Computer With Outlook Express 6 And Windows Xp

[Big Bas]

The title tell you all the computer is old and needs upgrading i believe it can be done but I want to avoid the pitfalls Can anyone tell me what order I work fo for best?

[Buenchico]

Forget about upgrading your existing computer and get a new one. Apart from anything else, it will be cheaper!

Assuming that your monitor is still OK, all you need is a refurbished Windows 7 computer from here:
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/products/computing/refurbished-computers
(NB: That's not just a random link obtained through a bit of googling. It's where I buy from, both for myself and for friends. It's an excellent company).
You can, of course, then upgrade to Windows 10 for free but I wouldn't bother. (I'm sticking with Windows 7).

If you've been using Outlook Express 6 on your old computer, you'll presumably want something similar on your new one. Windows 7 doesn't come with an email client but you can download Windows Live Mail (as part of Windows Essentials) for free:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/essentials
Alternatively you could use a third-party freebie, such as the excellent Thunderbird:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/essentials

You'll then need to export your data from Outlook Express to a memory stick (or other external media) and import it from there into Windows Live Mail (or Thunderbird):
http://www.cybernetman.com/kb/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.viewArticles/articleId/185

You'll also need to install all of the software that you had on your old PC onto your new one (or, of course, install something better) but we'll need to know what you require (e.g. DTP software, image-processing programs, etc) if we're to point you in the right direction.

[pinkyboyid]

First thing to check is the specification of your computer:
e.g.
- CPU Processor type (32-bit or 64-bit)/ speed, Installed Memory (RAM) (Right Click My Computer and select properties to check these)
- Max. size GB of hard disk C:

If considering upgrading to a later Windows version, Win 10 for example, you need to check that your system spec is capable, see: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/windows-10-specifications

Then if the spec is feasible, you would need to purchase a new Windows 10 license, for example (and you may want to Google around for other offers) see:
https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/product/windows-10-pro/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAyvqyBRChq_iG38PgvLgBEiQAJbasd1uRGVdaHb2YHAfKTuAZzm0pI4qjn6cBbKPG_87VxZ4aAiw48P8HAQ

Then, first thing to do before commencing a Win 10 install is to backup any of your precious existing data files as a precaution, as the Installation may have tendency to delete them! See: http://www.computerworlduk.com/tutorial/operating-systems/how-upgrade-from-windows-xp-windows-10-3625768/

OR ALTERNATIVELY, you could consider installing a Linux operating system in Dual Boot mode, such as Linux MINT, where you get to keep your XP system and files, with either system selectable at boot-up time and that won't cost you anything as Linux is free, see:
http://www.zdnet.com/article/why-linux-mint-is-a-worthwhile-windows-xp-replacement/

Hope that helps.

[VHG]

If you mean a hardware upgrade then I am with Buenchico, don't bother.

With a computer that old you will probably need to upgrade almost everything.

On your old PC if you want a better CPU you will need a new motherboard, which will mean new memory, which will mean a new power supply and probably a new hard disk and so on.

Even the case may not be suitable for taking this new hardware.

And after all that you will need to buy a new version of Windows.

So replace it, don't upgrade.