How many of you still using Windows XP?

[Deleted]

I am still using Windows XP.  I cannot seems to give up my Outlook Express.  I have a lot of research data stored in there like a big file cabinet.  It is so much easier to save info in a DRAFT than it is to put the info into a SAVED file in MS Word.

And I am not the only one still using XP.  There are still 250 million users.  How come MS can't develop an Outlook Express email for all their Window updates?  Do they even have a decent email program with Win10?

From what I have been reading it looks like Win10 users will have to buy a lot of software like MS Professional Office if I want all the features I have in my Office 2003 version.  All of my software is old...

=========================================

redmondmag.com/articles/2015/04/08/windows-xp-usage.aspx

Windows XP Usage Still Strong at 250 Million Users
By Scott Bekker
04/08/2015

Despite not being officially supported by Microsoft for the last year, 250 million users are still actively using Windows XP, according to market analysts.

The two major share tracking outfits, Net Applications and StatCounter, both report significant ongoing use of Windows XP in their latest public data covering March 2015.

According to Net Applications, Windows XP users account for nearly 17 percent of worldwide share.

Net Applications' worldwide share figures by operating system for March 2015. A year after end-of-support, only Windows 7 has more share than Windows XP.

StatCounter puts Windows XP share at just over 11 percent. XP's share in the United States is lower, 6.5 percent, according to StatCounter.

[Click on image for larger view.] StatCounter's worldwide desktop operating system data shows Windows XP trailed only Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 by the end of March 2015.

Applying those percentages to Microsoft's frequently stated claim of 1.5 billion Windows users worldwide gives a ballpark estimate of how many Windows XP users are still out there. The range goes from 167 million using the StatCounter figure to 254 million using the Net Applications figure.

"There's actually still a lot of people running Windows XP," said Kasper Lindgaard, director of research and security at Secunia, in a recent telephone interview about Secunia's Annual Vulnerability Review.

Before the deadline, much concern was focused on how vulnerable all those Windows XP machines would be to newly discovered flaws. Since the support deadline, there's been less attention paid to the issue, other than a Microsoft decision to patch a particularly serious flaw affecting Windows XP a few weeks after the support deadline (MS14-021).

Nonetheless, other new vulnerabilities discovered since April 8, 2014 probably affected Windows XP, as well, Lindgaard said.

"Vulnerabilities that affect Windows 8 only or Windows 7 only probably won't affect Windows XP," Lindgaard said. "It's fair to assume that some vulnerabilities that affect older versions of the Windows client and Windows server may also affect Windows XP."

Meanwhile, as the anniversary of the Windows XP support cutoff passes, other deadlines approach. On July 14 of this year, support ends for Windows Server 2003. On the same day, Microsoft plans to end anti-malware signature updates for Windows XP on Microsoft Security Essentials. A little further out, support ends for SQL Server 2005 on April 12, 2016.

[chapeaunoir]

Sherlock, I still use Win XP but on a machine that is not online - it's a standalone that I use for writing.

You can migrate Outlook Express to a new email client.  I also liked Outlook Express but couldn't abide any of the other Microsoft email clients, and use Thunderbird (mozilla).  Thunderbird has the nice, clean interface of OE without all the junk.

Thunderbird is easy to download and will install itself. Here are instructions to migrate your Outlook Express files, settings, etc. to Thunderbird:

kb.mozillazine.org/Import_from_Outlook_Express

You do need to get off XP if you do much online at all - it is no longer being supported and vulnerabilities are cropping up. It's hard to give up, but Win 7 is just as good, and I loved XP. Win10 is much closer to Win7 - we're installing it on a guinea pig computer now.

[blissfullymiserable]

windows XP was on my last computer, retired that one 4 years ago.

[bettyblackbent]

I'm back to XP because the Windows 10 download completely screwed up my windows 7 PC beyond my ability to fix.
So I dusted off the one I retired in April until I can afford to take the new one to the shop.

