Microsoft to introduce compulsory XP upgrade scheme

But perhaps more importantly, it is moving into the final phase of its Windows Genuine Advantage scheme, which will prevent pirated copies of Windows XP from downloading anything but the most critical downloads.

It's been piloting this in the English language since September 16th.

Reuben Braham, from Microsoft EMEA said it would be offering Microsoft Windows Genuine Advantage over the next 12 months. This effectively means that non-genuine copies of Windows won't get any of the Microsoft upgrades. Microsoft's web site will launch the scheme first on October 27th, to Norwegian Czech and Chinese languages. In the beginning of next year it will launch it throughout the European area. It's not compulsory yet, Microsoft said, so it is going to be compulsory eventually, we think.

Security updates that are critical will be downloadable, said Microsoft.

In the next financial year, the USA, Red China, and Russia will be the major factors fuelling the Vole's growth.