Adice Needed For Windows XP Upgrade

None ^ | March 2, 2014 | cva66snipe

[cva66snipe]

I have two computers running XP. The most important one to upgrade right now is my desktop. I've gone back and forth trying to decide whether to go with 7 or 8. Furthermore the terminology being used for OS packages adds to the confusion for me. For example Starter, Builder, etc. Here is what my computer has.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600

Service Pack 3 Build 2600

System Manufacturer Dell Inc.

System Model Inspiron 530s

System Type X86-based PC

Processor x86 Family 6 Model 15 Stepping 13

GenuineIntel ~1795 Mhz

BIOS Version/Date Dell Inc. 1.0.12, 3/1/2008

SMBIOS Version 2.5

Available Physical Memory 634.88 MB

Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB

Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
It's a 32 Bit system

I found a Windows 7 Upgrade disk for over $200. However I need to know if I can go a cheaper route and install a full system package over the XP without having to manually wipe my HD? I know I'll loose my data and I'll back up My Documents so that isn't an issue. Spending money for a Full System OS and it not want to install would be a huge issue.

I have to upgrade with a Disk. Downloading an upgrade or OS is out of the question. I'm on 52K dial up. Would Windows 8.1 full system work? That would get me around the 300MB download. W/7 as much as I would like to have it over W/8 would likely have me doing a couple of days of downloads to bring it up to date.

The last upgrade I did on a computer was W/ME and it was an upgrade disk. Oddly enough a W/8 upgrade disk for previous versions is not to be found in stores in my area just the full system. As I understand it an Upgrade disk is a full system disk.

To further confuse me a tech at a local store said yea W/8.1 would install no problem. But the darn box states not for use with computers with XP or VISTA. Now if that is simply because you would loose your documents etc fine I can work around that part. As I understand it using an Upgrade disk from XP to W8 that's going to happen anyway the Upgrade disk will do a full install wiping all files.

My system is basic a CD/DVD player and I have an external HD for back up and additional storage. A new machine is not afordable for me right now and besides I'd have to puy a dial up modem in it.

Any advice? Thanks.

[RitchieAprile]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-from-windows-vista-xp-tutorial

[South40]

Windows 7 vs Windows 8: what’s the best upgrade from XP?

[cva66snipe]

Thanks. Yea I ran the check you linked to the other night to see if my machine will work on W/8. I'm good to go on it and I have all my disk for other programs. I reckon I'll get an 8.1 Full System disk sometime in the next day or so. I've got pretty good confidence in my machine lasting another 3-4 years. I hope in about two years I can replace the desktop. I almost bought the disk tonight and read the darn box and figured I'd better confirm it can be done.

[Lmo56]

I always run at least one OS behind - since the bugs are worked out. Thats why I am on XP right now. Will be upgrading to Win 7 in April. Win 8 is a pig - thats why they are trotting out Win 8.1. I won’t be upgrading to Win 8.1, because it is also bound to have bugs.

You need to first check to see that your PCs are Win 7 compatible:

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

I can tell you right now, you need minimum 1 Gb physical RAM - 2 Gb is better [about 50 bucks]. But, you also need to find out if the other components of your PCs are compatible. The upgrade advisor will tell you.

Here are some other specs for Win 7:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

[cva66snipe]

Thanks that cleared up a few more things for me. The part that has me most puzzled was using the Full System Disk over an upgrade disk and with my connection speed issues I’ll have to go full system disk.

[ansel12]

Is this a better investment for $279.00 and $5.00 shipping? Can’t you install your modem card in it?

http://moofi.woot.com/offers/hp-dual-core-i3-desktop-with-1tb-hd-3?utm_campaign=Commission+Junction+-+10836818&utm_source=Commission+Junction+Publisher+-+4068665&utm_medium=affiliate+-+woot.com

Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i3-3220T (2.8GHz)
3MB Cache
Processor Core: Dual-Core
Memory: 8GB DDR3 (PC3-12800)
Max Memory: 16GB
Memory Slots: 2 (1 occupied)
Graphics: Intel HD 2500
Hard Drive: 1TB SATA (7200rpm)
Optical Drive: SuperMulti DVD±RW
Audio Codec: Integrated Realtek ALC662
Sound: HD 5.1-Channel Support

Or this Dell for $220.00?

Dell Optiplex 755 Intel Core 2 Duo 2300MHz 80Gig HDD 4096mb DVD ROM Windows 7 Professional 32 Bit + 19” LCD Desktop Computer - Refurbished - 755LP-2.3C2-4-80-DVD-7P-9DV

http://www.rakuten.com/prod/dell-optiplex-755-intel-core-2-duo-2300mhz-80gig-hdd-4096mb-dvd-rom/245371123.html

[ansel12]

If you scroll down the page at that Dell link, you will see several desktops with free shipping and prices from $195.00 to $260.00.

http://www.rakuten.com/prod/dell-optiplex-755-intel-core-2-duo-2300mhz-80gig-hdd-4096mb-dvd-rom/245371123.html

[cva66snipe]

Yea I've ran it for 7 and 8 the machine can do either. On a 98/2 computer I had the misfortune of upgrading it to W/ME. I kept it about two months and uninstalled it. There was no earthly way to stop it from writing to the HD while trying to do Disk check and Defrag. I tried Safe Mode, primitive start up, closing down all programs, you name it. Then I bought a machine with XP when it came out. No regrets. I've had XP on three machines and only one reformat between them.

