The wire said that some consumers are seeking out machines equipped with the more compatible Windows XP and PC makers and retailers are re-introducing the OS into product lines. HP, Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba are all offering XP machines.

Craig Rabe, owner of the Computer Cafe, an independent computer store in Arlington, Massachusetts, said he received so many complaints about Vista he stopped selling machines loaded with the software.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has told its freshmen to buy PCs loaded with Windows XP. One day MIT will start supporting Vista, a spokesman said. But not yet.

Comp USA has a huge range of XP machines which it is planning flog during the back-to-school sales season. Circuit City wants to sell nine XP models on its Web site.

Even the Windows User Group admit that a switch to Vista can be a bit uncomfortable. Vole says that it has done its best, but there will always be products that do not work with Vista. However it points out that those who upgrade were happy with it.

More here. µ