What is most compatible move up from XP?

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I’m an older generation computer user who participates in a number of boating forums and other forums. I’ve grown real use to XP that was on my HP desktop computer when new, and have done some upgrades to SP3, and more speed, and a new HD a few years ago just as a precaution. It has served me well, and I am very comfortable with its configuration.

Now I also had a Dell laptop with XP on it as well, but that got old and I bought a new Acer laptop a few years ago with Win7 as an operating system. I’m comfortable with operating system as well, as it is very similar to XP

The question that arises is what operating system upgrade should I consider for my older desktop running XP. I might well be happy with going to Win 7 on it, BUT what files, dwgs, etc will I not be able to access from those stored /or created with my old desktop XP?? How difficult would such an upgrade to Win7 be??

I would be reluctant to go to Win 8 or higher as I have heard a few horror stories about these newer Win operating systems. It seems to have ‘shades’ of those old short-lived operating systems that Microsoft bought out,….Vista, etc ? And one good friend who runs there home improvement business on computer says she is find with Win7, but Win 8 is just too different, …and junk in her opinion.

Will Win7 last long enough (for 5-8 years) before they try to make it obsolete also?

I get tired of trying to learn my computers all over again. I even bought a nice Apple desktop computer just to get away from this Microsoft rubbish, but I have not learned how to use it yet (I need a few lessons as to how to use it efficiently, particularly the bookmark features that I utilize a lot when my 70yr old mind needs reminding what I posted, on what forum )

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MY suggestion: based on the age of you PC that’s running XP, the hardware on it is just as old and out dated, minus you new HDD. That being said, to take full advantage of a new OS would be to go with new hardware….eg a new desktop. Unfortunately, all new PC’s come with windows 8/8.1 and for some the new touch based OS is really scary for some. Now the upside, since you are fimilar with windows 7, there is a work around. A few 3rd party app that take windows 8/8.1 to look and feel like windows 7. The 2 most popular are Classic Shell and Start8. Classic shell is free and Start8 is free to try for 30 days and then cost’s $4.99. I’ve used both and prefer Start8 over Classic Shell. I have Start8 on my laptop running windows 7 and 8.1 in a dual boot setup.

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Unfortunately, all new PC’s come with windows 8/8.1

Just a week or so ago, I got an email ad from HP announcing a sale on new PCs running Windows 7—both desktops and laptops. I found that a bit odd, but it might be worth looking into if one is leery of going to Windows 8 and all that touch screen stuff.

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… Unfortunately, all new PC’s come with windows 8/8.1 …..

I beg to differ. I just ordered a new laptop running Win7 Pro on an SSD from http://www.pro-star.com/ And there are many other companies out there that let you configure computers with Win 7. Granted, an $1800 Asus ROG laptop isn’t for everyone (base price was 1399). But you CAN buy new laptops with Win 7. Ever heard of Amazon?

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Windows 7 SP-1 is in extended support until Jan. 14, 2020.

Your biggest problem with Windows 7 will be to ensure that there are device drivers for all you equipment. The first step should be to download, install, and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. That will point out potential problems for you.

Joe

--Joe

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If you don’t have a sound hardware platform for Win 7 you could consider a three or four year old refurbished computer running Win 7 Pro. For about $250 on the high side you can get a core2duo 3GHz, 4 gig RAM, 250-500 gig drive Optiplex 760 or HP Elite 8000 series. I’ve purchased on the cheap like that for many years and they always seem to be as reliable as any I build new, though they always have the little dings and scratches that come with refurbs.

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Thanks very much for those replies thus far. I’m going to look into each one when I return to USA from visiting my wife in Thailand. Since I am living part time in DC area I believe I can likely find some used/or refurbished computers with Win7 on them as suggested by ‘FUN downtown’.

Since I am not a person who likes to ‘waste things’ (kept my old ’73 SLC Mercedes running for 30 yrs) , what would be my best disposal of the older HP desktop?….or since it is still running great, should I try to employ it at some other job?…perhaps in programing and reading the DCC (digital command control) & sound decoders they are placing into model trains?? ( I have a big collection I hope to make use of in later years)

Or could I really donate it into some third world school program where it might really get used?

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On consideration is to purchase a new computer with Win 7 on it. My sister just purchased a new laptop with Win 7 on it from Dell and I just purchased a new laptop from Toshiba with Win 7 on it. According to some posts Win 7 will be supported until sometime in 2020 per Microsoft. I’m sure there are some Desktops still available. In both instances, we ordered directly from the manufacture’s home web site and sent to our homes. I couldn’t find any computers on the floor in a retail store that have Win 7 on it. Hope this might be of some help, John

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FUN downtown makes a good suggestion – I’ve got a Pentium 4 3.2ghz with 4gb RAM and six hard drives – IDE and SATA – and a 128mb onboard video card. Play a few flash games as stress relief, but nothing that stretches the configuration. Windows 7 advisor has an issue with the graphics card, but Win 7 pro runs very well on this machine for average tasks:

This is what I do:

Web browsing – Youtube, among other streaming video but about 4-5 hrs per 7-day week.
E-mail.
Graphics – 8-15 gb jpg images and 68mb tiffs about one day per week – that makes it grunt, but up to 10 hours with 5 mb jpgs it works OK.
I’m also developing 100+ webpages for archival uses – mixed graphics and text with some video. The above machine handles that fine.
Games – not much, but Hearts, Bejewelled 3 and Spider Solitaire.
Audio – Vinyl conversion to digital – does this OK.

When I say OK – I mean it’s not an issue. More speed would be nice, but I don’t notice anything slow except what I’ve mentioned.

It makes sense to keep to an OS you know – like the one on your laptop, as you already know how to use it.

HTH

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Unless you have a real use for it, I recommend you donate it.

Make sure you remove all your data and any personal information if you decide to donate it.

Joe

--Joe

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why change at all ?

i still have two win98SE machines in use
and 4 XPprosp3 systems
all 6 are desktops

the 98ses are faster than the xp because they are not on the net and i ripped out the antivirus and other software that slows most pcs down

just bought a win8 notebook but only because it was dirt cheap on sale to use as a backup and for travel
and you cant seem to get xp any more on a notebook
which means a lot of learning curve ahead
and i am still trying to learn my wifes new samsung tablet with android apple pie or wahtever they call it now

did get a newer internal LARGER hard disk and had everything moved to it by the store
the xpprosp3 system is running faster and the new disk space will make it last as long as the motherboard now

max the ram out and get a newer bigger HD and keep using that xp system for a long time !
===========

I’m an older generation computer user who participates in a number of boating forums and other forums. I’ve grown real use to XP that was on my HP desktop computer when new, and have done some upgrades to SP3, and more speed, and a new HD a few years ago just as a precaution. It has served me well, and I am very comfortable with its configuration.

Now I also had a Dell laptop with XP on it as well, but that got old and I bought a new Acer laptop a few years ago with Win7 as an operating system. I’m comfortable with operating system as well, as it is very similar to XP

The question that arises is what operating system upgrade should I consider for my older desktop running XP. I might well be happy with going to Win 7 on it, BUT what files, dwgs, etc will I not be able to access from those stored /or created with my old desktop XP?? How difficult would such an upgrade to Win7 be??