I played around with a refurbed machine with 7 on it for about an hour a couple weeks ago. I didn't have any major problems navigating it. As a matter of fact I could buy it for $125. But I'd have to put a modem in and it's only got a 80 GB HD. I'd also be very happy to pay $125 to MS if they would simply re-license XP and support it. That's not going to happen though. LOL

[cva66snipe]

Money’s too tight right now. I trust my machine as well as I would a refurb. Granted all machines eventually crash beyond repair but even my old 98/2 will still boot up. I use it sometimes to copy CD to CD. I’ve looked a refurbs at Dell and $220 would upgrade my desktop this month and laptop next month. Thanks for the info.

[GeronL]

Why do you need to upgrade the OS?

What programs and stuff do you need this computer for that you can’t live without?

Do you have a Linux live disc?

I am not sure you have enough memory to run Windows 7 or 8. It might be okay to keep XP and load up Linux when you go online.

[ansel12]

As far as a modem goes, doesn’t this take care of that for $15.00?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wintec-FileMate-56k-USB-Modem-CX/15074369?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=68805601618&category=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A126297%3A1074144&client_guid=58593232-b25e-4e9f-843f-9bd36265ca33&config_id=0&parent_item_id=21978139&guid=564cbfac-5230-4466-91b6-1991f2b7cc61&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

[GeronL]

did anyone ping SA?

[TChad]

Just a few thoughts.

You'll need more memory for 7 or 8. Something like this:

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/Dell-memory/Inspiron+Desktops+/Inspiron+530s-upgrades.html

For basic operation, Win7 Starter with 2GB memory is a reasonable choice. It is missing some bells and whistles, but Starter is lean enough that it is adequately fast even on low-powered netbooks. Run the Windows 7 compatibility checker linked in a post above to make sure it will work with your system.

If you want to spend no money at all, and you can get by with a Firefox browser, Thunderbird email client, and LibreOffice word processing/spreadsheet/etc., the modern Linux operating systems (e.g. Ubuntu, Mint) are a hell of a lot easier to install and use than they used to be.

[Yosemitest]

Do yourself a big favor and get away from Windows and all the viruses and malwared that comes with it, not to mention the expense of making it safe.
Check out Apple Certified Refurbished Computers, and if you swant to transfer yopur old files and Windows XP, then check out Parallels for Mac.

With Parallels Desktop for Mac, you can seamlessly run both Windows and Mac OS X applications side-by-side without rebooting.

Look, I've been running Windows since I first got a computer in 1981, and after 30 of air traffic control and 26 years of the military, I finally learned that all my friends had been right about Apple.
Yes, I keep my old files around and have easy access to them.
Yes, learning Mac/Apple Operating System takes a small amount of adjustment, and getting use to.
But it's one of the best things I've every done, and in the long run, it's saved me money on computer software, not having to do all those purchases for updates for new versions of Windows, as well as all the supplement programs you need to make it internet safe.
Check it out, and transfer your old hard drives to an external hard drive.
You can use your old license key to load Windows XP onto your new Apple/iMac, since you won't be using that old computer any more.

P.S. I love my 27-inch screen.

[Lmo56]

Why do you need to upgrade the OS?

Win XP [and also MS Office 2003] are losing MS support as of April 8. That means no more patches and updates for vulnerabilities found in the OS and software.

Continuing to run XP and Office 2003 after April opens yourself wide open to hacker attacks ...

[GeronL]

I suggested keeping XP and simply using a free Linux distro to surf online. Easy and free.

[Yosemitest]

"... dial up modem"

???
You know a DSL connection ($14.95) is cheaper today than Dial-up ($29.95), as well as being much MUCH faster, don't you.

[cva66snipe]

Why do you need to upgrade the OS?

Security updates stop next month. I access some legitimate sites that I do business with I just assume not have my info hacked. That and the fact the browser compatibility with them is getting a tad bit difficult sometimes.

What programs and stuff do you need this computer for that you can’t live without?

Printer, access to Humana's website, the drug store, a few medical specialty supply venues, access to take care of other personal business.

Do you have a Linux live disc?

No.

I am not sure you have enough memory to run Windows 7 or 8. It might be okay to keep XP and load up Linux when you go online.

For what I do 7 or 8 should work. I tried a Linux disk once. I could not for the life of me figure out how to get it to work with dial up. For that matter I have an old Compaq with XP on it I could put Linux on but unless I could go on line what's the point?

[South40]

Personal preference being what it is (a matter of opinion) I prefer Windows 7 over Windows 8 hands down. I just don’t like 8 and I know I am not alone in that assessment. Again. personal preference.