Patricia writes:
I am disappointed that you at WorldStart seem to have a flip, cavalier attitude about the genuine hardship being posed for some people by the end of support for Windows XP.
“Well, maybe it’s time to replace that old computer.” “If you still can’t get your (whatever) to work with Windows 8.1, maybe you should retire it.”
OK, fine. So, what are people supposed to use for time and money?
Changing computers is a nightmare for me. I have years of critical records on my XP computer. They came from my DOS computer to my Windows 3.1 computer to my Windows 95 computer to my current XP computer. Every move is more difficult than the one before. It is many hours of work to move all the data, and to reinstall the successive generations of software, or find work-arounds, to access the data. The costs are not only the hardware, and usually at least some new software, but also the hundreds of dollars in bench time at my local guru to rebuild everything.
So, you ask, “Why don’t you do the change yourself? That would be free.” Not exactly. I am probably capable of learning to do it, but I provide care and care management for a severely disabled relative who can never be left alone. My partner volunteers a few hours a week, and there is a part-time nursing attendant. But I am responsible for 18-21 hours a day of care. My whole “other life” has to fit into the time that’s left. So, is it better to pay the local guru for the work, or pay overtime for the nursing attendant so I can sit home (messing) around with a computer? You tell me.
I know, there’s supposed to be software out there that will move everything. It gets some rave reviews. It also gets some disaster reviews.The end of support for XP is not just an inconvenience for some people. For some, it will require substantial expenditures of time, energy and money, all of which may be in short supply.
Patricia, we have certainly never intended to be flip or cavalier about the end of XP. We fully recognize that switching operating systems can be time consuming and expensive. Although I do think that as the deadline to the end of XP support approaches, we are being pretty blunt about things.
There’s nothing we can do about Microsoft’s decision to end security and but patches for Windows XP on April 8 except warn XP users of what’s coming and honestly tell them about their options if they want to stay safe. I have tried to explain some of Microsoft’s reasoning behind ending support, and that has ticked off several people. But whether it’s because they are greedy or XP has outlived its usefulness doesn’t really matter. Support is ending and users will have to make some changes to compute safely.
And if we seem to be getting blunter about the situation as the deadline nears, it’s because I’m a little alarmed that a lot of people just don’t seem to be taking it seriously. I know that those important records that you’ve taken great care to preserve all these years matter to you, and I don’t want to see anything happen to them because of a virus. All I can ask is that no one shoot the messenger.
Let’s go over options for the end of XP support:
1. Stick with XP and take the computer off-line – Free and easy, but could be inconvenient. But if you have a tablet or a phone that can access the Internet, a good option. But don’t go online with that computer, ever.
2. Upgrade current computer to Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 – It’s going to cost you a few hundred dollars, but if your system can handle the later version, it could still save you some money over purchasing a new system. But it will be a clean install over XP, so you will need to back up any files or programs you wish to save.
3. Switch to a free operating system such as Linux Ubuntu and use a Windows Emulator such as Wine to run programs – inexpensive, but could be labor intensive.
4. Add Linux to your XP machine and run a dual boot. Disable XP for online and only go online with Linux – Free, but there is work involved in setting up Linux.
5. Purchase a new computer – which is expensive. But you could also opt for a refurbished computer for much less. There’s the cost of the new device, plus the time and effort of transferring your data.
6. Switch to a tablet or Chromebook – this is not a good option if you have certain computer programs you must run. But if you use your computer primarily for Internet and e-mail, it’s a viable option.
7. Do nothing and hope for the best. – I absolutely do not suggest this. As I’ve said before, it’s like leaving your house unlocked and hoping no one breaks in.
Good luck to everyone who still needs to transition from XP by the deadline. If you have any questions be sure to ask us here.
~ Cynthia
When Microsoft stops supporting XP, does that mean that they will no longer activate
fresh installation of XP? Until now, whenever I have noticed that my XP computer has been infected by a rootkit or such other stuff, I used to reformat and reinstall the
XP. Microsoft would then reactivate my copy of XP since it is not OEM version.
Will this support stop as well?
