Alternative to Windows Xp pro

Bjones

Bjones

Bjones

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2 Feb 2014
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Hi, I'm going to upgrade my PC soon to a newer windows. Which version is most like Xp? I won't need 64 bit or a touch screen feature. I like to be able to sort and list file details in windows explorer, something that wasn't available last time in windows 7 ultimate.
What do u recommend???
 
What you ask for with regards to sorting file details is absolutely available in Windows 7, and always has been.

Personally I would recommend going straight to 8.1 however if you're change averse (a feeling I'm getting from this post), go to Windows 7. You don't need Ultimate.
 
Can you expand on this?

I like to be able to sort and list file details in windows explorer
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Explorer hasn't changed hardly at all apart from the library feature which a great addition.

Is there any reason you fear the upgrade? Having been used to one thing for so long then having your hand forced isn't ideal but sometimes it brings new things to the table despite having a learning curve. You'll wish you did it sooner.

My only suggestion it go go to Windows 7 pro for 2 reasons.

1. 8.1 might be too much of a jump from XP for you right now.
2. Windows 7 pro comes with full windows XP virtualisation..

This feature allows users to install Microsoft’s Virtual PC application and then install and run a complete fully licensed version of Windows XP SP3 from within the virtual PC environment. This feature was originally developed for businesses to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7, and give them an environment from which to continue using any older non–Windows 7 compatible software. It is not suitable for applications which require 3D graphics or hardware accelerated sound, so gaming or even using your old TV tuner to watch TV are definite no-nos

As you can see from these explanations, the additional features present in the Professional Edition of Windows 7 are focused more on a business style or corporate workplace environment, and are not generally necessary for the average home PC user.
Click to expand...

Pro version is a bit more expensive than the premium edition.

Failing that, you could create a dual boot for the time being and when you are happy, just remove the old XP partition when you are happy. I did this when i went from 98 to XP and again to vista.

I like the XP mode. It give some flexibility with the fuss of dual boot.
 
Absolutely no reason to not use 64Bit.
I seriously doubt you havea CPU thats only 32Bit these days ( although I wont put money up - you still get them )
As for your requirements, any and all Windows will do what you want, the same or better than XP!

Windows 8 has a couple of compatibility issues for me and 8.1 even more so, however I am making the change and forcing myself into 8... I suggest you bite the bullet and go fot it too! - you will find its not as bad as many make it out to be.
 
No 64bit?
How much RAM are you going to get?
Edit: Sorry, I assumed you were upgrading your hardware as well as your OS.
 
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I'd say it depends what bits of XP's look and/or feel you'd miss if they were removed.

Windows 7 removed the 'up' button in Explorer but it retains a Start Menu and Classic display 'theme'.
Windows 8 has the 'up' button but no Start Menu and no Classic display mode.

Nobody has mentioned Vista?:eek:
 
markweatherill said:
Nobody has mentioned Vista?:eek:
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I have it installed on one of my sons laptops.

I think since SP2, it has had its issues pretty much resolved.
There isnt that much wrong with it anymore ( Ok, thats debatable ) but I put it on just to have a play and its doing a sterling job.
He has no complaints anyway, but I dare say he only uses the thing for YouTube so not much can go wrong.


WIN 8
Yes, I have bought Start 8 and so Im using that on my main PC but Classic Shell works just as good and thats free.
Both of these stop metro coming up ( 8.1 still starts up with it ) and both provide the start menu again.

I also use Window blinds to give me the look of 7 - again, irritatingly, my main PC wont run it because it fails to install properly?

So yeah, Win 8 can be made to look absolutely exactly like Win 7
 
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