Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs: Difference between revisions

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| release_date = {{start date and age|2008|10|07}}<ref name="sp3"/>

| discontinued = yes

| support_status = {{ubli|Mainstream support ended on April 14, 2009.<ref name="lifecycleWinFLP" /><br />|Extended support ended on April 8, 2014.<ref name="lifecycleWinFLP">{{Cite web |title=Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs -– Microsoft Lifecycle |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-fundamentals-for-legacy-pcs |access-date=2 July 2021 |website=Microsoft Learn |publisher=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref>}}

| succeeded_by = [[Windows Thin PC]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackie |first=Kurt |title=Windows Thin PC Trial Software Now Available -- Redmondmag.com |url=https://redmondmag.com/articles/2011/03/29/windows-thin-pc-trial-software-now-available.aspx |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=Redmondmag |language=en-US}}</ref>

| date = January 2009

| caption = Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs desktop, showing [[Startstart menu]] and "About Windows" [[dialog box]]

}}<!-- approximate date of template insertion for dating hidden maintenance categories -->

{{Windows XP}}

'''Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs''' ("'''WinFLP'''") is a [[thin client]] release of the [[Windows NT]] [[operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]]<ref name="ms-web-sa-fundamentals">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Software Assurance Benefits - Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs |url=http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/fundamentals.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329083828/http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/fundamentals.aspx |archive-date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2009 |website=Microsoft Volume Licensing |quote=Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is based on the Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 (SP2) operating system}}</ref> and optimized for older, less powerful [[Computer hardware|hardware]]. It was released on July 8, 2006, nearly two years after its [[Windows XP#Service Pack 2|Windows XP SP2]] counterpart was released in August 2004, and is not marketed as a full-fledged general purpose operating system, although it is functionally able to perform most of the tasks generally associated with one. It includes only certain functionality for local workloads such as security, management, document viewing related tasks and the .NET Framework. It is designed to work as a [[client–server]] solution with [[Remote Desktop Protocol|RDP]] clients or other third party clients such as [[Citrix Systems|Citrix]] [[Independent Computing Architecture|ICA]].{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs reached [[Windows XP#End of support|end of support]] on April 8, 2014, along with most other [[Windows XP editions]].

==History==

Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was originally announced with the [[code name]] "[[Eiger]]" on 12 May 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft's Eiger Could Prolong the Useful Life of Older PCs |url=https://www.gartner.com/doc/481144 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106163628/https://www.gartner.com/doc/481144 |archive-date=January 6, 2014 |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisher=Gartner.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Evers |first=Joris |date=2005-05-13 |title=Microsoft to slim down Windows XP for older PCs &#124; Platforms |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2670893/microsoft-to-slim-down-windows-xp-for-older-pcs.html |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisher=InfoWorld}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kotadia |first=Munir |date=May 17, 2005 |title=Microsoft Eiger to fight desktop Linux threat? |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-eiger-to-fight-desktop-linux-threat/ |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisherwebsite=ZDNet}}</ref> ("[[Mönch]]" was announced as a potential follow-up project at about the same time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2005 |title=Microsoft Puts 'Eiger' Thin Client Into Early Testing |url=https://www.informationweek.com/it-leadership/microsoft-puts-eiger-thin-client-into-early-testing |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisherwork=InformationWeek}}</ref>) The name "Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs" appeared in a press release in September 2005, when it was introduced as "formerly code-named 'Eiger{{'"}} and described as "an exclusive benefit to SA <nowiki>[</nowiki>{{bracket|[[Microsoft Software Assurance]]<nowiki>]</nowiki>}} customers".<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2005 |title=Microsoft Adds Eight Benefits and Enhancements to the Software Assurance Maintenance Offering |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2005/09/15/microsoft-adds-eight-benefits-and-enhancements-to-the-software-assurance-maintenance-offering/ |access-date=November 23, 2023 |website=Microsoft.com |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

A [[Gartner]] evaluation from April 2006 stated that:

{{blockquote|The main purpose of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (WinFLP) is to allow users running old PCs to be able to replace unsupported Windows NT Workstation v.4, Windows 95 and Windows 98 with a supported release of Windows XP (or, eventually, a version based on Windows Vista). [...] Because WinFLP will have the ability to run some applications locally —– including Internet Explorer, media players, Instant-Messaging clients, Java Virtual Machines, terminal emulators and ICA or Remote Desktop Protocol clients, and Microsoft Office —– WinFLP can be better described as a "lean client" than a "thin client.".|source=Gartner<ref>{{cite web |first=Alvin R. |last=Park, "[|url=https://www.gartner.com/doc/491598 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106162016/https://www.gartner.com/doc/491598 |archive-date=2014-01-06 |title=Determining the Value of Microsoft Software Assurance]", |date=25 April 2006, |publisher=Gartner ID Number: |id=G00130974, p. |page=9}}</ref>}}

The [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|RTM]] version of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, which was released on July 8, 2006, was built from the Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 2 codebase.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-09-17 |title=Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs |url=http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/sa/benefits/fundamentals.mspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917052108/http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/sa/benefits/fundamentals.mspx |archive-date=17 September 2006 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=microsoftMicrosoft.com}}</ref> The release was announced to the press on July 12, 2006.<ref name="RTM">{{Cite web |date=2006-07-12 |title=Microsoft extends lifeline for older PCs - |website=CNET News |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/microsoft-extends-lifeline-for-older-pcs/ |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisher=News.cnet.com}}</ref> Because Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs comes from a codebase of Windows XP Embedded, its service packs are also developed separately.<ref name="sp3" /> For the same reason, Service Pack 3 for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, released on October 7, 2008, is the same as Service Pack 3 for 32-bit (x86) editions of Windows XP.<ref name="sp3" /> In fact, due to the earlier release date of the 32-bit version, many of the key features introduced by Service Pack 2 for 32-bit (x86) editions of Windows XP were already present in the RTM version of Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs.<ref name="RTM" /> Service Pack 3 is the last released service pack for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs.

