Windows 2000 Support ends on July 13, 2010
What does End-of-Support really mean? It means that there will not be any new fixes for Windows 2000. For the last few years, security fixes have been the only fixes provided; after July 13, 2010, there will not be any more fixes released. We have the Windows 2000 End-of-Support Solution Center here.
After July 13, 2010, Self-Help Online support will be the only assistance available from Microsoft for Windows 2000.
Self-Help Online Support
Self-Help Online Support is available throughout a product's lifecycle and for a minimum of 12 months after the product reaches the end of its support. Microsoft online Knowledge Base articles, FAQs, troubleshooting tools, and other resources, are provided to help customers resolve common issues.
We have the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy FAQ, but I want to point out a few questions and answers that caught my eye:
2. Does this policy affect U.S. customers only, or is this policy global?
The Microsoft Support Lifecycle (MSL) policy is a worldwide policy. However, Microsoft understands that local laws, market conditions, and support requirements differ around the world and differ by industry sector. Therefore, Microsoft offers custom support relationships that go beyond the Extended Support phase. These custom support relationships may include assisted support and hotfix support, and may extend beyond 10 years from the date a product becomes generally available. Strategic Microsoft partners may also offer support beyond the Extended Support phase. Customers and partners can contact their account team or their local Microsoft representative for more information.
12. After the Microsoft assisted and paid support offerings have ended, what are my options if I want to continue to receive support?
Microsoft has created a Web site that lists the support options that are available for Microsoft products that no longer receive assisted support from Microsoft. For more information, visit the Retired Product Support Options Web site.
20. How long can I legally use Microsoft software after I have licensed it? Is the term of my software license affected by the Support Lifecycle policy?
The Support Lifecycle policy has no effect on how long you can use a product. The Support Lifecycle policy outlines how long Microsoft will provide technical support for products.
23. How long will security updates be available?
Microsoft will provide security updates at no charge for most products as follows:
- Business and Development Software
Security updates are available on the Windows Update Web site to all customers until the end of the Extended Support phase at no additional cost for most products. That phase consists of five years of Mainstream Support plus five years of Extended Support. Security updates will apply only to the supported service packs for these products. Customers do not have to sign up for an Extended Support contract to receive security updates during the Extended Support phase. For more information about the support timeline for a specific product, visit the Select a Product for Lifecycle Information site (products listed by Product Family) or the Support Lifecycle Index site.
I’ve taken a screen shot of the Windows 2000 Server Product Lifecycle page to highlight this announcement.
* This information and image was taken on 3/9/2010, please check the Product Lifecycle page for additional updates. Click on the Lifecycle image to jump to this Microsoft Support Lifecycle page for Windows 2000 Server. Please also check out the Microsoft Policy Disclaimer and Change Notice here: https://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/legal/policy/online_disclaimer.asp
Until next time,
Rob
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