I would be reluctant to go to Win 8 or higher as I have heard a few horror stories about these newer Win operating systems. It seems to have ‘shades’ of those old short-lived operating systems that Microsoft bought out,….Vista, etc ? And one good friend who runs there home improvement business on computer says she is find with Win7, but Win 8 is just too different, …and junk in her opinion.

Will Win7 last long enough (for 5-8 years) before they try to make it obsolete also?

I get tired of trying to learn my computers all over again. I even bought a nice Apple desktop computer just to get away from this Microsoft rubbish, but I have not learned how to use it yet (I need a few lessons as to how to use it efficiently, particularly the bookmark features that I utilize a lot when my 70yr old mind needs reminding what I posted, on what forum )

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did get a newer internal LARGER hard disk and had everything moved to it by the store
the xpprosp3 system is running faster and the new disk space will make it last as long as the motherboard now

max the ram out and get a newer bigger HD and keep using that xp system for a long time

In other words use it just like an external HD (that is not portable) ?

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Give Linux a try. Sure your Windows Programs won’t work but Linux usually has a similar program.

A Linux machine will read most files from Windows and open them with no problems. Such as Word Documents, Pictures, and Music. Just uses different software. Networking and printer sharing with Windows is easily accomplished.

One distro of Linux that has a similar look to Windows is Zorin. http://zorin-os.com/

All it will cost you is the price of one DVD.

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Give Linux a try. Sure your Windows Programs won’t work but Linux usually has a similar program.

One distro of Linux that has a similar look to Windows is Zorin. http://zorin-os.com/

All it will cost you is the price of one DVD.

Lets see if I have this correct?
1) Linux is a different operating system than XP.
2) It is an ‘open source’ operating system
3 How does one go about installing it? I imagine you DO NOT first uninstall XP, as that would leave your computer bear, wouldn’t it?
4) So do you install Linux, then discard the XP?
5) Or can you have both running on the computer?
6) Or do you transfer all of the stuff on your current system over onto another hard drive storage, then transfer that info back to the computer once you have installed the new operating system Linux?

7) Not sure I totally understand this statement, “Windows Programs won’t work but Linux usually has a similar program”
8) Is there somewhere I might ‘experience’ Linux before I make the switch?

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nope

using it as a new large pc
with no learning curve
all the aps already installed
all the options set
all the data ready to go

i wish i had added more ram while it was in the shop

this new HD will keep this pc running as long as the motherboard or i dont fail first.

In other words use it just like an external HD (that is not portable) ?

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It’s all a tempest in a teapot for me as well but each of us has a different comfort level to address. It wouldn’t do to be skittish about using one’s own PC after all; no fun at all.

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Lets see if I have this correct?
1) Linux is a different operating system than XP.
Correct, completely different.

2) It is an ‘open source’ operating system
Yes

3 How does one go about installing it? I imagine you DO NOT first uninstall XP, as that would leave your computer bear, wouldn’t it?
Simply reboot with the install DVD in the drive. You have a choice, you can replace XP or have a dual boot system.

4) So do you install Linux, then discard the XP?
Can be done that way if you wish.

5) Or can you have both running on the computer?
Yes

6) Or do you transfer all of the stuff on your current system over onto another hard drive storage, then transfer that info back to the computer once you have installed the new operating system Linux?
You can do that or network with Windows and transfer data over the network. .

7) Not sure I totally understand this statement, “Windows Programs won’t work but Linux usually has a similar program”
Some Windows programs will work using WINE. Microsoft Word for example, Linux uses LibreOffice. It will read Word Documents and Word will read LibreOffice documents.

8) Is there somewhere I might ‘experience’ Linux before I make the switch?
Download Zorin and burn the ISO file to a DVD. The download is 1.5 GB so a CD won’t work. Boot from the DVD and you will have a choice as to install, or run the Operating System from the DVD without installing.

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beiland,

In your case, since you are already familiar with Windows 7, my recommendation would be to go with Windows 7. It’s a great operating system and you are already familiar with it. You expressed a concern about learning a new OS, so I don’t see how any variant of Linux would be compatible with that.

Back when 7 was released, I went through the very same upgrade path you are now facing XP to 7. I also took the opportunity to go from XP 32 bit to 7 64 bit.
Provided your hardware is supported by Windows 7, the migration will always be a bit disruptive, since you cannot upgrade in place. So, you will need to make sure you have good backups of your documents and other important data, before you start the process.

Windows 7 will required a clean install, which means you will have to reinstall all the programs you need, once the 7 setup completes. If you would like to make this migration easier, there is paid software that you can buy to migrate your programs from XP to 7. I did that back in 2009. You don’t have to do so, but you can do it, if you are keen in making the migration easier.

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Back when 7 was released, I went through the very same upgrade path you are now facing XP to 7. I also took the opportunity to go from XP 32 bit to 7 64 bit.
Provided your hardware is supported by Windows 7, the migration will always be a bit disruptive, since you cannot upgrade in place. So, you will need to make sure you have good backups of your documents and other important data, before you start the process.

Windows 7 will required a clean install, which means you will have to reinstall all the programs you need, once the 7 setup completes. If you would like to make this migration easier, there is paid software that you can buy to migrate your programs from XP to 7. I did that back in 2009. You don’t have to do so, but you can do it, if you are keen in making the migration easier.

Is it possible that my older XP machine will not run on a 64 bit operating system? (not that I understand this 32 & 64 bit stuff,…ha…ha) but I think I remember seeing a potential problem about this somewhere.

My laptop is a 64 bit Win7, and if I remember correctly I had problems reading some text documents created with my old XP desktop unit that were stored on my external hard drive ? I forgot the details. Or maybe it was because my external HD was set up in a 32 bit manner? I’ve gotten confused with all this new stuff. I will have to drag that external HD out tomorrow and see if I can determine the exact problem I had looking at those old files on the external HD using my Win 7 laptop.

Unfortunately I can do no experiments with my desktop HP (XP) as it is back in the USA, while I am over in Thailand for 2 months. But I did bring along that external HD, just in case I had time to review it.

Thanks VERY much for all the contributing help with making this computer illiterate guy try to understand some of this new computer wizardry.

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Is it possible that my older XP machine will not run on a 64 bit operating system? (not that I understand this 32 & 64 bit stuff,…ha…ha) but I think I remember seeing a potential problem about this somewhere.

go to Control Panel->System->General Tab

Under “Computer:” it will tell you what processor you have. If it is a Pentium 4, it is 32-bit, if it is a Pentium D, it is 64-bit, if it is a core duo, it is 32-bit, if it is core 2 duo (or core 2 quad), it is 64-bit. Anything else, do an internet search.

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It is possible that your XP machine cannot run a 64 bit OS, yes. If you download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, as Joe suggested in post #3, I think it will also inform you about it (though I can’t be definitive on this, sorry).

The transition to 64 bit is, in most cases, trouble free.

