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General discussion

Running Win 7 on network while others use XP?

Nov 27, 2009 11:39AM PST

I just purchased a new Dell Studio desktop with Win 7 for my office without the IT person's advice, which annoyed him and he is now insisting that I can't run Win 7--that all computers on the network must be on the same operating system (most are using XP), and he claims all computers must have same software, and has moved people "back" to Excel 2004, etc, removing newer editions.
I can't find any evidence to support this. He claims that the server won't run properly if we use different operating systems. I think he is misguiding us. He also insists that Mozilla products are for "home users" only and won't "let us" use Firefox, which is ridiculous. I would like support for using Win 7. Any input?

Discussion is locked

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Crossposted?
Nov 27, 2009 11:41AM PST

I'm locking the other post.

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WIn7 compatability with XP
Nov 27, 2009 11:48AM PST

Sorry--I am new to this.
So is there any validity to not running Win 7 while others use XP?

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Only from the IT support angle.
Nov 27, 2009 11:52AM PST

That is, they may not be ready to support it. They may demand 7 Pro but there is little other reasons to say no other than they are not ready to support other than XP.

It's nothing technical. They may not have a 7 machine to learn how to connect shares, printers and such so they would look bad to the staff.

No need to debate with them over it.
Bob

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frustrated
Nov 27, 2009 11:57AM PST

Win7 is already installed. This "IT" person is an outside contractor whose contract is being "downsized" due to lack of good support and advice, one of the reasons I purchased a new PC without his advice.
I don't want a debate with him--I just want to use my new PC, but he is claiming that it will slow the network, and won't map it to the network. I just need to be able to support my case to my boss that it is OK to have on the new PC.

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Let's see if the MSFT person replies here.
Nov 27, 2009 1:24PM PST

There is no issue here. The same chaff could be stated of any other OS so it's a simple problem they may not be ready to deal with it. Or protecting their turf. It's not a technical issue EXCEPT if your network demands 7 Professional.

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What does the boss say?
Nov 27, 2009 7:42PM PST

If your organisation has a contract with an outside IT firm then they are bound by what the bosses want.

Does your boss agree with your use of Windows 7?

We can't 'negotiate' with the IT people, and we do not interfere with office policy. This is a problem you must sort out yourself with the "powers that be".

Mark