is it still posible to buy a computer with XP on it?-pls help

Tattooed said:
Hi,
Thanks for the replies:) The reason I want to go back to XP is that one or two programs don't work under Windows 7, example picture it. I use that program a lot to make cards and bussiness cards.
I have tried "compatibility" mode but it still does not work under that either.

Also my printer and scanner don't work under 7 either.
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If you don't get Win7 Professional or above (which has XP mode), you could install VMware Player, create an XP virtual machine and install your existing XP printer & scanner drivers into that.

VirtualBox as mentioned above is another alternative, but I've always found its USB passthrough support to be flaky at best on a Windows host, particularly 64-bit. FWIW, it does seem to work flawlessly on a Linux host, which obviously isn't much use to you. :)
 
How do you access XP mode in Win 7 pro? I don't mind using VirtualBox to run AkaBak, but if I can do it all under Windows then that would be more convenient .:)
 
Hi all

WinXP vs Vista vs Win7.

IMO, if you buy a PC/Laptop with Win7 installed and you are prepared to pay any extra costs such as upgrading applications, drivers, printers, scanners etc. that's fine.

Vista was hailed as being the essential upgrade from WinXP but I, and many others, didn't agree and continued using WinXP.

If WinXP does what you need it to do and is reliable and generally problem free, why would you want to 'upgrade' at a cost of up to around £160 for Win7 plus all the extra expense and time in upgrading hardware, software, drivers etc.?

What are the main benefits vs costs (including time)?

WinXp, if it works for you why change?
 
Windows 7 is faster, more efficient, more secure and generally great.

Granted not everyone sees XP as being problematic, but you have to let go at some point. MS have been trying to ditch it for years.
 
SiriusB said:
Windows 7 is faster, more efficient, more secure and generally great.

Granted not everyone sees XP as being problematic, but you have to let go at some point. MS have been trying to ditch it for years.
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Hi SiriusB

Windows 7 is faster

For some applications/tasks I would agree (e.g Games) but not faster for everything.

If WinXP is fast enough not to be annoying IMO not a compelling reason on its own to upgrade.

more efficient

Not sure how you 'measure' this so can you please explain and/or give comparison examples.

more secure

Out of the box I agree but not really a problem installing a free firewall, anti virus etc.

Also, I feel more secure knowing that I am not relying entirely on Microsoft for system security (their record is a bit patchy) but choosing for myself.

generally great

See my comments under more efficient

MS have been trying to ditch it for years

So they can sell you a new OS you may not actually need!

but you have to let go at some point

If/when WinXP no longer meets your needs but only after checking out the pros and cons and alternatives e.g Linux.
 
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More Efficient / Faster
X64 bit technology, more usable RAM, Superfetch, more reliable, generally just install out of the box and everything works

More secure
Internet Explorer Protected Mode, UAC, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender are just the obvious ones

I like XP but I moved from it when Vista was here and then to Windows 7. I feel on any new system then having XP on it would be slowing it down. I'd also say when Windows XP no-longer fits your needs, how are you going to know without actually trying other operating systems? When buying a new laptop or PC it's a great time to look at it.



M.
 
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m4cc45 said:
More Efficient / Faster
X64 bit technology, more usable RAM, Superfetch, more reliable, generally just install out of the box and everything works

More secure
Internet Explorer Protected Mode, UAC, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender are just the obvious ones

I like XP but I moved from it when Vista was here and then to Windows 7. I feel on any new system then having XP on it would be slowing it down. I'd also say when Windows XP no-longer fits your needs, how are you going to know without actually trying other operating systems? When buying a new laptop or PC it's a great time to look at it.



M.
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Hi m4cc45



When I build my next PC I will consider Win7 but not convinced it is worth upgrading atm.

'just install out of the box and everything works'

WinXP runs all my software fine including an old version of MS Money, first used with widows 3.11.

Would this run in compatibility mode under Win7?

Would I still be able to use my Canon Printer and Scanner?

Why take the chance that I may introduce problems/extra costs when my system runs fine as it is?
 
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m4cc45 answered all your questions - saved me some typing! :p

You can check to see if Canon has Windows 7 drivers for your printer and scanner. Vista drivers can work sometimes. It's not really taking a chance, since evidently you should be making sure your stuff is compatible.

We have given you the reasons why Windows 7 is superior. Your choice if you stick with XP or not. Though using a VM is valid way of overcoming some issues. And to use a well-worn meme it is cool to have Windows inside your Windows...etc :p
 
XP Mode can address that in a lot of cases. It's still usually a cost issue than legacy needs - especially in smaller businesses.
 
I can't answer your questions about your scanner it may just work with windows installing a generic driver. I know that when I installed XP on my test computer at home (I was testing some group policies) I ended up having to install a ton of drivers.

Although Windows XP is supported by Microsoft the patch releasing is going to be more sporadic as the product goes on (IE9 not being available at present for it, for example) which means it's going to be less secure as time goes by.

And if you have more than 3GB RAM then you're just going to waste it by having a 32 bit machine. If you have Windows 7 you can use Virtual PC to install Windows XP and use MS Money on that.

It won't make any odds to me if you use Windows 7 or not but it is the most sensible choice.



M.
 
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