Updating Windows XP

[sfreeman8]

I've been using Windows XP since 2003. There is no longer any support for it but I didn't care. Now Chrome states they will not support it after March so I need to upgrade to a new Windows program. I bought Windows 7 and am wondering...

Do I just install it, or do I need to delete XP first?  I'm so lost over this stuff anymore.  Last time I upgraded  by myself was when I went from the very first Windows program to it's upgrade. Then I bought a new computer with Windows XP installed already. This was the job requirement.

I think it's a pain to keep spending money and upgrading every couple years.   

[snuggleycutejc]

I have an old computer but worthless. Saving up for a new one but I like the desk top instead of the laptop.

[southernhorizons]

I'm keeping my old Win XP desktop, but it's no longer hooked up to internet, because I don't want to lose it to a virus. It was the best operating system, and still runs fine. I got a Win 7 laptop for internet use. I agree that upgrading every few years is a pain.

[BlackSheepNY]

I've been using Windows XP since 2003. There is no longer any support for it but I didn't care. Now Chrome states they will not support it after March so I need to upgrade to a new Windows program. I bought Windows 7 and am wondering...

Do I just install it, or do I need to delete XP first?  I'm so lost over this stuff anymore.  Last time I upgraded  by myself was when I went from the very first Windows program to it's upgrade. Then I bought a new computer with Windows XP installed already. This was the job requirement.

I think it's a pain to keep spending money and upgrading every couple years.   

Windows 7 will only be supported by Microsoft through January 14, 2020.  So you're going to get 4 years out of it.  After that, you'll have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 10.  You might want to read the "Microsoft Lifecycle Fact Sheet" here:  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

If I were going to install a new OS, I would wipe my hard drive clean first.  That means "formatting" it, so it's a clean drive with nothing on it, THEN install the new OS.  Even though you're installing Windows 7 fresh from the box, there WILL be PLENTY of updates you're going to get to bring you up-to-date with the latest "service pack."

[yikes77]

It will be better to reformat but that's IF your computer has the minimum requirements to run 7 properly.  Otherwise it will be very slow to use.

[sfreeman8]

I've been using Windows XP since 2003. There is no longer any support for it but I didn't care. Now Chrome states they will not support it after March so I need to upgrade to a new Windows program. I bought Windows 7 and am wondering...

Do I just install it, or do I need to delete XP first?  I'm so lost over this stuff anymore.  Last time I upgraded  by myself was when I went from the very first Windows program to it's upgrade. Then I bought a new computer with Windows XP installed already. This was the job requirement.

I think it's a pain to keep spending money and upgrading every couple years.   

Windows 7 will only be supported by Microsoft through January 14, 2020.  So you're going to get 4 years out of it.  After that, you'll have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 10.  You might want to read the "Microsoft Lifecycle Fact Sheet" here:  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

If I were going to install a new OS, I would wipe my hard drive clean first.  That means "formatting" it, so it's a clean drive with nothing on it, THEN install the new OS.  Even though you're installing Windows 7 fresh from the box, there WILL be PLENTY of updates you're going to get to bring you up-to-date with the latest "service pack."

I was afraid reformatting would be the way to go but I have so much on my desktop that I don't want to lose and don't have the time or energy to save everything to CD. It would take days. Some of the programs can't be transferred because they were downloaded and I have no hard copy (Ancestry's FTM 2012). I tried to transfer it to the laptop, but it didn't work (instructions stated you could transfer twice) but Ancestry told me to buy 2014. I don't like 2012, why buy 2014?

Anyway, Ancestry is going to 'kill" FTM and no longer sell or support it after 2017 so it would be ridiculous to buy a program that's only going to be good for a year.

[Getinonthis]

Windows 7 isn't much of an issue to install, but are you sure that your computer can handle the upgrade. Try going to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Webpage before doing anything.
Best regards.

[devideddi]

dang you would think this stuff would come with instructions! lol.  I would go to the Windows website and ask there.

[Getinonthis]

I agree, you would think the website would too, but surprisingly YouTube may be a better source.

[Rahmanh]

I would recommend you to upgrade it to Window 10 because it is fast and easy to use.
 

[Liquidfire_43]

If you want to have dual boot on you computer (meaning 2 OS system in you computer), you don't need to delete your windows xp...If you want to have 1 OS system in you computer to always boot from, then you have to delete the windows xp partition. Then once that is done, you put windows 7 installation disc in your computer and have it download the necessary files for your computer to boot from. Once you put a valid windows 7 key, you should be good to go. If you need help always look at videos from youtube.

Also if you bought windows 7, I think upgrading to windows 10 is free until mid 2016 (not sure). You should do it, if they still have that option... Always make sure to back up your computer/files just in case

If your sick of paying money to upgrade OS. Try getting familiar with Linux OS systems (Mint, Ubuntu, etc)... Free and solid OS system.. However it won't have the functionality of windows based system

[darkxtsuna]

You can always get something like windows 7 Professional/ultimate or some other one that gets ya Xp mode if you ever miss XP again.

[bleyd]

Windows 7 will only be supported by Microsoft through January 14, 2020.  So you're going to get 4 years out of it.  After that, you'll have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 10.  You might want to read the "Microsoft Lifecycle Fact Sheet" here:  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle

I hate having so many updates and upgrades. I really like Windows 7...not looking forward to having to upgrade to Windows 10.