Windows upgrade assistant clarification please

Belly · 23 Feb 2014 at 21:50

I've just ran the Windows 8 upgrade assistant on my XP Desktop and it lists a number of programs as "Paid update available".

Could someone please advise me if that means I can still use the existing (old) program on Windows 8 but they would prefer that I purchase the update?

Will the old program work and they are just advising me there is a more modern version in the hope that I purchase it?

As an example I have a legal copy of MS Office Professional 2003 which I'm happy with and I really don't want to have to fork out for an update.

A guy in PC World today advised me that a third party might be taking on updates for Windows XP. I might start another thread and ask that question.

Beerbaron · 23 Feb 2014 at 21:58

I was always a fan of XP buts its old now. Windows 7 or 8 upgrade is definitely the right way to go.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2777626

Microsoft Office 2003 suites and applications are not compatible with Windows 8

Belly · 23 Feb 2014 at 22:31

Thanx Beerbaron. It looks as though I might keep two desktop PCs on my table, one running the old stuff, not connected to the internet and a new one giving me web access. MS Office Professional is far too expensive. Luckily enough my version of Photoshop is compatible but some of the plug-ins (vertus fluid mask, Alien Skin) might NOT be and that would be further expense. Thanx again

marc2003 · 24 Feb 2014 at 06:57

i had quick google and there seems to plenty of anecdotal evidence that office 2003 is working ok on windows 8.

if you really don't want to try it, there is always windows 7 or failing that you could stick XP in a virtual machine assuming it's a retail license - you would have to stop using it on the old pc though.