End of XP support???

[pilotbob]

I guess I won't be the only one to ask this but as Microsoft are ending support for XP after April next year a lot of people are going to be left High and dry. Yes we could "upgrade" to Win 7 but for me that means about 12 new licences and certainly some of my current software will not run in Win 7. This will mean a huge expense which frankly I can't afford. The question is will it possible to download all the existing updates to use in the event of needing a re-install or will it mean we are all stuck with just XP SP3? Any ideas?

 

Bob.

[KenB]

Hi Bob

 

I think this answers most of your concerns

click here

[pilotbob]

Hi Bob

 

I think this answers most of your concerns

click here

 

Hi Ken, Thanks for that, looks like not too much to worry about for the time being.

 

Regards, Bob.

[KenB]

looks like not too much to worry about for the time being.

I hope not - I still have an XP machine :)

[Jelly Bean]

I would not worry about the support stopping.Like Windows 98,the support is not being renewed or updated but there is still help files and hardware/software downloads available from Microsoft.

 

There will be plenty XP help files,software and hardware downloads available just no new ones will be made for download.

 

JB.

[ukbobboy]

Running WinXP after MS ends support.

 

Hi Guys (especially PilotBob)

 

The article linked to looks at XP and Win7 from the big company's point of view, simply because they have big investment budgets, can buy in the best consultants advice and software technicians to keep their businesses running 24/7.

 

However, as a pensioner not having unlimited funds and someone that uses his PC for the good of his family, I have to look at my circumstances and PC usage very carefully before I can make the jump from XP, which is very stable platform, to Win7, which for me is an unknown quantity.

 

First, I have a number of old software that still serve me very well in my home environment, for example MS Word97. I know purest would say I should upgrade to something more modern but then again why should I?

 

Secondly, the equipment I use, e.g printers, scanner, dial-up modem, etc. will I be able to get Win7 drivers for them?

 

And above all, the unknown downtime I would have to endure trying to get back all the facilities I now have that I would loose when moving to Win7.

 

What I am basically saying is that my PC is a tool I use on a daily basis, I don't play games, and WinXP provides me with the stability I need to perform the tasks I need to complete.

 

At this moment and for the foreseeable future I cannot see a reason for me to invest a lot of time and my limited funds in moving from XP to Win7.

 

 

UK Bob

[KenB]

Bob makes a good point.

 

If it isn't broken then there is no need to fix it. :)

[grandadfatboy]

Hi gentlemen,

I read the article regarding the end of support for XP with great interest. As Ken knows I have just purchased a new pc, on which I have decided to run dual operating systems consisting of Windows XP and Windows 7. I have only had this configuration for a few days and so far and it id indicating that I made the right choice.

 

I can understand why users are so happy with XP, I for one love it. For my particular circumstances I did not want the extra expense of changing expensive software that currently runs perfectly well in the XP environment and with which I'm familiar. I agree with what the gentleman said earlier in the thread, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." There must be a very good reason why 43% of pc's are running XP. However, we all know in our hearts that this issue is be driven by financial gain, it's a deliberate business strategy by Microsoft to keep us upgrading.

 

It dawned on me whilst reading that article, that in my particular case, I may well be one of the luckier pc owners out here on 8th April 2014 when support is finally withdrawn. All I have to do is make sure I have the latest updates for XP and then restrict internet access to Windows 7 only. I appreciate that this is not an option for many users, however, after costing my options very carefully and decided that dual operating systems would suit my needs and budget best.

 

The article also made the point that there is a free download of virtual XP environment for Windows 7, which initially seemed like the perfect solution to my problem. However, despite the fully detailed installation instructions supplied by members on this forum, I was unable to download and install it. Thankfully the member who posted the instructions tried the download himself, with the same results. This issue was confirmed in the article, stating that users have been experiencing download and install issues. I live in hope that Microsoft will change its mind and continue with support for XP, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

Just my two penney's worth.

 

Ian