How does Microsoft re-activate your copy of XP?
Cynthia,
Thanks for all the help you provide. I am sorry to see you take so much grief trying to help others. A saying that rings true for me is “No good deed goes unpunished”. Hang in there and keep doing what you do!
Kim
I bought chromebook, which didn’t work for me…then purchase used computer with Windows 8 and Office suite (just over $200). Surprised the public’s contract with MS doesn’t include protection against the company’s decisions to end support for a product they promoted and sold. Where are all the lawyers when you need ’em? Last, Understand Bill Gates IS back at MS in some sort of advisory (Chairman?) position, as market dropping (too bad, weep, weep).
Patricia,
Whoa! No sense taking your frustrations out on the people at WorldStart. I don not run XP, but have read every article and tip given by the people at WorldStart and not one time did I feel they were being flip OR cavalier. Not once, ever. You want to vent send a letter to Bill Gates.
I think Bill Gates is no longer with Microsoft for about two years now!
I cannot Dl the Mozilla and Goggle chrome , I get error XP Com. I have purchased the System Mechanic, and hoping it will fixed the registry on my Pc. I have a 2 yr old Computer. Is there anything else, I could do, to fixe it ? Please help … Tyvm
This is response to Patricia…
I’m using all caps below because I’m shouting this.
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!
Some people need to hear the tawdry details about XP’s support ending for it to sink in.
I love my XP but I too realize that it’s time to bite the bullet and move on.
Happy about it? NO, but that’s life.
I have XP, but I use Firefox, not IE. Do I still need to get a new computer or a new system?
Yes. No browser is going to be able to keep XP safe after the end of security support.
A timely post. I have converted my old XP over to linux and will be OK with it. But my wife tried using it, and I think she won’t be able to handle it if I convert her xp over. I didn’t know you could have a dual boot with only XP disabled for internet access. That would be the ideal solution for her. I’ve googled the question, but no luck yet. How do you disable only the XP internet access after you install the dual boot? Thanks. Jim
The link to the process is in the story: http://www.worldstart.com/running-a-dual-boot-with-ubuntu-and-xp/
Yeah but …
So far as I understand it, which isn’t much, you can only be in one operating system at a time. You have to reboot to change back and forth. It’s like having 2 distinct computers on the same machine. So there’s a “pain in the butt” factor to it, and a lot of stuff that can no longer be done. For examples: You cannot be online with the bank and have your accounting software open at the same time (say, you are looking for the mistake in your check register) because the processes will likely be in different systems. You cannot import from the Internet into Word docs, or test links. You cannot directly import or attach XP items (such as photos) into e-mails. Yada yada yada, I thought about this option, but decided, at least in my real world, it wouldn’t be very practical.
Patricia,
You are correct. This solution does, basically, involve working with two different PCs and rebooting every time you want to go to XP or go online. However, for people who have software and files they need to keep that only work on XP, but do not need to have any online access to, it is a viable solution. Is it the most practical for everyone? Probably not. But will it work and benefit some users? I hope so.
I’m sure it will benefit some (or many) users. I guess I’m really just reiterating that there are no quick, easy and convenient solutions. People will have to assess what they need, or want, to do with their computers, what their tolerance is for aggravation, and what their time and money budgets will allow.
I will put this in all caps because I am shouting:
I AM NOT FIRING AT THE MESSENGER BECAUSE OF THE MESSAGE.
But I am disappointed in what seems to be the attitude of some WorldStart writers. They don’t seem at all to to recognize that the end of XP isn’t just an inconvenience to some people. For some people, or even many people, real difficulties and genuine hardships are involved. Life is not always as simple as, “Throw it away if it’s old,” or “Throw it away if it doesn’t work.” This is not an adventure to anyone who isn’t a geek.
If I were a teenager, with nothing to manage but my social media, my selfies and my play lists, this change would be a nothing. But I’m not a teenager, and I haven’t been one any time in the last 50 years.
