Windows Xp Going

[FredPuli43]

Windows XP will soon have no support, no patches etc from Microsoft. I hate Windows 8. Is it possible to change the XP operating system on the computer ( a Dell) to Windows 7 and would that be supported ?

[Gizmonster]

If you have windows 8 - you can change it to an easier version with your start menu back, etc.
I think it costs $4.99 .... I've just bought it as I've just bought laptop with windows 8 on and found it impossible to navigate ...... well worth the money:
http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/

[Gizmonster]

Just to re-confirm what fender62 has said - yea win7 is still supported, but you'll need to do a complete install.
If you fancy windows 8 instead, but don't like the layout, take a look at stardock in my link, as it gives you the start menu back and makes it easier to use :)

[SlackAlice]

Your main problem in installing W7 on your existing machine is whether your pc has updated drivers for W7. Go to the Dell support site and see if your exact model has suitable drivers for W7 you can download.

Go here and download and run the Windows 7 upgrade advisor as a first step.

[SlackAlice]

ooops, forgot the link

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

[TTG]

If your computer is very old, might be worth getting another with Windows 7 already installed. You will then have something that will last another few years and probably better performing. Good bargains in ebay shops/specialist online shops, specially if you are not interested in playing the latest games.

[murraymints]

I'm glad you asked that Fred I have xp on pc....I also have a disc for win7 ..can I, if ok after check as above, to install this and have piggy back with xp ?

[bravejordy]

It's a pity really because I much prefer Windows XP over Windows 8 any day. Cheers for the link, Gizmonster, that certainly sounds worthwhile checking out, although I thought the much hyped Windows 8.1 update was supposed to give us back our beloved Start menu. I got the update but can't see any major difference or improvement :(

[netibiza]

I've just googled start menu for windows 8 and got one for free.

[bibblebub]

Everything that the start menu gives you is there readily available in W8, I honestly do not see why its absence is such a problem for people.

[murraymints]

I don't mind win 8 at all...

[bravejordy]

bibblebub, it's not just the absence of the start menu that's the problem, there's a whole bunch of things wrong with Windows 8 and personally speaking, I'd say the Cons far outweigh the Pros and as a result, I hate W8 with a passion.

[bibblebub]

i don't have any problems, no idea why you struggle with it, all i can suggest is not to use any apps since they are unnecessary

[bravejordy]

Well, like they say, each to his/her own. W8 has definitely been designed for the touchscreen market, but an old die-hard mouse fan like me finds it too awkward for comfort. However, my main bone of contention is the fact that a lot of my old programs (some I've been using for over 12 years) are not compatible with W8. Yes, I'm aware W8 has a feature to make it compatible with a lot of the older programs, but trust me, it doesn't work on the programs I wish to use. Fair enough, my W8 machine is faster for surfing the Net but it's absolutely useless when it comes to editing photos and stuff. It doesn't even work properly with my printer so I find I have to fire up my faithful old Windows XP machine to do anything I'm working on, which kind of defeats the object of getting a new computer in the first place.

In my opinion, Microsoft have dropped the ball on this one.

[galeck1947]

You can get a Windows 7 desktop and laptop from HP and Lenovo you just have to order it from their store of ask your computer retailer . Microsoft have changed the cut off date for OEM 's to still supply it to be determined.