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Well I’m pretty old too, but I had to get a new computer. It has Windows 8 and now 8.1 on it. But we figured out how to make it look almost like Win XP or Win 7.
First, you get that free app that lets you look up the programs, Control Panel, shut down the computer, and other items. Then, you right click on the Desktop task bar. Click on Properties. Select Navigation. Go to Start Screen Section. Select When I sign in, go to desktop. Select apply.
This will not remove the tiles and the start screen, but will have a button in the lower left of the task bar which will allow you to go to the tiles is you so desire.
But the computer will start with the old-fashioned desktop and you will never have to look at the tiles if you don’t want to. If your computer is old and crusty, this is a good way to start over and still have things look familiar. The only drawback is that 7 and 8 have too many misc. files floating around rather than the simple file structure of XP.

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Hi Beiland:

Lots of great advice was offered here.

FWIW: I finally just converted my remaining XP box to Win7-Pro-32-bit. Since it only supported 2GB of RAM there was no advantage to going 64-bit, but a BIG advantage in being able to run virtually ALL my existing 16-bit and 32-bit programs under Win7-32-bit! I test drove this approach with an experiment in VirtualBox on a different PC, and it was a winner, so I made the switch to the remaining XP box. Only problem was a sound card needed to be replaced as there were no drivers for it that work in Vista or Win7, and I chose to put in a new video card even though I found compatible drivers that looked great on screen but would not run any video players, for some reason. And, if like me, you have any old DOS programs that you run on your XP box, they will still run in a command console on the Win7-32-bit setup. My main PC was a big CPU upgrade and its too fast for the old stuff, so this was an advantage, too…

I did also experiment with XP in a VirtualBox environment, but you will still lose normal support in April, so IMHO its not a good option. Also, neither XP-Mode under Win7-Pro, nor XP in VBox is without their own learning curves, and you’ll still have to reinstall all your software and make the virtual hard drive big enough for all your old stuff. Uses too much disk space and not such good performance for my taste.

I did try out the XP Easy-Transfer software from Micro$$oft, but it took over 15-hrs to backup from the system to its spare internal drive — much slower than my usual backup software, so I skipped using it to copy the old data back.

Yes, you will have to wipe your drive and reinstall your old software (so hunt up the old CDs if needed), but otherwise I am completely happy with the change, and needed virtually no other software purchase.

Good luck and best wishes.

Rob

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Hi Beiland:

Lots of great advice was offered here.

FWIW: I finally just converted my remaining XP box to Win7-Pro-32-bit. Since it only supported 2GB of RAM there was no advantage to going 64-bit, but a BIG advantage in being able to run virtually ALL my existing 16-bit and 32-bit programs under Win7-32-bit! I test drove this approach with an experiment in VirtualBox on a different PC, and it was a winner, so I made the switch to the remaining XP box. Only problem was a sound card needed to be replaced as there were no drivers for it that work in Vista or Win7, and I chose to put in a new video card even though I found compatible drivers that looked great on screen but would not run any video players, for some reason. And, if like me, you have any old DOS programs that you run on your XP box, they will still run in a command console on the Win7-32-bit setup. My main PC was a big CPU upgrade and its too fast for the old stuff, so this was an advantage, too…

I did also experiment with XP in a VirtualBox environment, but you will still lose normal support in April, so IMHO its not a good option. Also, neither XP-Mode under Win7-Pro, nor XP in VBox is without their own learning curves, and you’ll still have to reinstall all your software and make the virtual hard drive big enough for all your old stuff. Uses too much disk space and not such good performance for my taste.

I did try out the XP Easy-Transfer software from Micro$$oft, but it took over 15-hrs to backup from the system to its spare internal drive — much slower than my usual backup software, so I skipped using it to copy the old data back.

Yes, you will have to wipe your drive and reinstall your old software (so hunt up the old CDs if needed), but otherwise I am completely happy with the change, and needed virtually no other software purchase.

Good luck and best wishes.
Rob

Since I am using this upgrade from XP to Win 7 exercise as a learning process, I decided to also try backing up my old XP computer using Microsoft’s Easy Transfer in addition to the other backup I have performed. You are correct, I think I am 4 hours into this backup, and still not done yet.

Oh well,…I’ll continue my review of this subject thread and see what else I might have missed in my original reading,….memory is shorter these days….ha…ha

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beiland
32 bit programs run ok on 64 bit 32 bit can only use about 4 gigs of memory while 64 bit systems can use much much more
Understand that you can still purchase new Windows 7 machines at the Dell business site
You could easily put a new drive in your desktop, put win7 on it, and then dual boot to xp or 7
BUT, when xp is no longer supported by Microsoft (apr 2014) it may become a target for hackers and virus
Windows 7 Pro has an XP mode, but I found only a few of my XP programs would work
So I have a dual boot

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When I upgraded to Win8/8.1 I lost the use of several programs, particularly graphics software, that I had been using for years (before XP). Windows 8 does not play well with older software. Windows 7 didn’t have any problems. I understand HP is offering systems with Win7 currently.

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I ran the Windows 7 compatibility test and it did not like my monitor drivers. Will it work anyhow? Has anybody tested this and found out it worked OK?

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I ran the Windows 7 compatibility test and it did not like my monitor drivers. Will it work anyhow? Has anybody tested this and found out it worked OK?

Have you looked for Windows 7 compatible drivers? Windows 7 may have drivers that will work but if they do they will be basic drivers that may no take full advantage of the device.

Joe

--Joe

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I ran the Windows 7 compatibility test and it did not like my monitor drivers. Will it work anyhow? Has anybody tested this and found out it worked OK?

Monitor drivers amount to nothing more than information about what the monitor is capable of (resolutions and refresh rates) so the generic should work fine as long as the monitor is capable of some standard resolutions and refresh rates.

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Okay I’m back from overseas, and I’m planning to attacked this upgrade to my desktop computer in the next few days.

I was prepping a couple of ‘backup devices’ to place my files and photos on just in case. When I placed a call to Microsoft help desk they indicated that it was not necessary for me to take XP off of the machine (nor back the files up) before downloading Win 7 onto it. The rep indicated that the new Win 7 would take over from the XP automatically?? Can this be true??

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It is possible that your XP machine cannot run a 64 bit OS, yes. If you download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, as Joe suggested in post #3, I think it will also inform you about it (though I can’t be definitive on this, sorry).

You are correct, both the Microsoft scan and a few other sources told me I needed the 32 bit version for my ‘older’ computer. So I bought a Win 7 disc the other day (OEM Systems Builder Pack) from MicroCenter here in sububan MD

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So now I began to clean up my desktop computer in preparation to back it up onto my external hard drive, before whipping XP away and installing Win 7.

You would think backing up the XP system would be easy?? Turns out that XP home edition was not supplied with a backup utility. And if your XP system came installed on the computer, there was no backup disc suppled. So I went looking for a relatively simply manner that I might utilize to backup my XP system. I found this:
http://www.winxptutor.com/ntbackup.htm

Downloading that utility went rather easy, and the instructions seemed pretty straight forward. I chose to save the backup onto my 1-T external HD. Things started downloading rather quickly, but in short order it hung up (or certainly appeared to). I had to turn off my computer to exit the situation as the computer did not seem to want to take any commands. I started the ‘backup’ again. And again it went quite rapidly, then appeared to stop again??

