Is there a free Download of Windows XP?

Created 2001-04-08 by Rainer Gerhards.

Windows XP is made available by Microsoft via a preview program. Unfortunately, there is no totally free way to obtain a copy. Microsoft charges a fee of $9.95 to participate in the preview. For this fee, registrants can download Windows XP RC1 and RC2 as soon as it is availbale. This is not expected before mid-2001!

According to Microsoft, MSDN universal subscribers will receive Windows XP beta 2 CDs via their May shipping. So there should be no need to register for the preview program if you are a MSN universal subscriber. Microsoft has also said that beta 2 will be available for MDSN subscriber downloads shortly - so it might be a good idea to check the subscriber area if you are in urgent need.

To register for the preview program, please visit Microsoft's site at

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/preview/default.asp

This site also contains full terms and conditions on the preview program. Be sure to check them before ordering.