Have to return to XP

[Nacho-RT74]

Tried to update my old HP nx6320 to windows 7... no way, Drivers doesn't work, so have to reinstal XP.

I know XP is not anymore being updated, BUT If I reinstall it, will update anyway to the LAST update available couple of months ago?

[Pete in NH]

Hi Nacho,

I suspect XP will update to the last available update.

How old is your HP? I was able to install windows 7 on my 10 year-old HP laptop and it runs fine. I did, however, install the maximum amount of memory the laptop would take. I then re-installed all the original HP/Windows XP drivers and they seem to run just fine.

Another option I've been using on old XP machines is to install Ubuntu 10.04LTS. It's free open source software and it runs great on older XP machines, much faster. Also, since its Linux software it's pretty much immune to computer virus's that exploit weaknesses in windows based systems. Do a search on Ubuntu. There are many drivers available for printers and such for Linux systems.

[John_Kunkel]

I've heard people saying that some XP computers won't upgrade to 7 because of incompatible hardware and  conflicts with certain installed programs (16-bit)...try doing a Google search.

[bull]

XP is/was an excellent OS. Windows 8 sux and I hate it.

Sorry, just had to vent.

[68CoronetRT]

Xp should update. I still get updates on my XP machine at work. I kinda call BS on Microsoft dropping XP all together.

[67tbird]

Hi Nacho,

I suspect XP will update to the last available update.

How old is your HP? I was able to install windows 7 on my 10 year-old HP laptop and it runs fine. I did, however, install the maximum amount of memory the laptop would take. I then re-installed all the original HP/Windows XP drivers and they seem to run just fine.

Another option I've been using on old XP machines is to install Ubuntu 10.04LTS. It's free open source software and it runs great on older XP machines, much faster. Also, since its Linux software it's pretty much immune to computer virus's that exploit weaknesses in windows based systems. Do a search on Ubuntu. There are many drivers available for printers and such for Linux systems.

I have been running Ubuntu for 3 years on an older laptop, just upgraded and switched to Linux Mint Cinnamon seems to work well and desktop resembles a windows product more than ubuntu

[squeakfinder]

Xp should update. I still get updates on my XP machine at work. I kinda call BS on Microsoft dropping XP all together.

XP must have been to good and Microsoft wasn't making money off of it. I don't receive updates for the home XP. But it seems to work OK.

[ODZKing]

Pete, I've read/heard about Ubuntu 10.04LTS, actually they are up to 14 no I think.
What is it exactly?  I know it is another operating system but what is the advantage?

[Pete in NH]

Hi Bob,

One really big advantage is it is free! Past that, being a Linux based operating system it is not full of the bugs and holes the hackers and computer virus guys can exploit like all the Microsoft stuff. It also does not have all the patched together overhead pieces of software code that windows has so it runs faster.

Ubuntu, I think is an African word meaning something like community. Ubuntu was created by a team of people all over the world to bring computers to people who can not afford to pay Microsoft. They seem to take great pride in their software and any bugs that get discovered get fixed quickly. I know they are well above 10.04 but, on older windows XP machines it runs very nicely as it does not require a lot of memory or faster processors. Also, one big advantage is you can download it and fit it on a CD disc. The newer versions are bigger and you have to use a DVD to hold it. LTS stands for long term support, and they have periodic updates for it.

My experience with it has been nothing but positive. It installs easily, the Fire Fox browser is so much better that even the latest Microsoft Explorer. Firefox works with websites that explorer doesn't. Also, it is more secure. I have heard computer security people say they are pretty sure our government has had Microsoft build in some back doors so the government can see what possible terrorists are looking at on the internet. Fire Fox being created by people from around the world supposedly doesn't have those back doors. I use Fire Fox for anything ,like online banking I want more security on.

Hope this helps a bit. Happy Holidays!

[Nacho-RT74]

I've heard people saying that some XP computers won't upgrade to 7 because of incompatible hardware and  conflicts with certain installed programs (16-bit)...try doing a Google search.

that's the deal on mine. Everytime I try to insert any PCMCIA device ( like the firewire 800 adaptor ), it goes to blue screen. Then also the volume controls go crazy and doesn't respond correctly.

I don't think some of the softwares I will use ( like the AD-DA audio interface software EMU1616 ) will be W7 supported

[Mopar Nut]

I have Windows 8.1 and was thinking of going back to Windows 7