I went to the HD to check what I might have downloaded to this point. I found 2 files that I had named ” Backup of HP desktop, Mar 2014″ They were described as type: “Windows Backup File”, and would open with “Windows Backup Utility”. But when I tried to open them to see exactly what files were in them, the process took me back to the “Welcome to the Backup or Resore Wizard”. In other words it seemed to take me in a loop of processes without divulging the contents of the backup.?? I hope my explaination makes sense?

It really should not be that difficult to backup the XP system, should it? Help.

Should I try to ‘save’ the backup in another format? …other than Microsoft
Should this process be capabile of freezing up my computer.? I only have about 25 GB of 150 total utilized ….mostly documents and photos

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I myself just went through the same thing with my desktop…an older Dell that was running XP. My wife was comfortable with that OS but was familiar with Win7 also at her work. What I was concerned with was security, as my wife uses the desktop to pay bills online. With XP support drying up this year, I agonized over upgrading to Win7, or just buying a new computer with Win8 on it. After a lot of research and waiting for deals on new computers, I finally bought a new HP that came with Win8 on it. Turns out, it wasn’t as painful as I thought it was going to be. I upgraded to 8.1, then installed all my software. It took a couple of days to wipe all the garbage that came with the computer and get it set up the way I wanted, but I feel much more secure about paying bills online. I also know that I won’t have to upgrade Windows or my computer for quite a while, (security updates, etc. aside). As Bassfisher6522 noted, I picked up Smart8 and am now operating in a familiar and comfortable environment.

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The simplest thing to do is to buy a new laptop with Windows 7. I’m 66 years old and have the same concerns as the original poster. Three days ago (late January 2014) I helped a friend buy a new Dell Laptop with Windows 7 Professional for around $600, so these systems are still available, and a new one avoids all the possible hassles of a used/refurbished PC.

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The simplest thing to do is to buy a new laptop with Windows 7. I’m 66 years old and have the same concerns as the original poster. Three days ago (late January 2014) I helped a friend buy a new Dell Laptop with Windows 7 Professional for around $600, so these systems are still available, and a new one avoids all the possible hassles of a used/refurbished PC.

I recently bought my wife a new laptop computer, an HP Probook 4540s with Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. She is very happy with it. Dell, Lenovo, and HP, and probably others are selling new computers, not old unsold stock, with Windows 7 on them. I highly recommend skipping Windows 8, and waiting to see what Windows 9 is like.

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I’m with FUN downtown in post #4. I’ve already helped my brother get a great refurbished Windows 7 desktop for $244.00 with similar specs. For an OS going into 2020, that’s a pretty good ROI
— It would be nice if an OS system would last forever, but the reality is, it doesn’t happen
— Anyway now I’ll be getting one for my son
— Myself I’ll be getting a laptop
I order them on on-line and one of my criteria is Class A condition: minimum dings or scratches

I also have a local computer shop I can check with when I want

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Hello Beiland,

All the suggestions here are good, and if you can afford it, a new computer might be your best bet. I’ve been beating on and repairing computers for 30+ years now (started with a Commodore VIC-20 in 1979, and mainframes before that) Unfortunately, no matter WHICH way you choose, there is going to be some learning curve. One thing that I haven’t seen mentioned though is running XP in a virtual environment (Oracle’s VirtualBox is free) within your new OS of choice. I volunteer for a non-profit that gets a lot of old computer hardware donated. I hate to see any of that end up in landfills, so what *I* have chosen is to load either LXLE (Lubuntu eXtended Life Edition http://www.lxle.net) or Slacko Puppy Linux (http://puppylinux.org/wikka/Slacko56) which are two Linux distros that are designed for old hardware and light on resources required. Slacko Puppy runs entirely in RAM once loaded from CD, so can function well even on old systems without a hard drive. I keep a copy of it loaded on an old 4G USB flash drive, and run it from there for fixing issues with Windows systems that have crashed, since it can read and copy Windows files to an external drive easily in the event I can’t repair the cause of the crash. LXLE is my preferred distro, though it requires a DVD vs CD like Slacko. LXDE has nearly all the applications a normal home user would probably need — Firefox web browser, Pidgen Instant Messenger, LibreOffice suite, an email app (I add Mozilla Thunderbird instead), and music/video apps (which I replace with VLC) All the apps and the OS run quite nicely in less than 6-7 gigs of HD space. The installation wizard is easily understandable even for novices and asks if you wish to replace XP or install alongside XP for a dual-boot system. IMO, a dual-boot system is the best of both worlds. You can run in Linux for safety on the web, yet still have all your familiar programs in XP to boot into when unplugged from the web. There is a pretty good video of what LXLE looks like on the website, and is also is what’s called a LIVE distribution that can boot and run from the DVD to see if you might like it. LXLE has several “looks” you can boot into called Paridigms, so it can have the “look” of XP, Mac OS X, Ubuntu Unity or another I don’t recall right now. It costs absolutely nothing other than some time to download and burn the ISO image, so why not give one or both a try?

Cheers,
Phil Heberer

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Windows 7, no doubt.
Linux, as attractive as it sounds, would not be an option if you use Windows apps.
Windows 8/8.1, even with a “startup” utility making it “look” like Win7 is not a good substitute either.
It *is* different, and, unless you upgrade, some utilities (like backup software) won’t work. Question of drivers also comes up.
Windows 7 *does* come in 32-bit versions, so that’s not an issue.
Might have issues with drivers for older hardware, such as scanners, but that would apply to any OS upgrade.

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Windows 7, no doubt.
Linux, as attractive as it sounds, would not be an option if you use Windows apps.
Windows 8/8.1, even with a “startup” utility making it “look” like Win7 is not a good substitute either.
It *is* different, and, unless you upgrade, some utilities (like backup software) won’t work. Question of drivers also comes up.
Windows 7 *does* come in 32-bit versions, so that’s not an issue.
Might have issues with drivers for older hardware, such as scanners, but that would apply to any OS upgrade.

I concur with this completely. But do use the Upgrade Advisor suggested earlier in the thread before leaping into the XP to 7 upgrade.

Good luck!

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Beiland, Lots of solid suggestions here and they all would probably work for you, but I wouldn’t shy away from Linux distros. My wife installed Zorin on her laptop, an old (5 years) Lenovo R61 as a dual boot with Win XP. She rarely boots into Windows- only in very specific and limited situations when she has no choice. She uses 7 and XP at work, but for home personal use she much prefers Zorin. It boots, runs and shuts down way faster, comes with enough programs out of the box to do anything she needs to do, and never picks up viruses or malware.

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Everyone has missed an important point!:o: That “new” HDD is probably PATA, if the system is as old as I suspect. It could only be used as an external drive in an enclosure, if you can still find an external enclosure for a PATA drive. And now Lenovo, HP, Dell and other manufacturers are producing NEW PCs with Windows7 installed, not downgraded. The only solution to the XP problem is a dual-boot system. Before any more advice is given, we need a decision on the New Computer, especially if it will be upgradeable, so that we can advise on the system transfer and any additional components that will be needed.

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akra #16 wrote

First, you get that free app that lets you look up the programs

Can you please tell me what that app is called?

