XPPro running fine and stable for years for me. With all service releases and following orders, no security problems.

I am going to build a new computer before the end of the year.

Two questions:

1)  If I purchase that 'builders version" of XP 64, will that yeild the advatages of a 64-bit system with regard to the announced PoserPro 64-bit render engine, and the 64-bit version of 3DSMax (planning to buy in before the end of year). In other words, will the XP-64 version cease to work for any reason over, say, a 3-year period. Has Microsoft stated it will stop making patches for the entire XP line?

2. If I happend to obtain a computer with Vista pre-loaded, is it possible to 
   a) Make a safety copy out to a DVD, which can be used to reinstall at some point and b) once I wipe the drives clean from the new computer, could I then install Win XP Pro 64?  I ask this because I heard it is no trivial thing to de-install Vista and then install XP.

Thank you

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