Microsoft, under pressure from several sides to get its new operating system out the door, on Friday will deliver final Windows XP code to PC makers in a big way: via airdrop. In a stunt involving Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Vice President Jim Allchin, helicopters will circle the company's Redmond, Wash., headquarters as the pair hand off Windows XP to PC makers, said sources familiar with the event. The helicopters are expected to be decorated with Windows XP and major PC maker logos. Several PC makers on Tuesday confirmed Microsoft had told them they would receive final--or gold--Windows XP code Friday. Computer manufacturers will use these gold masters to install the operating system on new PCs.

Microsoft is expected to sign off on Windows XP as ready for release to manufacturing as early as Wednesday but maybe not until Thursday, according to sources close to the company and PC makers. Microsoft earlier told computer manufacturers to expect final code Aug. 22 but pushed back delivery for final tweaking. Microsoft is under pressure from several sides as it pushes Windows XP out the door. PC makers are counting on the new operating system--due on new PCs starting Sept. 24 and as packaged software Oct. 25 for its retail launch--to boost lagging sales. Meanwhile, government trustbusters are giving conflicting signals about whether they plan to seek an injunction to block release of the software. "The sooner they get it out, the more likely they are not to be restricted by the courts," said ARS analyst Toni Duboise.