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Microsoft was planning even before the availability of its latest operating system, Windows Vista, to restrict upgrade options for the "Home Versions" of the Windows Desktop Operating System. However, the Redmond company did make a small exception regarding the necessary qualifications for Windows Vista Business Upgrades or Upgrade + Software Assurance through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Programs. Essentially, Microsoft did offer the possibility to migrate from Windows XP Home Edition to Vista Business until the end of September 2007, provided that the upgrade was done from a copy of XP acquired prior to December 31, 2006.

"Customers with Windows XP Home Edition licenses purchased on or before December 31, 2006 may acquire Windows Upgrade Licenses with Software Assurance (U & SA). This offer expires September 30, 2007. For customers under Enterprise Enrollments and Open Value companywide agreements, this offer applies only to initial orders under new enrollments and agreements. It does not apply to subsequent orders under new enrollments and agreements, nor to renewal enrollments and agreements," reads a fragment of the Microsoft Product List as cited by Eric Ligman, Microsoft US Senior Manager, Small Business Community Engagement.

Since that time, things have changed a tad. Namely, XP Home Editions no longer qualify for a Vista Business upgrade. As you can see from the adjacent image, courtesy of Microsoft which enumerates all the copies of Windows eligible for Windows Vista Business Upgrade or Upgrade + SA through Volume Licensing, XP Home Edition is nowhere to be found. "Well, it is now October, which means that September 30, 2007 has come and gone and so has the offer. As such, that clause is no longer included in the Microsoft Product List, which means that Windows XP Home purchased prior to December 31, 2006 no longer qualifies for the Upgrade or Upgrade + Software Assurance," Ligman added.