Microsoft will not take technical support calls for the respected Windows NT 4.0 Workstation as of July 1, 2003, according to Microsoft’s website.

Windows NT was the latest product to be phased out under the Support Lifecycle, a multi-step process that progressively reduces technical support options. After July1, customers can access only the self-help online support. Users will also no longer be able to access the pay-per-use help desk.

The declaration that Windows NT 4.0 is obsolete also means that the operating system will not be patched in the future to block bugs and security problems.

The next operating system on the chopping block is Windows 98, which will be declared obsolete on Jan. 16, 2004.