I have been planning for this. I am a bit behind schedule in getting off XP, but I should be all right. I despise Win8 in all its manifestations, but I already bought a couple of full box retails of Win7 Pro, along with full box retails of Office and some other software. These do not have OEM licensing, so they and my other efforts can follow me for some years, from computer to computer if necessary. According to MS, my current XP machine should be able to run Win7, but it’s old, so I don’t think it’s a wise investment to upgrade it. My guy’s machine is newer and can be upgraded. I’m already discussing and negotiating with my local guru to build me a hot new box, for my software and data migrations, and for my partner’s upgrade, which I don’t have time to do. Fortunately, my guru is an absolute wizard. I am keeping the peripherals, all of which are compatible, and I am keeping my hard drive in case anything is overlooked in the process. But all this comes at rather a steep price and considerable sacrifice. My “do without it” list is long.
On the bright side, I doubt I will ever have to go through this again because, at my age, I will probably die before the next go-round.
Patricia, I feel for you! I’ll bet though that you could find the help and explanations you need through a local college, trade school, library, or even your church affiliation, for not much money or hassle…you just need to get the word out that you need help. If I could I’d do it for free, but alas you’re there and I’m here! ;>) Good luck and God bless.
That’s a nice thought but it sure isn’t practical. The librarians look at you like you’re speaking Martian, there is no local college or trade school out in the country, no one does anything for cheap if they even know how to. I am the one my friends and family always came to for help and now I can’t help them cause I can’t get Windows 8.1 to work decently and haven’t gotten my stuff onto it either.
If you have any questions about 8.1, be sure to ask us. We have lots of articles on the topic and we have our own guide to 8.1 available in the store.
I too have been happy with XP & am devastated I will no longer be able to use it safely on line. My son came yesterday & I thought he was going to put Win 7 on for me. However when I got home he had put Linux Mint on a dual boot. He said it will give me time to trial it & see how I get on with it. This is my first day & I am not sure but it does seem quite user friendly. Some of my programs had to stay on XP as they could not work on Linux. Time will tell. However my fear of not being able to learn a new system is slowly fading as it appears to be pretty obvious. Still trying to find things though. My son does not live with me so I cannot get his help immediately. He did find ways around putting some programs on that did not appear to be compatable, so there is hope. So don’t be afraid of trying it. I am 72 & am trying it.
Plunge onward!
We are about the same age. I bought my first computer in, I think, 1982. It had an operating system and features that practically no one even remembers these days. We wrote most of our own programs because there were practically none for sale. I have been through generations of computers and software. I could entertain you for hours with war stories that would leave you LOL. Fear isn’t my problem. Time and cash flow in the Obamaconomy are my problems.
I understand Patricia frustrations completely. I have two PCs that will not run W7/64 and so am looking for a MOBO/CPU/ram bundle that will do so but it must have 2 PCI slots because I have 2 very good soundcards to fit (one of the computers is for “serious” music work which why I do not want W8!)
Unfortunately my wife became very ill last Sept and I had to give up my pt time job and am now £700 worse off so that MOBO bundle needs to come in at under £100 since I still have 2 W7 OS’s to buy.
My plan is to defeat internet on the XP machine but leave it on the copper network as sort of “server”. Not sure HOW yet!
Another problem I have is with certain music softwares that require an online activation. The companies tend to think you are ripping them off and getting activation on a new OS can be a protracted PITA.
This is ALL about Msoft being greedy. They could easily keep XP support going for another 5 years (say) by which time most folks would find that a lot of new hard and software will not run on it. If Ms said “we will pull the plug when XP drops to 5% of market THAT would be fair. No, GREEDY BASTARDS.
Lastly: Surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to design some software that would protect my Xp machine on the net if I run it out of a W7 machine? I.e. on a crossoever RJ45.
Dave.
That’s 700 a month BTW!
