Windows 7 support ends

Hi Windy,

I'm running Windows 7 on my old laptop using Avast antivirus and Firefox, no problems so far. Whether your old programs will work under Windows 10 will probably depend on what programs we are talking about. On my new laptop (with Windows 10) I have managed to run most of my old programs from the Windows XP era.

Thor

Windy all I can tell you is some months back I upgarded an old Vista laptop to win 10 and to date I have not had any issue's with old software that ran on vista, I have gone to Thunder and Firefox but I use them on other computers anyway as for Norton I cant say not used it for a long time. as time goes by win 7 is going to become less unsafe so my advice would be go for win 10 or others now.

H

Back up your files on a stick/external drive and keep them separate to the PC then if you get hit by ransom ware all you need to do is reload everything.

Just had a notification that support has ended.

They would wouldn't they, wanting us to pay for W10.

I have a friend, who makes his living with computers, and he still, uses XP! So maybe the world is not about to end.

Howard

This maybe OK if the ransomware hasn't prevented or changed installed programs as well as any other files.
Perhaps it would now be wise to make a hard disc clone which could be re-installed on a reformatted drive to ensure all stored programs functioned after any malware actions.

Emgee

Hi Windy, on the news this morning, they said that continuing using 7 after the support ends will have risks with sensitive data, i.e. online banking, social media etc. but I don't know if any of the security people will guarantee against such threats. I have Norton on my old Vista and XP machines and they seem to be okay, but I don't do any online banking or that sort of thing with them and I don't do an awful lot of online surfing with them either.

Both my Canon printers work on W-10 OK and there is no upgrade from Canon for them, I have other programmes that also work OK. The only one that hasn't worked, is one that is a 32-bit OS whereas my W-10 is a 64-bit OS, so this may be something you need to consider if/went you buy a new machine.

Regards Nick.

Although free upgrade from W7 to W10 nominally ended some time ago, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that it's still readily available via the official Microsoft website. A free download and installation of W10 is officially activated based on the old W7 licence for the particular machine. Look for "Windows Media Creation Tool" This activation process is usually automatic. I wouldn't hesitate to try. Obviously you should back up your files first.

When I did my vista I just purchased a new windows key from that well know website, cost me $6 worked fine

H

I haven't updated my windows 7 for years and have had no issues (win7 64 pro)

My advice if you are upgrading is leave your old system alone, get a new SSD(solid state drive) and put your new system onto it

Your computer will ask you at startup which one you want

If you visit lots of weird sites for bitcoins porn etc etc then you are always at risk, but if you only visit basic common sense sites then the risk is tiny

One thing you should always do is find the RESTORE option in the system properties box and set up a regular restore point, this has saved me a few times from new software issues

I always get the PRO version of any windows I get, it seems to be more stable

Still running XP Pro without any issues, it's the only one that ever got Designspark3D running

Edited By Ady1 on 15/01/2020 15:30:46

Been reading this thread with interest poised to go to W10 from W7 but just received an update for my W7 as I shut down earlier. Rather strange but all seems to be working ok after the installation. Odd on the day support ends. Anyone else had that happen?

Do I expect to see W10 installed and working or something worse when I switch on tomorrow ?

Peter

What is the problem with people here not being able to write a simple word like EBAY. No problems with sites like Tracy tools or RDG or Arceurotrade etc etc. are most people ashamed that they actually go to EBAY and buy most of their kit. IMHO its ridiculous to type 3 or 4 words when one will do. Rant over. Nothing personal meant here Harry just my personal opinion. I await the flack with baited breath.

BTW you can still get Windows 10 as a free upgrade if your PC has a genuine copy of Windows 7 with a proper licence. Many video's on YouTube how to do it. I tried it on a Windows 7 home edition PC and it works fine. It now has a Windows 10 digital key and is properly activated.Also if you have a decent malware and anti virus software installed you will be OK on Windows 7. It is mostly operator error like opening unknown files and links that will get you a little malware gift.

.

Seconded !!

You should know by now that if you mention that site you know the one that sells things that you will catch the plague.

E BAY, E BAY, E BAY there I am now unclean

The answer to Windy's question is a solid maybe. Depending on a multitude of factors, old software may run happily on Windows for rather a long time.

Withdrawing support only means Microsoft won't help in any way in the event of a problem; security, bugs or upgrading to new hardware. This may not matter much but consider the risks and impacts. It's how they effect you, or not, that matters.

1. What will you do when your hardware dies,has to be replaced, and won't run Windows-antique? Will this be so painful you have to give up computing?
2. Do you rely on Windows-antique to protect private and/or financial information? And how much will it hurt if your data is misused by ruthless criminals?
3. Will you ever need to upgrade an important application? The risk is a new version won't install or run on Windows-ancient. Do you rely on anything on your computer?

Staying up-to-date avoids many tricky security, functional and learning problems. A disadvantage of staying loyal to a golden oldie operating system is the severe shock likely when the owner suddenly has to jump 20 years into the scary future he's been ignoring. Everything will be more-or-less different and nothing will work quite as expected. Bit like grandad coming out of jail expecting to catch a trolley bus, fare 1/-. and being told Uber respond to an App and are paid with a card...

Dave

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 15/01/2020 17:50:49

Isn't not mentioning the website that may not be named simply a gentlemanly desire to not provide free-advertising to beastly commercial oiks? Next thing they'll be handing out sandwich boards, and I prefer people not to know I patronise Preparation H.

Only commoners advertise Lidl in the street. It's why I get my plastic bags from Waitrose and Harrods. Then everyone in the Pound Shop will know I'm upper-class really...

Dave

I still use a 35 year old amstrad PCW never missed a beat and I still use the printer. One of the best buys I ever had. Linux- ubuntu is good and still seems to work. Dare I mention the spectrum 1K. OH for the good old days. Noel.

I very much doubt if Norton still support Windows 7. You have a good chance of getting a free upgrade to Windows 10, its not that far removed from 7, I still have control panel on 10. You can get used to it if you want to, I still have a copy of 7, it doesn't get used any more. 

If you still want to run old programs on Windows 7, I recommend disconnecting it from the internet and getting a cheap pc which is on Windows 10 for using on line. They could both be connected to the same monitor using, say D-sub for 7 and hdmi for the newer machine as long as only one was switched on at a time.

Edited By old mart on 15/01/2020 20:59:29