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Resolved Question

Xp - new SSD and 8 or new computer?

Feb 14, 2014 4:41AM PST

I have my beloved XP pro which we all know will be unsupported soon. So everyone says - just get a new computer. I'm a non-profit rescue - Key word here is NON.

I used Adobe Master collection and Office 10 Professional - I use access for my rescue data base. Given the cost of having to buy this new software in addition to the new desktop - would it be better to put in a new SSD and upgrade to 7/8?

What problems would you forsee? Although I read the upgrade windows 8 will not copy programs - just files.

Ideas?
Thanks

Discussion is locked

karenblixn has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
What support are you using?
Feb 14, 2014 4:43AM PST

I read such posts and have to ask this -> Are you using Microsoft's Support lines?

Why not continue as if nothing changed, maintain backups and keep going for another year or 2?
Bob

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PS. The one good reason to exit XP (my opinion)
Feb 14, 2014 4:45AM PST
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Microsoft
Feb 14, 2014 7:46AM PST

I must be using Microsoft support lines - it was explained to me that there could be several vulnerabilities should I not do anything regarding the continuing use of XP Pro. I use Avast to protect my system currently.
But I subscribe to MS updates.

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I'd go for...
Feb 14, 2014 8:02AM PST

... a new computer with Windows 8 and Classic Shell. Xp has had it's day.

Dafydd.

Best Answer

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Are you sure
Feb 14, 2014 9:09AM PST

Are you sure that software won't run on Windows 7 or 8? It seems like there are an awful lot of people who just assume this or that program won't work, but never actually test it or even bother taking 30 seconds to google the program name combined with the version of Windows they're interested in. So if by Office 10 you mean Office 2010, that would most definitely work on Windows 7 and 8, and I suppose it would depend on the version of Adobe Master Collection, but a quick check with Google shows that Adobe didn't start shipping anything under the "Master Collection" moniker until at least July of 2007, so that puts it about 6 or so months after Vista was released to the general public and pretty much guarantees that Adobe made sure it would work with Vista. Since Windows 7 and 8 are both basically warmed over versions of Vista, if it works with Vista it all but guarantees it would work with Windows 7 and 8.

If you're using some older version of Office, you could give LibreOffice a whirl to see if it's database program could import your Access program and basically allow you to use it more or less unmodified. It's not guaranteed obviously, but only having to replace MS Office would be a considerably more palatable proposition compared to Master Collection. That would be only about $250 to get the version with Access, or you could potentially save some more money by just getting Access 2013 alone and using LibreOffice for everything else. MS Office is better, but LibreOffice is more than capable for 99% or more of people's needs I'd say. Most people don't really need anything beyond what WordPad is capable of as far as a word processor goes. Frankly the world would probably be a better place with a significant drop in the number of people using PowerPoint and also if people would stop treating Excel like a database or desktop publishing program.

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Reply
Feb 14, 2014 12:39PM PST

I meant to hit reply, not best answer. Although I am not judging the answer...

What I meant to reply for is: I didn't mean the program would not work on 7 or 8 - of course it will, but my problem is I have to buy it as it will not migrate with the new OS - very expensive.

I do appreciate the LibreOffice suggestion - I also have to agree, that I wish people would quit using Excel as a database program. lol

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Why wouldn't it?
Feb 14, 2014 8:59PM PST

Why wouldn't it? Unless it came bundled with the current computer, you should be able to reinstall both without issue. You have to reconfigure the settings and everything else, but it will install and run.