I am already a subscriber & paid for premium newsletters. the article u wrote about W-XP was very good. My question is I got my XP hooked up to my printer, will it be OK to just print some thing off when I used my MS word 10
Hi, I too am very upset with Microsoft and am grateful to WS for all the info and tips. My solution, though expensive, was to dump MS and buy APPLE! Our son has had it for years & loves it. They provide the new operating systems when needed. Their support is terrific! I used to spend half my computer time learning and fixing and patching my old computer. Finally, my XP was fairly stable & they quite supporting it! Nuts to that. If I was going to have to buy and learn a new system, it sure as heck was not going to be MS! I paid the extra $ and Apple transferred everything to my new computer, and showed me how to use it. I am in my late 60’s and I don’t plan on having to do this ever again! Now, 7 months later, I’m still VERY happy with my decision.
Until you can switch to W7 ……
1. Use Google Chrome as your browser, that is, avoid IE
2. Consider using Sandboxie and WOT
3. Use an encryption program for sensitive data (or remove sensitive data)
4. Use a hard drive cloning program, a second hard drive,then disconnect it.
5. Don’t click on or open email attachments unless you’re sure they’re OK
I can totally relate to how this lady felt. What I found to be an inexpensive fix for the problem was about $80 – it’s called a external harddrive – about the size of a deck of cards and is 1 TB. I put EVERYTHING of my old computer onto it – EVERYTHING. . . I was fortunate enough to find someone to build me a computer for around $700 – but a less expensive one with a USB port and she has all her information at her finger tips – it will never be lost and the information can be added to. I have used all of the operating systems of Microsoft and going from XP to Win7 was the best and easiest for me. The most like XP… just suggestions for her. I know how she felt – I only moved what was needed off the Toshiba external HD to the new computer – but it made it so-o-o easy.
OH and before I forget… what I used on the internet with XP until I got the new computer…. I ran Google Chrome with the adblockers,(this cut down majorly on what I picked up from the internet) CCleaner, Malwarebytes and Spybot daily. I could no longer find a virus program that worked with XP.
I bought the new HP Laptop with 8.1. I can’t hardy use it. I taught myself XP & after 10 yrs. I know it great. But I can understand the menus perfectly. It has been a month of transferring files, pics, music, & programs to 8.1 & I still can’t do any of it without the help of the support people that came with it. I still can’t right click & send a picture to another file OR CDR. BUT the most ridiculous is going in & turning on my old XP just to get my EMAIL & finish sales on EBAY. MY ONLY GRIPE IS make a NEW XP !! I don’t want my computer like my smart phone. I don’t want to touch the screen so I can read it. I don’t like the fingerprints on the screen. Just give me simple munus that make sense & I can use my common sense to figure out myself without a GEEK SQUAD.
One word for Patricia:
CARBONITE.
Patricia:
When you fail to update and all your medical data gets stolen / you and your clients become compromised, then you’re in real trouble.
If you had a car and they no longer carried the parts, then it’s time to get a new car.
As a professional, it is your duty to protect those you serve.
Get over it, buckle down, and get a new computer. If this is for your business, it’s a tax write-off.
MS is not at fault: There comes a time to move on. If they continued XP but at a huge support price (because the engineers in charge have to get paid, too), what would you do?
Interesting thread of the problem with the US these days: “It’s somebody else’s fault /responsibiity!”
Buy a new computer. Then get a computer-literate friend to mremove the hard drive from your old computer, and install it in an external HD adapter (available from WS. Now you will have all of your files at your disposal, wqithout having to transfer anything to the new computer.
Cynthia & Jim
I replace my property when it is no longer practical to maintain it. But I will not succumb to a manufacturer’s financial sales induced parts shortage. For instance, I will not trash my perfectly running old car because I cannot find a proper new radiator for it OR because the new model offers benefits I do not need while the new model cannot support my requirements.
As it is, ONLY due to security concerns I have been forced to learn how to drive again with a Win 7 and a Tablet, neither of which will install my required proprietary software, thus my Garage (computer desk) is overcrowded with 2 systems now requiring a larger Garage.
Why do people not understand that if new things were not made they would still be walking everywhere or at best riding horses. If Ford tried to keep making parts for the model T everyone would still be driving them, there comes a time when it don’t make any sense to keep an old model T, get a new car and enjoy all of the improvements!!!!!!!!!
FYI
All parts ARE available for the Ford modelT! As well as many other “older” vehicles.
