the shelf of many brick and mortar retailers, copies can still be readily purchased from major online retailers such as Amazon or NewEgg.
• Ebay: Need I say more? Just make sure you are purchasing a legal copy.
• Transfer the copy from your existing machine: This is an option if your Windows License allows it. Of course, you will have to uninstall Windows XP from your previous machine (i.e. wipe the hard drive) before installing it on your new PC.

Did I Miss Anything?

I am not declaring this to be a definite list of all the available options, so if I missed something, please share in the comments.

Enjoy your XP.