REDMOND—Microsoft Corp. is scheduled to stop selling its Windows XP operating system to retailers and major computer makers Monday, despite protests from a slice of PC users who don’t want to be forced into using XP’s successor, Vista.

Once computers loaded with XP have been cleared from the inventory of PC makers such as Dell Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co., consumers who can’t live without the old operating system on their new machine will have to buy Vista Ultimate or Vista Business and then legally “downgrade” to XP.

Microsoft will still allow smaller mom-and-pop PC builder shops to buy XP for resale through the end of January. A version of XP will also remain available for ultra-low-cost PCs such as the Asus Eee PC.

A group of vocal computer users who rallied around a “Save XP” petition posted on the industry news site InfoWorld had been clamoring for Microsoft to keep selling XP until its next operating system, Windows 7, is available. The software maker has said it expects to release Windows 7 sometime in 2009.

Mittal may buy Rio Tinto stake

LONDON—Rio Tinto Group, the world’s second-largest iron ore producer, rose the most in almost two weeks in London trading Monday after the Financial Times said ArcelorMittal may buy a stake to secure supplies of the steelmaking raw material.

Vodafone teams with MySpace

LONDON—Vodafone Group Plc. said Monday it has teamed up with social networking site MySpace to create an interactive music platform. Vodafone said the service will make available footage from Vodafone-sponsored music events to MySpace users in Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain.

Microsoft stops Windows XP sales

REDMOND—Microsoft Corp. is scheduled to stop selling its Windows XP operating system to retailers and major computer makers Monday, despite protests from a slice of PC users who don’t want to be forced into using XP’s successor, Vista.

TOKYO—Most Asian stocks fell Monday, sending the region’s benchmark index to its worst first-half in 16 years, on speculation rising commodities prices will erode earnings and as a stronger yen hurt Japan’s electronics exporters.