windows 7 upgrade

[dag1167]

I have windows 7 64 bit home on my Acer laptop. I want to run some XP programs. According to the Microsoft web page I can do this if I have windows professional. Is there an upgrade that I can buy and if so will the install allow me to keep all of my files?
Regards
Dave

 

[gregrocker]

First try installing the programs in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html which simulates being installed to XP.

You can also Anytime Upgrade to Pro or Ultimate to use XP Mode downloaded from the web, however there are free options which will work in lesser versions like Virtual Box, Virtual Player and VMWare.

Anytime Upgrade Win7

 

[dag1167]

Windows 7 upgrade

Many thanks for the reply. I have just looked around the web and found that there is Windows upgrade anytime. I tried your link but it wanted to know which programs I will be using. I entered some names but none were recognised! However there is still the question of loss of files. I would rather not have to do a complete install and certainly I cannot afford to lose my files.
Thanks
Dave

 

[nitroman84]

+1 greg, I have not yet came across a program that will not run on Windows 7 be it just working or in compatibility mode. They got it right with 7 to say the least.

 

[nitroman84]

Many thanks for the reply. I have just looked around the web and found that there is Windows upgrade anytime. I tried your link but it wanted to know which programs I will be using. I entered some names but none were recognised! However there is still the question of loss of files. I would rather not have to do a complete install and certainly I cannot afford to lose my files.
Thanks
Dave

I would give greg's advice a try before purchasing an upgrade, however if you have your heart set on Anytime Upgrade there is nothing to worry about as far as file loss goes. It will create a restore point at first so if anything goes wrong it will automatically restore to before the upgrade started. And I have performed this process many times with no issues at all, it takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and you are on your way.

 

[dag1167]

I can assure you that there are many programs that will not run as well as hardware. For example of hardware I recently bought from KEENE an FM USB transmitter. The fact that it will not work is now listed on their website. Talking of software I have used for many years a program called Designworks. This will not load in Windows 7 64 bit nether will Pressworks nor a label maker program.
I just looked at the MS compatability and they state that Lotus 123 version 9 is a non runner but I use it everyday for my financial portfolio.
Dave

 

[nitroman84]

I can assure you that there are many programs that will not run as well as hardware. For example of hardware I recently bought from KEENE an FM USB transmitter. The fact that it will not work is now listed on their website. Talking of software I have used for many years a program called Designworks. This will not load in Windows 7 64 bit nether will Pressworks nor a label maker program.
I just looked at the MS compatability and they state that Lotus 123 version 9 is a non runner but I use it everyday for my financial portfolio.
Dave

I was just speaking of personal experience, but at any rate the anytime upgrade will work out just fine and XP mode (providing your processor supports Virtualization) should allow you to run your legacy hardware and software. Good luck.

 

[alphanumeric]

With anytime upgrade you just enter the product code and the extra features for that edition of Windows 7 are unlocked. The files required to update your edition are already there on your hard drive. It shouldn't affect any of your currently installed programs. You don't have to put your DVD in and upgrade or re-install.

EDIT: Even though you can't currently use XPMode, you could install Microsoft Virtual PC and run XP from there. The draw back is you'll need the XP CD and a valid XP product code to run it that way. With XP Mode all the files including the XP image are free to download from Microsoft.

 

[dag1167]

Very many thanks for all of the help. I do have a genuine XP disc but I think I will go for the Anytime Upgrade even though it is somewhat expensive!!
Regards
Dave

 

[gregrocker]

Be sure to save externally a Win7 backup image of your Home Premium installation so you can revert back if desired, as Anytime Upgrade is a retail Win7 Product key meaning it can migrate for life to any other qualifying Win7 installation.

After Upgrade save another image you can use in place of reinstalling both OS's.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html