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32-bit Windows operating systems will also run either 32-bit or 16-bit programs. 64-bit Windows operating systems will run 32-bit programs, but not 16-bit.

32 bit software sometime uses a 16-bit installer, so that the application would run if you could install it on your 64 bit machine, but you can’t.

In other cases, you can install it, but your “32-bit” application calls 16-bit DLLs which won’t run on a machine with a 64-bit OS. Sometimes these programs will crash while starting up, and in other cases they will start okay, but crash when you try to do something that makes a call to the 16-bit DLL.

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Hi, I will be facing the same problem, upgrading from XP to probably Windows 7. I have been intrigued with comments made regarding Linux and Zorin operating systems. I mainly use Mozilla Firefox browser and I use my computer mostly for surfing online, and have downloaded many musical videos, from various websites and youtube. If I installed either Linux or Zorin as an operating system (am I correct in assuming either would be just an addition to my current XP?), would I be able to still view these videos? Also, I’m assuming I would NOT be able to utilize Mozilla’s “Download Helper” with either one. Would that be a correct assumption? I must reveal that I’m not knowledgeable at all regarding either operating system. Any further info would be greatly appreciated.

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Nomad

I have been intrigued with comments made regarding Linux and Zorin operating systems.

Linus Torvalds is the founder and coordinator of Linux. He maintains the kernel. Many other groups maintain distributions. for an idea of what this means see http://distrowatch.com. Zorin is a Linux distribution. So are Mint, Ubuntu, Debian, Mageia, Fedora, and nearly 300 others.

I mainly use Mozilla Firefox browser and I use my computer mostly for surfing online

Most Linux distributions have Firefox as the default browser. I don’t know about Zorin, but probably.

If I installed either Linux or Zorin as an operating system … would I be able to still view these videos?

Yes.

am I correct in assuming either would be just an addition to my current XP?

There are several ways to use Linux, including “Live boot” where you don’t install at all, just boot from your DVD drive or USB drive.
You can install Linux as a dual boot, so that when you start the computer, you can choose which one to boot into, Linux or XP.
You can install VirtualBox onto your XP computer, and install Linux as a virtual machine running on the XP physical machine.
Or you can install Linux to use the whole hard disk and over-write XP. That doesn’t sound like what you want to do.

Also, I’m assuming I would NOT be able to utilize Mozilla’s “Download Helper” with either one

I hate to admit that I don’t know what the Mozilla download helper is, but if it works on XP, it probably works on Linux. I don’t know.

If I were choosing a Linux distribution for myself, or for a complete beginner, I think that I would choose Linux Mint Cinnamon.

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Is it possible the Windows 7 compatibility test doesn’t like your video driver, graphics card or something like that vs the monitor drivers?
— Can you post the exact message?

I have seen video driver issues on a couple of computers upgraded to Windows 7
— Even though the computers run ok, the owners are constantly being reminded of whatever the issue is and they tell me they have “choppy” performance

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Microsoft extends date for OEM preloads of Windows 7 for business users
By Mary Jo Foley

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-extends-date-for-oem-preloads-of-windows-7-for-business-users-7000026362/

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I have done 2 upgrades from XP to 7 so far. Goes easily with Laplink PC Mover which they have for $25 for XP users. You just pop inthe 7 disk while in XP, tell it to install custom, it saves all the data and programs to a file called windows.old and then you run PC Mover, and it will pull everything from there. The only thing that seems to get borked is MSE. Both times I had to download new as the moved one gave an error. It takes about a day and a half to do including all the windows updates.

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I have done 2 upgrades from XP to 7 so far. Goes easily with Laplink PC Mover which they have for $25 for XP users. You just pop inthe 7 disk while in XP, tell it to install custom, it saves all the data and programs to a file called windows.old and then you run PC Mover, and it will pull everything from there. The only thing that seems to get borked is MSE. Both times I had to download new as the moved one gave an error. It takes about a day and a half to do including all the windows updates.

Are Win 7 disk still available? I thought I saw a discussion that this was older software, and with this great demand coming soon, it might not be available??

So without a disc, I would have to download it from somewhere,…is that correct? And with all the scammers out there where would be the best places to get this software as a download?

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Are Win 7 disk still available? I thought I saw a discussion that this was older software, and with this great demand coming soon, it might not be available??

So without a disc, I would have to download it from somewhere,…is that correct? And with all the scammers out there where would be the best places to get this software as a download?

Look at Amazon, Newegg, or other reputable vendors. There are still plenty of places to purchase a DVD.

Joe

--Joe

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It can if you install Win 7 on the same partition that XP is on without formatting. In that case it will “stuff” all of XP into a folder called Windows.old from which you may extract data files after installing Win 7.

However, relying on that to preserve your data files is not a good practice, back up those files to backup devices before installing and remember than one copy is not a backup no matter where it is; you should have at least two copies on different drives or media at all times.

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I’m going back thru this subject thread and ran across this advice. I think I ‘inadvertently’ took you recommendation and made more than one backup…ha..ha,…maybe 3

But your posting prompted another question I have. Once I have all these backups, should I be considering doing a whole new install from a reformatted HD?

I am a little confused by some wording. Most instructions for the XP to Win 7 conversion talks about an ‘upgrade disc’ or program??
The computer store sold me an “OEM System Builder Pack”, “intended for system builders ONLY” . Am I going to have any problems loading this onto my older desktop computer that has not had XP removed from it (to my knowledge). Am I using this new software in an upgrade manner, rather than as a totally new install of a new system?

It can if you install Win 7 on the same partition that XP is on without formatting. In that case it will “stuff” all of XP into a folder called Windows.old from which you may extract data files after installing Win 7.

However, relying on that to preserve your data files is not a good practice, back up those files to backup devices before installing and remember than one copy is not a backup no matter where it is; you should have at least two copies on different drives or media at all times.

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Amazon still sells Windows 7 licenses.

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I just went back and reread your original post.

I even bought a nice Apple desktop computer just to get away from this Microsoft rubbish

Ordinarily an Apple desktop is the last thing I would suggest (or even think of), but since you already have one, bite the bullet, and learn it. Then if you don’t like it, you can move on. Talk to your local Apple store about an introduction.

I bought my wife a nice HP laptop recently with Windows 7 Pro on it, so she is set for several years, but when she needs a new computer, I will probably get her off the Microsoft disaster, and get her an apple laptop.

Otherwise my suggestion would be

1) Windows 7 (64-bit if your hardware will support it)

2) Linux (Zorin is okay, but I would recommend Linux Mint Cinnamon)

3) Apple

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I bought 3 copies in the last two weeks. I buy oem copies. For one desktop I needed to move to a bigger HDD so I cloned XP using Acronis TruImage which WD provides free with it’s drive. The with XP open I installed Win 7, using custom option. It advises data on target drive will be saved as Windows.old. Then when done I downloaded Laplink PC Mover Pro for $25 and ran it. It restored everything to 7. I think the only thing that didn’t work was Microsoft Security Essentials which gave a error. I just downloaded it fresh from MS. The a gazillion updates for Windows s nd good to go.