[Deleted]

Chap... I will look into it.  Thanks!  I need to get a Win7 computer but it will have to wait for now.  With Win10 coming in the prices should be going down on Win7 computers too.  I was told not to use the IE browser on the WinXP since the cutoff date to avoid some of the problems... so I only use FF and Chrome.  Hopefully it will last until I can get Win7 computer.  Since I know very little about computers, I am sticking to the most stable windows software which is Win7 at the moment.  I would rather they work all of the bugs out of Win10 before I consider using it. 

Also I have an old printer and scanner and it might not run under upgraded Windows software.  So unless the user has newer software programs and newish equipment, it might be a bad idea to upgrade because of compatibility issues.  Win10 backup discs probably come with new computers and the techs get these upgrades for free from MS.  I think that we will see these upgrade discs for sale on ebay if anyone wants to upgrade after the FREE period is over.

Betty... I hate upgrading software as I always seemed to have a conflict somewhere resulting in a tech charge in the end trying to fix the settings of the older programs.  Back in the day I had a newish laptop running Win98.  I upgraded the laptop to WinXP just like MS told me to do.  And I ruined the laptop.  The computer would barely load WinXP as the laptop did not have enough power to load it.  No where in the upgrade directions did it say to check on the speed which I think is the RAM.  The only thing MS said was... it is easy and to do it... yeah right!  I did not have a Win98 backup disc with the laptop to wipe the computer and reinstall windows.  So I would have to buy the software all over again if I wanted to use this laptop. And there was no way to add more RAM speed or whatever was needed to this laptop to run WinXP at the time.  I hope your computer is an easy inexpensive fix. 

[titus730]

When I bought my computer it came with Vista installed. Remember Vista? That was the worst system. So I paid some teenage geek to wipe out Vista and install XP on my computer. Yes, it invalidated my warranty but the computer has worked fine for 8 years.

[chapeaunoir]

Sherlock, if you want Win7, get it now if you can.

If you already have FF then loading Thunderbird is easy since they're both Mozilla products.

For your peripherals you'd just need to download updated drivers is all.

I can see that upgrading from Win98 to XP would be absolutely fraught.

[val2525]

Add to CHap's advice the fact that printers will be on sale for back to school in the next few weeks, and getting one that prints and scans is pretty easy to do. My HP printer scans and copies and was under $50.

Plus, many states will be having sales tax-free weekends coming up. Here, if the computer is $1000 or less, it will be tax free on the tax-free weekend.

[chapeaunoir]

There are two methods of migrating to Win10 - one is to simply download it now, and the other is to 'reserve' your copy and allow Microsoft to compile it and then send you a notice that the download is complete and that it can be installed. I'm using the second method as I think it'll be more stable.

If you do download Win10 and it doesn't work/don't like it or whatever, there's an option to roll back to Win7.

ETA: I just checked and my copy has completely downloaded (it downloads pieces during idle times on your computer) but I haven't gotten the notification to install yet - I'll wait for that as there may be more bits (fixes, etc.) to download. Also, while it's compiling on my machine it's also changing settings to be compatible with my system.

[bettyblackbent]

There are two methods of migrating to Win10 - one is to simply download it now, and the other is to 'reserve' your copy and allow Microsoft to compile it and then send you a notice that the download is complete and that it can be installed. I'm using the second method as I think it'll be more stable.

I used the second method and it still completely f'd everything up. (I did nothing but hit the "install" button and walk away, and my Windows 7 is the bog-standard, completely legal version that came with the PC in APRIL)
To the point where I cannot access any reboot option except F12, cannot reinstall with the Windows 7 disc, nothing.
I reinstalled 7 into a separate partition in my PC, but it refuses to recognize the internet connection AND it has that Windows 7 Build 7601 glitch where the OS is suddenly "not genuine".


www.infoworld.com/article/2859267/operating-systems/windows-7-hit-by-rash-of-bogus-not-genuine-reports-validation-code-0x8004fe21.html


I'm just a little bit bitter right now, in case you can't tell.

[kritter]

I would be way past "a little bit bitter" if that happened to me.

I would be outright flaming furious and fit to be tied. Don't handle stuff like that well at all.

[labbypaws]

I have it on my spare computer. I use Easyshare for photo editing and it runs on XP.

