Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Windows 7 professional vs Windows 8

Nov 27, 2013 4:07AM PST

I have a Win 7 Professional and a Win XP PC. I need to replace the Win XP with either another Win 7 machine or a newer Win 8. I really don't care for the Win 8 touch screen interface. I like my present Win 7 very much. Would it be a bad move to get another Win 7 machine? I have some concerns about the tech support for the older Win 7.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Before you decide.
Nov 27, 2013 4:24AM PST

Look over Classic Shell on Windows 8. As to tech support, I can't guess what support you are seeking but for us at the office support is non-existent. For example, if you ever encounter a corrupt profile in Windows, even Microsoft does not offer a repair tool. They have you abandon that account.

They've had over a decade and this is the best they offer?
Bob

- Collapse -
Windows 7 Professional vs Windows 8
Nov 27, 2013 12:29PM PST

Bob
Thanks for your response. I tried to reply once, but I don't think it went out. I do not understand your reference to the "Classic Shell on Windows 8", because I have very little experience with Win 8. I only tried it a couple of times at a Staples store. Are you recommending I go with the later Win 8 instead of the older Win 7 Pro? I certainly like the way my Win 7 PC operates, and would like to stay with it unless it appears it may be obsolete in a few years and will not support some applications (Like TurboTax). I still have a good working Win 7 machine. I need to replace my backup XP machine that finally died.

Charlie

- Collapse -
Google that Classic Shell.
Nov 27, 2013 2:53PM PST

And see what it does. It is very sad the MSFT didn't snap that up and offer the choice. It would have made all the noise go away.

OK, let's say you want Windows 7. Nothing stops you. But you have to hunt down a machine or try to install 7 on a new machine. For me, Classic Shell is an answer. Check it out.
Bob

- Collapse -
Google that Classic Shell
Nov 28, 2013 5:55AM PST

Bob,
I can still order a new Dell XPS 8700 PC with a 4th Generation Intel Core I7-4770 processor. This is the one I was considering over the Windows 8 version. That being an option, do you think I should still go with the Windows 8 machine instead of the Windows 7 Pro?
Thanks for your time an assistance
Charlie

- Collapse -
There are a few folk
Nov 28, 2013 7:05AM PST

That have a grudge or some other issue so I can't help them. I see I shared our office's story about a ban and more. I can't see going back to 7.
Bob

- Collapse -
Link.
Nov 28, 2013 7:10AM PST