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See if this helps
Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/help/upgrading-from-windows-xp-to-windows-7#T1=tab01

As mentioned, consider doing your own backups first

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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I haven’t used that backup utility for many years now, but I don’t think you can browse the backup file. You can restore it, but not browsing the contents. I may be wrong though, since many years have gone by since I last used it.

I suggest that you try one of the free imaging apps, such as Macrium Reflect Free or EaseUS Todo Backup to create a full system image. Once you install the app, create a boot disc and then create a full system image. This image will allow you to restore the whole system (operating system included), in case you want to do that and that’s the best backup strategy for an OS migration. You will also be able to access individual files, in case of need.

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I suggest that you try one of the free imaging apps, such as Macrium Reflect Free or …..

Took a look at this one and have a question?
What does it mean that it does not include “file and folder backup” ?
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Regrettably I can not work on this project till maybe later this evening.

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Took a look at this one and have a question?
What does it mean that it does not include “file and folder backup” ?
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

Regrettably I can not work on this project till maybe later this evening.

It is just as FUN explained :).

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I haven’t used that backup utility for many years now, but I don’t think you can browse the backup file. You can restore it, but not browsing the contents. I may be wrong though, since many years have gone by since I last used it.

I suggest that you try one of the free imaging apps, such as Macrium Reflect Free or EaseUS Todo Backup to create a full system image. Once you install the app, create a boot disc and then create a full system image. This image will allow you to restore the whole system (operating system included), in case you want to do that and that’s the best backup strategy for an OS migration. You will also be able to access individual files, in case of need.

So I have been experimenting with some back-ups. I decided to try each of these 2 you recommended. I’m pretty sure I was successful with the Macrium one, but the EaseUS Todo one stopped downloading part way thru the process. I tried it again and it stopped again. I began to wonder if it had anything to do with the ‘size’ of the info I was trying to download,…or some glitch with the external HD I was downloading to?

I decided to abandon this EaseUS program for now, and do a manual backup, by literally using my mouse to ‘send to’ each folder to my external HD. Oops I ran into a similar problem with large file folders when trying to transfer them that manner,….the transfer rate would slow down, then just stop and freeze up?? I then switched USB cable that fed the HD,…that did not improve things. I then switched the USB port I plugged into on my computer and walla!!…. everything started working fine. I even manually downloaded my entire ‘My Documents’ folder all in one shot.

So then I wanted to backup “My Favorites” to a file folder on my external HD. I went looking for instructions as I had forgotten he process. Here is what the Microsoft page told me about this process for IE8,
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/211089
…and my reply to them

Your instructions are INCORRECT, to export one’s ‘favorites’ in IE8 to a remote file. They say:
1.In Internet Explorer, click Favorites, click the down-arrow next to Add to Favorites, and then click Import and Export.
2.Click Export to a file, and then click Next.”

That is incorrect as far as I’m see. You first need to click on ‘file’, then go to ‘import/export’
Why is that Microsoft can’t even get the instructions correct on their own site and software. I’m amazed.

I’m an older man who needs to follow instructions to get this computer stuff cleared up, and when the instructions are wrong…..what can I say???

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You might also give Nero BackItUp 2014 free a try just for the data. The feedback while it’s running seems a little choppy, but it goes right to work making a one to one backup from your specified drive(s) to the specified backup drive/folder. Nero is dipping their toes in the online backup market so I think that’s the reason they give this part of it away for free now.

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That just means it doesn’t do that separately as a feature if that’s all you want. An image still includes a complete file and folder backup; literally, every file and folder is included except the pagefile and hibernation file methinks. That’s where Back It Up might come in, make a complete image with Macrium Reflect and a personal file and folder backup with BackItUp.

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XP is not upgradeable to 7, so you always need a clean install. I am not sure whether an OEM version requires formatting the drive, maybe someone who has used an OEM version can state it.

Technically, installing an OEM version in an “old” computer, is a license violation.

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Technically a OEM sys build pack should be expecting a blank clean hard drive right? Will it say “not my scene man” if it finds another operating system already there? I’m not sure. I don’t think it hurts to try and if it doesn’t want to install for some reason you’ll just have to use some third party software to format the drive and then install the builder’s version. As far as I know the only real difference with the OEM sys builder pack is that it is tied to the system it is installed on and non-transferable to another system sometime in the future should you ever change computers.

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Perhaps I’ve been doing ‘too much’ research on this subject, but as I have said before I am trying to learn something here in this process.

I still harbor some questions about this OEM software version, and its proper installation. So I revisited the Microcenter store the other day and spoke with a very knowledgeable older sales manager who told me, yes I can use this OEM installation disc, but
1) don’t expect any ‘support questions’ from Microsoft if I should run into problems, as that is not included with the OEM version.
2) be sure to first select the ‘video option’ before you choose the ‘custom installation’, or you will not have any screen image (I guess?)
Any other input to this question??

I next found this while looking around for the ‘proper step-by-step’ procedures. …a comment over on Amazon buy a fellow who sounds pretty knowledgeable

This is the exact same version of Operating Systems that come pre-installed by all system manufacturers and I am writing this review to both caution and make everyone aware about an apparent change to the Microsoft EULA (End-User License Agreement) concerning the Activation process of these “System Builder” or “OEM pre-installed” versions of the Windows 7 Operating Systems (the capped portion was never a condition for previous versions of Windows Operating Systems, which USED TO be tied ONLY to the system’s motherboard through the BIOS) and which states:

“Activation associates the use of the software with a specific computer. During activation, the software will send information about the software and the computer to Microsoft. This information includes the version, language and product key of the software, the Internet protocol address of the computer, and INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE HARDWARE CONFIGURATION OF THE COMPUTER.” – Section 4, Mandatory Validation.

This means that it is NO LONGER just tied to the system’s motherboard (BIOS) as is still popularly believed, but now to ALL hardware components and their exact configuration (including unique serial numbers where applicable) of the target computer on which all OEM or “System Builder” versions of the Windows Operating System in question that is to be tied to them.

Just recently, my Acer Notebook’s IDE 0 (Master) hard disk decided to fail on me after just 1 year and 8 months, and of course outside of the warranty period. So I replaced it not knowing of the aforementioned condition of the pre-installed EULA of this product which would BREAK my completely legal and fully purchased version of the pre-installed Operating System the very second I swapped the failing and the new functioning hard drives. Lo and behold, after the change of the hard drive model, serial number and capacity, my pre-installed Windows 7 Home Premium recovery disks (both a freshly ordered set and also a self-made image set) kept returning: “Windows Setup could not configure Windows on this computer’s hardware” and kept restarting on the “Setup” screen and would go no further, no matter what I tried (on ALL six installation attempts). Curious, I perused the EULA to see if it could give me any information for why this was happening and discovered the reason for this to be the replacement of a faulty hard drive and because the pre-installed OEM version had remembered the original hardware configuration, and would not permit it’s use just because of the new hard drive installation! And again, to remind you, on previous Windows versions, this was NEVER the case UNLESS the motherboard was changed!