In May 2011, Microsoft announced [[Windows Thin PC]] as the successor product.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-02 |title=Microsoft to deliver Windows Thin PC to customers by June 30 |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-to-deliver-windows-thin-pc-to-customers-by-june-30/9331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503062621/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/microsoft/microsoft-to-deliver-windows-thin-pc-to-customers-by-june-30/9331 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisherwork=ZDNet}}</ref>

==Technical specifications==

Microsoft positionspositioned Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs as an operating system that provides basic computing services on older hardware, while still providing core management features of more recent Windows releases, such as [[Windows Firewall]], [[Group Policy]], Automatic Updates, and other management services. However, it iswas not considered to be a general-purpose operating system by Microsoft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Software Assurance -– Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/faq.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210172621/http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/faq.aspx |archive-date=February 10, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2010 |website=Microsoft Volume Licensing |quote=→Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs →'''Q:'''Can Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs function as a general-purpose operating system? →'''A:''' No. Microsoft Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a small-footprint Windows-based operating system solution designed to work with the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client or third-party clients, such as Citrix IC It allows for a limited number of workloads to be executed locally, including security software, management software, terminal emulation software, document viewers, and the .NET Framework.}}</ref>

Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs is a [[Windows XP Embedded]] derivative and, as such, it requires significantly fewer system resources than the fully featured Windows XP.<ref name="ms-web-sa-fundamentals" /> It also features basic networking, extended peripheral support,{{Clarify|date=January 2010}}, [[DirectX]], and the ability to launch the remote desktop clients from [[compact disc]]s. In addition to local [[application software|applications]], it offers support for those hosted on a remote server using [[Remote Desktop Services|Remote Desktop]].<ref name="ms-web-sa-fundamentals" /> It can be installed on a local hard drive, or configured to run on a [[diskless workstation]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}

===Hardware requirements===

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| bodystyle = width:308px

| label1 = CPU

| data1 = [[Pentium compatible processor|Pentium]] 233 &nbsp;MHz (300 &nbsp;MHz recommended)

| label2 = Memory

| data2 = 64 &nbsp;MB (128 &nbsp;MB recommended)

| label3 = Graphics hardware

| data3 = 800×600 [[computer monitor]]

| label4 = Hard disk space

| data4 = 610 &nbsp;MB minimum (1GB recommended)

| label5 = Network hardware

| data5 = Optional

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Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs has a smaller feature set than Windows XP. For example, WinFLP does not include [[Paint (software)|Paint]], [[Outlook Express]] and Windows games such as [[Solitaire (Windows)|Solitaire]]. Another limitation is the absence of the ''Compatibility'' tab in the ''Properties'' dialog box for executable files.

Internet Explorer 8 (and 7) can be installed, but a hotfix is required for auto-complete to work in these newer versions of the browser.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download Update for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs (KB945367) from Official Microsoft Download Center |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15947 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226145630/http://www.microsoft.com:80/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=15947 |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |access-date=2014-01-06 |publisherwebsite=Microsoft.com}}</ref>

==Availability==

Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was exclusively available to [[Microsoft Software Assurance]] customers, as it iswas designed to be an inexpensive upgrade option for corporations that havehad a number of [[Windows 9x]] computers, but lacklacked the hardware necessary to support the latest Windows. It iswas not available through [[retail]] or [[Original Equipment Manufacturer|OEM]] channels.

On October 7, 2008, Service Pack 3 for [[Windows Embedded for Point of Service]] and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was made available.<ref name="sp3">{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2008 |title=Download Details: Service Pack 3 for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3740 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124104900/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3740 |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2010 |website=Microsoft Download Center |publisher=Microsoft Corporation}}</ref>

On April 18, 2013, Service Pack 3 for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was temporarily made available for download again after previously having been removed from the Microsoft site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2013 |title=Service Pack 3 for Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs |url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38764 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206222613/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38764 |archive-date=February 6, 2014 |access-date=April 28, 2013 |website=Microsoft Download Center |publisher=Microsoft Corporation}}</ref> It was removed in 2014, and the original Service Pack 3 for Windows Embedded for Point of Service and Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs was reinstated.

Following the release of [[Windows Thin PC]], the Microsoft marketing pages for Windows Fundamentals were made to redirect to those of Windows Thin PC, suggesting that Windows Fundamentals is no longer available for any customers.

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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100329083828/http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/software-assurance/fundamentals.aspx Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs] home page on Microsoft's official site (Archived)

* [http://www.bill-mcminn.com/techreview/winflp.html Bill McMinn's review for WinFLP]

* [httphttps://the.taoofmac.com/space/com/Microsoft/Windows/FLP Fixing null.sys on WinFLP]

{{History of Windows}}