Windows 2000 Support Ends

The Windows 2000 operating system will reach the end of its supported lifecycle at Northwestern on August 31, 2005. In the interest of ongoing support and security, NUIT highly recommends upgrading to Windows XP as soon as possible.

Operating systems have limited lifespans, and NUIT support for Windows 2000 will end as of August 31, 2005. Although workstations running that operating system will still function after August 31, NUIT Support Center staff will no longer provide troubleshooting or configuration assistance for Windows 2000.

NUIT attempts to support operating systems for slightly longer than announced plans by the manufacturers. Microsoft has discontinued its own support of Windows 2000 and will support only Windows XP until the scheduled release of Windows Vista, the next version of the Windows operating system, in late 2006.

Microsoft will extend its critical, security-related patch support for Windows 2000. However, Microsoft does not assure compliance with new hardware or software, and new software implemented within the University will not be tested for serviceability under Windows 2000. This may lead to loss of functions or productivity.

For this reason, NUIT recommends that Windows 2000 users upgrade to Windows XP as soon as possible while waiting for Microsoft to release Windows Vista. Any new Windows-based workstations should ship with Windows XP. Departments should take this into consideration when preparing operating budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

Information on minimum hardware requirements, as well as guidance on NUIT's overall support structure for Windows, is available from the NUIT Software site.

Upgrade to Windows XP before August 31.

• Faculty and staff can find information on purchasing the Windows XP Professional Upgrade at a significant discount on the NUIT Software site, or can e-mail questions@software.northwestern.edu.
• Students can find information on upgrading to Windows XP through Microsoft Student Select.

• Departments may choose to contact NUIT Distributed Support Services by calling 847-491-HELP (1-4357).

• NUIT ends Windows 2000 support August 31; Windows XP upgrade recommended ( PDF 29K)
• NUIT announces timeline for Windows OS support (8/02 bulk e-mail) ( PDF 7K)
• NUIT announces timeline for Windows support (Press release, 8/02) ( PDF 99K)
• eCommunicator--Spring 2005 ( PDF 1017K)
• eCommunicator--Winter 2005 ( PDF 673K)

NUIT Support Center

Central helpdesk for faculty, staff, and students.
847-491-HELP (4357)
consultant@northwestern.edu