[chapeaunoir]

I've definitely held off - nothing gets installed until the first service pack is released (which is generally how I've usually installed OS). I haven't even gotten the activate install notification, anyway, even though at least the initial download is complete. My XP remains freestanding - I want to install the old fashioned amber screen on it and my beloved courier type face and party like it's 1999 again.

That patch problem is an unexpected and infuriating development - I recall that happening now, and from what I read it was enough of a problem that any release is going to have to fix it. There are also other questions in my mind. I told the DH that we had to try a non-income producing machine (his laptop lol) first.

[val2525]

www.infoworld.com/article/2953655/microsoft-windows/windows-10-review-hold-off-if-you-use-windows-7.html

[chapeaunoir]

That's an interesting article - it nicely summarizes bits and pieces of what I've read but all in one place - it seems a little crunchy. I suspect most of the installs have been people with Win 8 and Win 8.1 who are at the end of their patience. I caught the DH installing it on my tablet which has 8.1 - this led to a 'discussion' about whose tablet is this, and did I say I wanted to install Win 10 on that yet? Of course, I lost.

ETA: When I installed WinXP back in the day it shipped with both the installation disk AND service pack 1. That's why I can't understand Microsoft releasing this OS without service updates unless it's part of their "Windows as a Service" schtick.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2015 20:17:49 GMT bettyblackbent said:

There are two methods of migrating to Win10 - one is to simply download it now, and the other is to 'reserve' your copy and allow Microsoft to compile it and then send you a notice that the download is complete and that it can be installed. I'm using the second method as I think it'll be more stable.

I used the second method and it still completely screwed everything up. (I did nothing but hit the "install" button and walk away, and my Windows 7 is the bog-standard, completely legal version that came with the PC in APRIL)
To the point where I cannot access any reboot option except F12, cannot reinstall with the Windows 7 disc, nothing.
I reinstalled 7 into a separate partition in my PC, but it refuses to recognize the internet connection AND it has that Windows 7 Build 7601 glitch where the OS is suddenly "not genuine".


www.infoworld.com/article/2859267/operating-systems/windows-7-hit-by-rash-of-bogus-not-genuine-reports-validation-code-0x8004fe21.html


I'm just a little bit bitter right now, in case you can't tell.

Betty... A colleague said he was going to TRY Win10... so I ask if he did and what happened.  This was his reply. 

======================

RE:  One Week with Windows10

Windows 10 one week into the new system from Microsoft, and it has been a problem child.

Last night I gave up and did a “Re-Set” to the system, This is the option to re-install windows without losing your files. Well that was a failyer; or should I say trick (On Me)

Yes it installed windows, yes my files were still there, But here is the trick…… all my software was “Gone” Office, Photoshop, ccleaner, all of it!!!! All I had was the windows 10 OS (Clean Install) and my files with no relates to software.

I re-installed Office 2010 and was able to matchup my Outlook files…. Yea…. but that was about it. Even my Anti-virus was removed.

Now I have to admit there is a method to this madness… they want you to use their new software. For Photos, E-Mail, Web Browser and so on….

All of my software was listed in a file Called “Removed Apps” and that’s all there is…. Start re-installing.

If this system does not level out after this I’m done!!! Windows 7 back I go!!! And Microsoft has lost my business. I have lost so much sleep trying to maintain this system.

But the good side is I know firsthand what is going on!!!!

[Deleted]

More on Win10 from Forbes...

www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/08/05/windows-10-charging/

8/05/2015 @ 1:00PM 517,592 views
Windows 10 Starts Charging For Missing Features

Windows 10 splits opinions and it has split mine. I think Microsoft MSFT +0.3% nailed the core OS, but the policies around it are controlling and overly invasive. In short: great software, shame about the rules. And here’s another perfect example…

Now Windows 10 has launched, Microsoft is starting to fill in the blanks regarding features removed from Windows 7 and Windows 8 and it doesn’t make for pleasant reading. Why? Because behind this free upgrade are the first signs of where Microsoft will start charging users in future and it begins at the very bottom:

1. Solitaire

Yes, surprising as it might seem, Microsoft has announced it will actually charge users a monthly subscription to play Solitaire – a free staple of Windows releases since Windows 3.0 in 1990.

