Thread: Changing Windows

i always recommend back everything up and do a clean install.


i recommend windows 7 over 8.1 but i dont know if they still sell win 7.

If you Install Windows 8, also install a program by the name of Clamshell. It will make Windows 8 more like old Windows. Having said that, as Eevo said, Windows 7 is the go.
From memory, when Installing a newer version of Windows, an option is given within the setup to keep your old files. Windows will create a file called 'windows.old' .
Also double check things like space requirements and memory etc.....

A tiny number of people need to stick with Windows.

A lot of people think they need Windows, sometimes because they are completely unaware that there is an alternative. Some of them have heard of Linux but think it is for geeks or that they will lose all their old files.

Unless you run some very specialised programs such as an expensive accounting package or a very powerful photo manipulation program, there is a very good chance that you would be able to do everything you need to do with Linux. That is especially true if your computer is a few years old.

If the only important files you have are some documents, some spreadsheets, some Powerpoint presentations, some music, some photos, and some videos, then there are Linux programs that can handle them.

I have had to help someone recently who has an Apple computer of some sort. He says he is saving the documents as Word files and they do have a docx extension. The Windows/ Microsoft Office based computer that he then has to open them on won't open them. Open Office on a Linux computer opens them automatically with no problems whatsoever.

If most of your computer needs involve browsing, sending and receiving emails, tidying up photos, organising photos, writing documents, creating spreadsheets and things like that, then there is no need to pay for a newer version of Windows and certainly no need to buy a new computer.

Have you considered Linux or are you one of the very tiny minority of computer users that have a genuine need to stick with Windows?

easy upgrade to 7 or 8

use the easy transfer tool

download the 32bit version for windows xp

Windows Easy Transfer - Microsoft Windows

install it and use an external drive to backup your xp including mail etc if you use outlook or outlook express

then install windows 7 32bit available from most decent computer shops

install windows 7 then install windows live essentials and microsoft security essentials

Windows Essentials - Download Windows Live Essentials

http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/downl...s.aspx?id=5201

and do a custom install that includes only live mail

then when installed you use the easy transfer wizard that is under start programs accessories to import all your xp stuff

then when you reboot, start windows live mail and it will import your email

you will even have your old desktop background so you feel at home

easy peasy...

yell if you need a hand

Thanks for the reply's.
I dont have a genuine need to keep windows as such but it is what I am familiar with.
I wouldn't bother changing if this HP continued to open Aulro but it wont.
Also I have to reset the time and date first everytime I turn pc on, it reverts back to 2009 when turned off.
I use Firefox to open Aulro but I am not up to speed with that either.
I know nothing about Linux but will look at all options.
I need a new laptop and I might get one from the Laptop Man with later Windows.
The old EEE PC that I have I use strictly as a GPS.
I will sleep on it.

For a lot of tasks, you probably wouldn't notice the difference between doing it with Windows and doing it with Linux. So lack of familiarity need not be a problem.

Firefox runs under Linux and so using it for opening AULRO would be the same whether you use Windows or Linux.

Did I mention that Linux is free? Did I mention that there are versions of it that run a lot faster than Windows on old computers?

A couple of months ago I installed a version of Linux called LXLE on an oldish computer belonging to someone about your age whose total understanding of computer would barely fill the back of a postage stamp. Every time he has seen me since, he just tells me that everything is working perfectly.

This site is a good place to start if you want to begin a bit of general reading about Linux.
DistroWatch.com: LXLE

Originally Posted by vnx205

A tiny number of people need to stick with Windows.

A lot of people think they need Windows, sometimes because they are completely unaware that there is an alternative. Some of them have heard of Linux but think it is for geeks or that they will lose all their old files.

Unless you run some very specialised programs such as an expensive accounting package or a very powerful photo manipulation program, there is a very good chance that you would be able to do everything you need to do with Linux. That is especially true if your computer is a few years old.

If the only important files you have are some documents, some spreadsheets, some Powerpoint presentations, some music, some photos, and some videos, then there are Linux programs that can handle them.

I have had to help someone recently who has an Apple computer of some sort. He says he is saving the documents as Word files and they do have a docx extension. The Windows/ Microsoft Office based computer that he then has to open them on won't open them. Open Office on a Linux computer opens them automatically with no problems whatsoever.

If most of your computer needs involve browsing, sending and receiving emails, tidying up photos, organising photos, writing documents, creating spreadsheets and things like that, then there is no need to pay for a newer version of Windows and certainly no need to buy a new computer.

Have you considered Linux or are you one of the very tiny minority of computer users that have a genuine need to stick with Windows?

That is Assuming that the person is running WINE on the Linux system.
CORRECTION: Open Office will do it. I read it wrong.

If you are running an old spec machine you might consider Win 8 over 7. It has been designed to run on a multitude of devices, including mobile phones, so is less demanding on system resources than Win 7.

A lot of people are anti Win 8, just as many people were anti ribbon when office 2007 came out. Don't be afraid of it. After updating to 8.1 a PC will boot to the desktop, and there is a replacement for the office button. Clicking it will open the tiles, but if you think of it as a 3D start menu it is not as intimidating. When you are at the tiles, just start typing the name of the program you are looking for and Windows will find it.

You mention the date and time of your PC is resetting each time it is shut down. That sounds as if the CMOS battery has had it. The battery keeps enough juice in the system to retain settings, so you should consider getting it replaced.

However, when you factor in repairs and new operating system (yes, I know Linux is free, but...) you might consider a new PC. Entry level boxes can be had remarkably cheaply, and will perform so much better, use less power, and run quietly compared to your current system.

Ans, unless you are using high end programs, you could consider a tablet with a keyboard...