If I had not been given a legal retail license key by a friend who owns their own computer repair business along with access to the .ISO bootable disk, I would have wound up with a fully functional $800 (+ $134.99 for the hard drive replacement) paperweight because of this problem. This is yet another prime example of how these monopoly software corporations are scheming up new and more devious ways to force us all to re-purchase again and again their products should misfortune strike (as it did for me with my original hard drive on this system)… or so it sure seems to me!

So for all of you system builders out there who love to tinker around or else upgrade their computer’s hardware components, do yourself a huge favor right now to avoid financial heartache and just get the full retail version of your chosen Windows Operating System for a slightly larger cost… otherwise you will wind up spending TWICE or even more than what the full and transferable Operating System would have cost you in the first place! It happened to me, and it WILL happen to you somewhere down the line. And I must state that Linux Ubuntu is looking more and more attractive to me (a life-time Microsoft Windows user) with every new “Windows” OS and all of their new “conditions” intended to only cause misery for your support of them and their software…

Bottom line: a purchased and legitimate “OEM” Operating System being broken after a simple hard drive replacement ON THE SAME COMPUTER IT CAME WITH is absolutely and unequivocally UNACCEPTABLE, Microsoft!

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1XA40KBLZ4CU4/ref=cm_cd_pg_pg1?ie=UTF8&asin=B004Q0PT3I&cdForum=Fx6F5DMOQ10DXL&cdPage=1&cdThread=Tx3UWYG2ANT2ZJJ&store=software#wasThisHelpful

WOW !! I responded:

Apr 11, 2014
I am reading thru this subject thread as I am in the process of changing my older HP computer that was running XP for years (manufacture installation) over to Win 7. I went to our local Micro-Center computer outlet and the only version of Win 7 they had to sell me was the OEM version. I read the label on the box and became concerned about using this installation disc, AND how specifically to use it properly? Those questions brought me to this subject thread.

I’m an older (71) guy who is only moderately knowledgeable about this new computer world, so any help, advice etc will be appreciated. BTW, I am also HIGHLY suspicious of Microsoft over my 12 years of usage of their products, and tendencies to bring STUFF to the market that is not fully developed, and in need of SO MANY after the fact ‘fixes’.

My most basic question about this OEM product is , isn’t this the software that an Original Equipment Manufacturer would be putting on their machines for resale?…… I think so as I understand it?? So if I walked into a shop and bought a new computer with this software on it I would be getting the same thing. Now somewhere down the road I might choose to put more memory in that computer, or change out the power supply, or change out the video card,….at which point my computer would no longer work !!!! That is ridiculous in my opinion. Both the manufacture of the computer AND Microsoft in COMBINATION sold me a system that should continue to work thru minor changes in ‘parts replacement’ just as my automobile does. Otherwise I would term it a product with a ‘built in obsolesces’ .

And then perhaps they suggest that I need to call them for additional HELP, which I understand from reading about the OEM version is NOT available from Microsoft?? (hmm, more strikes against this bully, the way I see it, …or perhaps I will be connected to some person from Timbucktoo).

My more specific concern. I was just ready this morning to start my Win 7 installation after doing 3 individual back-ups (practice and experiment…ha..ha) to an external hard drive. I was told by Microsoft and several other sources that I DO NOT have to wipe the old XP off my computer, but rather just insert the new disc and choose “Custom Install”.
BUT, when I visited that MicroCenter store the other day to get yet another opinion/advice, a very knowledgeable sales manager told me that the FIRST selection I should make was to select the ‘video option’, then custom install??…otherwise I might not get anything on the screen ????…… HELP.

I am now concerned about my plan to possible install a new video card (for dual screens), that I purchased over a year ago and just never got around to installing. my thought was that since the drivers would all have to be redone after the ‘clean install’ of Win 7, why put this video card in to the computer while it is still running XP,…why not wait until Win 7 was running on the machine. Now I wonder if my new Win7 will stop working after I install it because I change over the video card.???

I’m getting so sick of this Microsoft company I am seriously considering going to Mac/Apple

Any help will be appreciated. I don’t think its proper to post my email address here so it would not have to be a part of this discussion?

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FWIW, I usually buy OEM and have never had an issue installing or reinstalling after upgrades or hardware change. Once in a while I will have to activate by phone. Not that difficult. Only one time did I have to actually speak to a live person in the process, and simply explained I was upgrading to larger hard drive. bingo all done.

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@beiland,

The system builder has always been responsible for operating system support with OEM versions. That is one of the reasons the system builder version is cheaper than the retail version. In practice, I’ve never had a problem getting support for any version of Windows regardless of retail or OEM.

Product activation has always used multiple system components to validate a product and more or less tie it to a specific machine. Because large OEMs have a tremendous volume of product they have a special way of activating Windows. That is why OEM versions from the large vendors are tied to a motherboard. As with miztrniceguy in post #66, I’ve never had a problem installing/re-installing an OEM version.

Joe

--Joe

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….Yes, you will have to wipe your drive and reinstall your old software (so hunt up the old CDs if needed), but otherwise I am completely happy with the change, and needed virtually no other software purchase.
Rob

Technically a OEM sys build pack should be expecting a blank clean hard drive right? Will it say “not my scene man” if it finds another operating system already there? I’m not sure. I don’t think it hurts to try and if it doesn’t want to install for some reason you’ll just have to use some third party software to format the drive and then install the builder’s version. As far as I know the only real difference with the OEM sys builder pack is that it is tied to the system it is installed on and non-transferable to another system sometime in the future should you ever change computers.

Sorry for the delay in posting anew, but I had to go off onto some other ‘outside projects’.

So yesterday evening I started my Win 7 upload onto my older XP machine. I decided to follow the Microsoft instructions step-by-step. Those instructions also directed me to go on-line with the computer doing the install so it could tract the process, and make any corrections along the way (I was surprised it would have me go ‘live’ online doing this installation of a new operating system !). But I did as I was instructed, and things went along rather smoothly and automatically.

And by the way I was NOT instructed to ‘delete XP’ first, nor to ‘reformat’ my C-Drive,…just start the ‘custom install’ right over it.

However when it got towards the end, it restarted several times on its own, and subsequently I restarted it several times to see if the ‘home screen’ would come up looking like my Win7 laptop (a sign-in page, firewall). A few problems/questions arose;

1) When the computer first starts up its opens up a black screen titled “Windows Boot Manager” that ask me to make some selections, one of which is Win7 or old system . I am a bit confused by this ‘opening page’ that reminds me of a ‘safe mode’ opening. At first it would do this repeatedly in cycles, but now after some extra restart cycling it seems to be only doing it just one time at a restart of the computer.
Could it be asking me this before it goes to the page asking me for my firewall name, because doing the installation of Win7 it self-created a new folder on the C-drive in which it put a lot of stuff that had existed on my old system?
I have not done anything with that file/folder yet, as first I wanted to sort out any other potential problems with my new install.

2) I was utilizing Explorer 8 on my old system, and of course I imagine that was what was running doing the install of Win7 (per MS instructions). But almost immediately after the new install the system kind of snuck-up on me and installed Explorer 11. From what I have read I do not think I want to be running either Explorer 10 or 11 as they have significant little problems at the moment? Do I want to be running Explorer 9 instead??