That’s a great analogy. Because even though you can still get parts for a Model T, it lacks seat belts and airbags – so there are safety concerns. It has a top speed of only 40 to 45 miles per hour, which would make it a pretty slow vehicle, even at top speed, to drive on highways where the speed limit is 70. A fantastic product when it was introduced, but not the safest thing to have on the road now and probably not the vehicle you would depend on for your primary means of transportation.
Many people forget that MS continued FREE support for XP much longer than any other company provides free support for their products. You don’t get that for cars, TVs, or even the computer itself. Why do some people think MS should provide free support forever?
I use an off-line backup service, which makes changing to a new computer much simpler – after getting the basics set up, just restore your backed up data and you have it back. I also like Vincent’s suggestion above about just using the hard drive as an extra data storage unit with the new computer. I currently have an old hard drive with the simple hook-up I got from WorldStart years ago. I used it until I had a chance to gradually transition my old files onto the new hard drive.
You don’t always need an external case or adapter for the old drive. Some laptops and all desktop computers will allow you to hook up at least 2 hard drives, Desktops will usually allow at least 4 without buying extra cables. Most desktop cases have mounting locations for at least 4 hard drives internally. Just move the jumpers on the back so the drive is the slave, install it into one of the open bays, and plug it in. Done.
Ok, so to carry on with the automobile theme we’ve got going here – if you could not find a mechanic to do routine maintenance on your perfectly running car anymore because it’s old/out of date/hard to find parts for, how long do you think it would continue running perfectly? Sure, it would run for a while, but without oil changes, new plugs & wires, new tires, new brakes, eventually it would leave you stranded, probably sooner rather than later. This is no different.
And, it’s obvious your data is not backed up anywhere, or else you’d have an easy way of transferring it to a new system. Even without the issue of XP losing support, that’s a disaster waiting to happen. If nothing else, I’d at least get your local computer guru to teach you how to do that. (And I’d take the advice to switch to something other than XP, no matter what the hassle is because it’s just plain safer, but that’s up to you.)
I have Windows 7, good to 2019, but I don’t plan to go to Windows 8 or 10 so I bought a refurbished PC and set up a $10 Lunux Zorin 9 also with support until 2019 to practice on, to see if that might be an option. I had no trouble adapting since Zorin 9 is made for an easy transition from XP and Win 7. I found the Libre office has everything I need and it reads all the Windows documents which I’ve backed up to a 25 gig flash drive. I use Thunderbird mail and various other applications that are all there right out of the box so there is no tinkering to do. Other applications can be bought through the “store” that is right on the computer and the risk of virus infection is about nil. By the time Windows 7 is no longer supported, I’ll be switching to Linux entirely.
Wow………..I love you guys, you say it like it is.
I love my XP and it will always be a part of me – because it
is now exclusively “My Studio” it has all the best programs, that
know me and my habits…used only for art work, custom designed cards
and photography. My little 9yr. HP Printer will print the socks of of
any thing it’s up against! Never knew it would print out on magnet paper
or fabric…but, we’re gonna have fun-till the sun goes down!~
ps– I work on two others-Win 7 and a new 8.1 – the 8.1 is NOT in my favor.
If the subscriber is not technically proficient enough to handle the upgrade himself (most of us are not!) he should really consider paying to have it done for him. Since he is using such an old (by now!) program, my suggestion would be that he NOT go to Windows 8 which is a dramatic switch (I still can’t get used to it!) and try for Windows 7. (I do hear, however, that the new Windows 10 is supposed to be better than “8” but not sure.) HE ALSO SHOULD LEARN HOW TO USE A FLASH DRIVE TO SAVE HIS FILES. OR, IF HE IS GETTING A BRAND NEW COMPUTER, HE SHOULD PAY FOR A “DATA TRANSFER” OF HIS FILES. Good Luck to him….I think we would all like to know how he fares. I’m sure we all do feel for him. I don’t know why Microsoft keeps making these so-called “upgrades” to perfectly wonderful programs which cause such anguish and steep new learning curves!