News release

Compaq Announces Strong Support for Microsoft's Windows XP Ready Program

Continuing its commitment to its customers, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) today announced that beginning in late June, its most popular new home, home office and business desktop and notebook PCs sold in the U.S. will be shipped with all the hardware requirements to support the upcoming October 25 release of Windows XP, Microsoft's robust new Windows operating system. The company is also announcing an upgrade program for all Windows XP Ready PCs purchased in the next six months.

"As a strong partner for over 15 years, Compaq has worked extraordinarily close with Microsoft throughout the extensive development and beta test phase of Windows XP," said Mike Larson, senior vice president and general manager, Access Business Group. "Compaq's number one goal is to promote its broad desktop and notebook support for Windows XP across its commercial and consumer product lineups via Microsoft's 'Windows XP Ready Program' and by ensuring Compaq's PCs are easy to upgrade to this breakthrough new operating system when it ships on October 25."

"As excitement for Windows XP continues to grow, Microsoft is pleased that Compaq is already offering PCs that meet the system requirements to run Windows XP," said John Frederiksen, general manager, Microsoft Corp. "A Windows XP Ready PC is an ideal solution for customers in need of a new PC today. Microsoft and Compaq continue to work together to ensure customers will have the best experiences with their Windows PC today and Windows XP come October 25."

By its strong support of the Windows XP Ready Program, Compaq is ensuring to its customers that qualified PCs purchased in the near term will be fully compatible with Windows XP, which allows users to upgrade to the new operating system on their terms, as soon as it's available on the market.

All qualified newly introduced Compaq consumer PCs and existing business PCs will be Windows XP Ready beginning in June⁽¹⁾. Each qualified unit will be shipped with an easy reference card in the box with specific instructions on how to obtain Compaq's Windows XP upgrade kit for the nominal charge, which will include the necessary software and documentation to help make the upgrade process as quick and convenient as possible.

For a complete listing of Compaq PCs that are Windows XP Ready and for further details on the Windows XP Upgrade program, please visit http://www.compaq.com/windowsxp/ready. This URL will be updated over the next month as more products are introduced to Compaq's product lines.

About Compaq

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is a leading global provider of technology and solutions. Compaq designs, develops, manufactures, and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, and communications products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs that are sold in more than 200 countries. Information on Compaq and its products and services is available at http://www.compaq.com.