3) I was surprised that after the install with the OEM disc I received a notice that I needed to install something like 108 ‘important upgrades’?? WOW!. I just went ahead and did it.

4) I have NOT tried to download any of my old stuff over to the new system yet, so that I might keep from complicating and or sorting out any issues with the new installation first

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Beiland

1) When the computer first starts up its opens up a black screen titled “Windows Boot Manager” that ask me to make some selections, one of which is Win7 or old system

It sounds to me like you have a dual booting system, and if you select the “old system” you will get the XP system.

You may also want to use Disk Management (or Gparted) to see if you have two Windows partitions, one for XP and one for 7

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Beiland

It sounds to me like you have a dual booting system, and if you select the “old system” you will get the XP system.

You may also want to use Disk Management (or Gparted) to see if you have two Windows partitions, one for XP and one for 7

Oh wow, I think you might be correct. When I tried selecting the previous system choice, it took me to a ‘restore console’ that appeared to be leading me to restoring my old system (XP I suppose?). I did not want to return to XP, so I cancelled that, and now I am back to Win 7 login.

I tried to go to Disk Management, but I can’t find it?
I could find it in the old XP system as it was clearly identifiable, but this new system somehow hides it under some other name, wording, or something. (: (: ….they just have to keep changing the wording, symbols etc. When I found “Run Maintenance Tasks” it seemed to take me off into some automatic direction that I was unsure of??…so I stopped that. What was wrong with the old manner of description, where you could choose ‘evaluate the disc’, then select whether to defrag or not.

I just don’t understand all of this ‘redesigning effort’ with no one looking over these young guy’s shoulders to see if it makes sense to a great majority of the people. I see this same sort of Bull in the new automobiles where you need a pair of reading glasses to see what speed you are doing. There are ever-smaller dials, and WAY TOO much info on the dashboard. (I drive limos part time, and experience a number of different cars). OK, that rant is over….

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So now I’m looking into what I have to do to get the new drivers that will be compatible with the Win7 system. I wrote down the name of the drivers I used to have on the HP computer with XP system on it. I thought I might have to go and find the new drivers for each piece of hardware or device I had on my computer.

But under the control panel I found that the new Win7 system recognizes most of my ‘devices’ that exist on the computer, and in many cases it appears as thought they are ‘Microsoft Compliant’, they are indicated as ‘working properly’….GREAT, if that is so.

BUT I do have four indications denoted with an Explanation Point (problem I assume)!!
1) Multimedia Audio Controller (PCI bus 0, device 6, function 0)
2) Multimedia Audio Controller (PCI bus 0, device 5, function 0)
3) SM Bus Controller (PCI bus 0, device 1, function 0)
4) Unknown Device (on PCI bus)
all indicated as drivers not installed (Code28)

Can someone tell me what to do about these?

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So now I’m looking into what I have to do to get the new drivers that will be compatible with the Win7 system. I wrote down the name of the drivers I used to have on the HP computer with XP system on it. I thought I might have to go and find the new drivers for each piece of hardware or device I had on my computer.

But under the control panel I found that the new Win7 system recognizes most of my ‘devices’ that exist on the computer, and in many cases it appears as thought they are ‘Microsoft Compliant’, they are ‘working properly’….GREAT

BUT I do have four indications denoted with an Explanation Point !!
1) Multimedia Audio Controller (PCI bus 0, device 6, function 0)
2) Multimedia Audio Controller (PCI bus 0, device 5, function 0)
3) SM Bus Controller (PCI bus 0, device 1, function 0)
4) Unknown Device (on PCI bus)
all indicated as drivers not installed (Code28)

Can someone tell me what to do about these?

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Beiland: It all depends on how much time and energy you want to spend on this whole thing. In your original post, you say you already bought a Mac. I’d just learn to use that. I actually run Windows 7 64 bit on my Mac in a virtual machine, and it runs faster than on my i7 Dell. I use it only for running Quicken, as the Mac version is a pale comparison.

But since you have already loaded Win 7 on your older machine, yes, all those choices you saw are “normal”, as the OS comes frozen at a point in time,and always needs hundreds of updates that occurred since it was burned.

Microsoft does probably more redesigns of their OS versions than many others do. Apple is pretty minimalistic on that, and Linux has so many versions that you can likely find one that doesn’t ever change. Now that you are this deep into it, you might just keep plugging away on it. You’ll quickly learn the differences, and get used to them. Win7 is going to be with us for quite a few more years. Now you just have to see if your computer drivers for this old machine are still supported in Windows 7. That could be your next challenge.

As I say, I’d simply buy a new machine with Windows 7 on it (you can order one from Dell or Lenovo if you ask), if you really want to go that way, and donate this to someone else. Best of luck!

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But since you have already loaded Win 7 on your older machine, yes, all those choices you saw are “normal”, as the OS comes frozen at a point in time,and always needs hundreds of updates that occurred since it was burned.

Now that you are this deep into it, you might just keep plugging away on it. You’ll quickly learn the differences, and get used to them. Win7 is going to be with us for quite a few more years. Now you just have to see if your computer drivers for this old machine are still supported in Windows 7. That could be your next challenge.

You are correct, I’m deep enough into it I will just keep plugging away…..besides I am getting pretty close to a finish, AND I have an Acer laptop with Win 7 that works very well. So I will have 2 machines with the same operating system.

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Beiland

I tried to go to Disk Management, but I can’t find it?

Start->Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Computer Management->Disk Management

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Beiland
Start->Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Computer Management->Disk Management

I guess I didn’t look close enough at the two window frames presented. I was looking for Disc Management to be under Tools rather than Storage,….guess I was thinking of this as a management operation (to defrag), requiring tools, rather than a static storage situation.

I’ve been caught by some similar ‘misunderstand of the computer language’ before. One time very early on I saw the word Reformat. I took it to mean a reorganization of the material stored within, not the wiping out of all the material. I guess it was the English language I grew up with,…reformatting was not deleting and starting over again.

And in photography I always thought of Resolution as a means of improving the quality of the photo, nothing to do with the size of the photo as there is a world for that, SIZE or resizing.

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FUN “Technically a OEM sys build pack should be expecting a blank clean hard drive right”
The only reason I’m including full sentence is because I am interested in the “blank clean hard drive” part
I have a Vista computer to upgrade to Windows 7. I’ve already done one via sustom install and all went well
On the 2nd Vista computer I’d like to create a “blank clean hard drive” and then install Win7 for the experience of doing so
I’ve read some recommendations, but I’d like to get some current recommendations please

HP EliteBook 8540w laptop Windows 10 Pro (x64)

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Any bootable partitioning software can get this job done. I use GParted that comes with the Parted Magic iso. There is still a free version even though you may find a pay scale. Major Geeks has the free one available for download.

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Any bootable partitioning software can get this job done. I use GParted that comes with the Parted Magic iso. There is still a free version even though you may find a pay scale. Major Geeks has the free one available for download.

Was that instruction directed to me?

What do I do with that pretty sizable file on my C-drive that was created when I loaded Win7 onto my existing XP system?

Do I pick and choose certain things, and then discard the remainder of that file, (particularly the ‘old’ system stuff) ?

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