Having been stripped out of Windows 10, Solitare is now found in the Windows Store and it is a freemium download. This means it can be used for free, but is ad supported and in this case the ads are highly invasive with mandatory 30 second video slots playing over the screen between every game. If you want to switch that off you must pay Microsoft $1.49 per month or $9.99 per year.

Solitaire was removed from Windows 10 and users must now pay for the full experience – Image credit Microsoft

The good news is for that fee you do get an upgraded game with five variations, more card designs, daily challenges and tournaments. Still you would think those upgrades would be what the premium upgrade was for, not access to the basic game.

For those with conspiracy theories about Windows 10’s long term subscription ambitions, Solitaire (of all things) will only add more fuel to the fire.

Read more – Windows 10 Vs Windows 8 Vs Windows 7: What’s The Difference?

2. Windows DVD Player

Along with Solitaire, another feature removed from Windows 7 and Windows 8 was the venerable Windows Media Center. WMC was long in the tooth, but beloved by those who still used it and in conjunction with its removal from Windows 10 the lack of even a basic DVD player in the new operating system was something of a mystery.

Not anymore. Microsoft has now announced the launch of ‘Windows DVD Player’. It is no WMC replacement and its full feature list is simply:

Plays DVDs on your PC
Simple controls for disc navigation

Windows DVD Player also won’t play Blu-ray discs nor DVDs from file backups, it is 100% optical discs only. All of which makes it pretty limited, but this is just the start.

Microsoft states Windows DVD Player will only be “free for a limited time” but doesn’t say how long this will be. Even the player’s FAQ simply says “The timing has not been finalized yet. It will end at or before the free Windows 10 upgrade offer.” Great.

After that unspecified time Microsoft will charge a hefty $14.99 for Windows DVD Player, a ludicrous decision when far more powerful and accomplished players like VLC are free. What’s more, even if you grab Windows DVD Player for free now, you may have to pay for it later.

Read more – Windows 10 Is Automatically Downloading On Windows 7 And Windows 8

Digging further into the player’s FAO page, Microsoft states only upgraders from Windows 7 or Windows 8 will get it free and users who perform clean installations of Windows 10 will not. Furthermore if users ever need to reinstall Windows 10 (for example, due to problems) then Microsoft doesn’t count that as coming from Windows 7 or Windows 8 and again you lose free access to Windows DVD Player unless you first install Windows 7 or Windows 8 then upgrade to Windows 10.

Yes, this is bonkers. It also asks a bigger question: where is all this headed?

Windows As A Service

At this point it is important to state that Solitaire and Windows DVD Player alone cannot be held up as indisputable proof of an evil Microsoft master plan to trick users out of their money via a mass of tiny, expensive additions. That said both are clear indicators of how the company’s business model is evolving.

Having openly stated that ‘Windows as a service’ is the platform’s future, Microsoft is effectively taking a hit by giving Windows 10 away free on the gamble that it opens up the possibility of charging for add-ons. This can be as small as Solitaire and Windows DVD Player, but more importantly than the software in question this time (third party Solitaire apps and DVD players are everywhere) is how it sets the precedent for Microsoft to scale up to bigger features in future. Those features can be automatically pushed to users in trial form through Windows 10’s mandatory upgrades with fees to then keep them running.

Read more – Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Updates Cannot Be Stopped

In itself this business model is nothing new, but it is new for Windows users and – quite understandably – many don’t like it.

Personally my belief is Microsoft is entitled to do whatever it wants to do and earn however it wants to earn and customers will vote with their feet. The trouble is in the run up to Windows 10 Microsoft has not been transparent with users so many are not clear on what they are signing up to or from where future costs may come. Microsoft is sitting back and letting ‘Free Windows 10’ do all the selling.

And that’s true: the core Windows 10 experience IS free. But when it comes to even the simplest of extras, what is increasingly clear is users are getting what they paid for…

Read more – Windows 10: Should You Upgrade?
www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2015/07/28/microsoft-windows-10-should-you-upgrade/

[val2525]

I don't use any of those features anyway.

I only have the Win 7 PC to run QB on. Everything else is on my mac.