[. . . ] The newer operating systems, with a wider range of capabilities to support recent advances in . retirement date can take advantage of Compaq's Software Image Management Services (SIMS) fee. Please refer to http://www. compaq. com/solutions/pcsolutions/image_mgmt. html for . After June 30, 2002, Microsoft will only make Windows 98 SE and NT 4. 0 products available as: . [. . . ] For business applications, Compaq and Microsoft strongly recommend upgrading to Windows XP . Customers may also consider migrating to Windows 2000 Professional, however, based . on the current Microsoft OS lifecycle guidelines, Windows 2000 is scheduled to enter the "extended . phase" on March 31, 2003, therefore, OEMs will no longer be allowed to offer pre-installation of this . Customers requiring Windows 98 SE or NT 4. 0 after July 1, 2002 have two options: . After July 1, 2002, eligible customers will still have the option of purchasing new computer . depending on whether or not customer has any Microsoft Volume Licensing agreements. Pre-installation of these operating systems on new Compaq computers will be available . requests on supported platforms (operating system was qualified for the particular platform . through their sales or account representative who would then utilize the PC Custom . Please refer to http://www. compaq. com/solutions/pcsolutions/pc_custom. html for more . enhancements and features in Windows XP and Windows 2000 maximize the client . If I buy Compaq computers preinstalled with Windows XP Professional, can I change . The End User License Agreement (EULA) for Windows XP Professional allows for . downgrade to Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows NT Workstation 4. 0 or Windows 2000 . Main benefit: Customers can later reinstall the Windows XP Professional Edition on their . * This downgrade provision is not applicable to any other operating system. The Compaq Restore CD that is shipped in the computer box can be used later to restore the . Will the Windows XP Professional EULA (End User License Agreement) allow me to . No, the Windows XP Professional EULA doesn't allow for downgrades to these operating . If I want to downgrade, does Compaq provide the alternate operating system?No, the Windows XP Professional EULA specifies that neither Compaq nor Microsoft will . [. . . ] Will all new Evo notebook, desktop and workstation models support Windows 98 SE . Compaq will continue to support its customers throughout this transition. hardware technologies are introduced, it is important to remember that older operating . vendors will discontinue the development of Windows 98 SE and NT 4. 0 drivers in the . [. . . ]