2 questions about XP - (suppport and vista replacement)

[tforms1]

I am planning on getting a laptop for my father, but I have some
concerns about which OS to get with it.
First a little background, my father is not that computer experienced.
He has an old desktop running XP. (home edition no service packs on
the CD)

1. How much longer will XP be supported for? It would suck if I got
the laptop with XP and next week microsoft said - "No more windows
updates"
1a. Once the deadline passes (lets say 2009) what happens then?
Is it possible to save all the updates up to the deadline so that I
can reinstall windows if I need to?

2. If I get the laptop with Vista, and he does not like it....will it
be possible to put the Home Edition XP CD in and do a fresh install?
(at that point we will not use the desktop again)
I have two concerns
1. that the drivers for the laptop might not be in the XP cd, since it
is the original CD with no service packs, etc.
2. That MS will not allow us to install it on the laptop, since we
used it on the desktop...but once we install the laptop, we will stop
using the desktop.

Thanks

 

[Gazwad]

(e-mail address removed), the broken-down-old-man and tip-tilted beef-banana
boy who likes fiendish turkey tossing with cormorants, and whose partner
is a sexpot with a depilated moan pie, wrote in

I am planning on getting a laptop for my father, but I have some
concerns about which OS to get with it.
First a little background, my father is not that computer experienced.
He has an old desktop running XP. (home edition no service packs on
the CD)

1. How much longer will XP be supported for? It would suck if I got
the laptop with XP and next week microsoft said - "No more windows
updates"
1a. Once the deadline passes (lets say 2009) what happens then?
Is it possible to save all the updates up to the deadline so that I
can reinstall windows if I need to?

XP updates will be available for many, many years. Windows 98 updates are
still available even though new updates are no longer created.
Yes, you can save them all if you like. There are ways to avoid having to do
that for example autopatcher.

2. If I get the laptop with Vista, and he does not like it....will it
be possible to put the Home Edition XP CD in and do a fresh install?
(at that point we will not use the desktop again)
I have two concerns
1. that the drivers for the laptop might not be in the XP cd, since it
is the original CD with no service packs, etc.
2. That MS will not allow us to install it on the laptop, since we
used it on the desktop...but once we install the laptop, we will stop
using the desktop.

Thanks

I see several old people with a new PC running Vista each week, they all
****ing love it.
Don't worry, just make sure you update the ****er before the old **** gets
hold of it.
And don't forget to create the system recovery disks.


--
For my own part, I have never had a thought which I could not set down
in words with even more distinctness than that with which I conceived
it. There is, however, a class of fancies of exquisite delicacy which
are not thoughts, and to which as yet I have found it absolutely
impossible to adapt to language. These fancies arise in the soul, alas
how rarely. Only at epochs of most intense tranquillity, when the
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of time, where the confines of the waking world blend with the world of
dreams. And so I captured this fancy, where all that we see, or seem,
is but a dream within a dream.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I am planning on getting a laptop for my father, but I have some
concerns about which OS to get with it.
First a little background, my father is not that computer
experienced. He has an old desktop running XP. (home edition no
service packs on the CD)

1. How much longer will XP be supported for? It would suck if I got
the laptop with XP and next week microsoft said - "No more windows
updates"
1a. Once the deadline passes (lets say 2009) what happens then?
Is it possible to save all the updates up to the deadline so that I
can reinstall windows if I need to?

2. If I get the laptop with Vista, and he does not like it....will
it be possible to put the Home Edition XP CD in and do a fresh
install? (at that point we will not use the desktop again)
I have two concerns
1. that the drivers for the laptop might not be in the XP cd, since
it is the original CD with no service packs, etc.
2. That MS will not allow us to install it on the laptop, since we
used it on the desktop...but once we install the laptop, we will
stop using the desktop.

1) 'Supported' may not be what you are concerned with. Your definition of
'supported' and what Microsoft means by it may not be the same thing. You
can still download updates for Windows NT, Windows 98, etc. And yes, you
can save them and/or integrate them into your installation media for Windows
XP. Windows XP should be no different.

2) That will greatly depend on whether or not the hardware manufacturer
supports - via drivers, etc. If they supply Windows XP drivers for their
product - sure. You can purchase/utilize Windows XP if you so desire. And
the drivers should *always* come from the hardware manufacturer - not the
base set that may/may not come with your installation media. Check the
manufacturer's support web page for the hardware you plan on getting for all
the drivers you will need in both OSes.

Is your Windows XP a retail or OEM type?

I would suggest integrating at least Service Pack 2 into the Windows XP CD -
no matter what. Vista is a large jump for many to make - the way you get
around is essentially different.

 

[Nepatsfan]

In

I am planning on getting a laptop for my father, but I have
some
concerns about which OS to get with it.
First a little background, my father is not that computer
experienced.
He has an old desktop running XP. (home edition no service
packs on
the CD)

1. How much longer will XP be supported for? It would suck
if I got
the laptop with XP and next week microsoft said - "No more
windows
updates"
1a. Once the deadline passes (lets say 2009) what happens
then?
Is it possible to save all the updates up to the deadline so
that I
can reinstall windows if I need to?

2. If I get the laptop with Vista, and he does not like
it....will it
be possible to put the Home Edition XP CD in and do a fresh
install?
(at that point we will not use the desktop again)
I have two concerns
1. that the drivers for the laptop might not be in the XP cd,
since it
is the original CD with no service packs, etc.
2. That MS will not allow us to install it on the laptop,
since we
used it on the desktop...but once we install the laptop, we
will stop
using the desktop.

Thanks

1. Microsoft has extended support for Windows XP Home Edition
until 8/04/2014. As a result, security updates will still be
available until that date, and maybe beyond. Here are a some
web sites with more info;

Microsoft Support Lifecycle
http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-gb&x=16&y=12&C2=1173

Microsoft Support Lifecycle FAQ
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy

1a. While this wouldn't be necessary, one thing that will make
reinstalling XP easier is that Microsoft has set a preliminary
release date for Service Pack 3 as sometime in the first half
of 2008. SP2 will include all prior updates and service packs.
Also, there is a process called "slipstreaming" which
integrates service packs into older installation CDs. Here's a
web site with more info;

Create a Slip Stream version of Windows XP
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm

2. The two questions you raise may make installing XP on the
new laptop a moot point. First, there is a strong possibility
that XP drivers for some of the laptop's components would not
be available even from the manufacturer's web site. Second, if
the copy of XP installed on your father's desktop is an OEM
version, you may not be able to move it to another computer. An
OEM version is installed by the manufacturer who places a
sticker on the side of the computer that contains the COA and
CD key. If it's a Retail version, it could be moved. A Retail
version would have been bought at a store and be packaged in a
green box with a folder that contains the CD key.

The bottom line is that you need to determine which OS you want
installed before you purchase the laptop. Keep in mind that
manufacturers such as Dell and HP are still shipping computers
with XP installed. Here are some factors that should go into
making your decision;

What does your father use his computer for? If his main
activity is browsing the internet and/or sending email, he may
adapt to Vista easily.

How does your father react to change? While Vista is still
Windows, there are enough differences that it will take time
and effort before he becomes comfortable with the new computing
environment.

Does your father have older peripherals that he'd want to use
with the laptop? Does he have an older digital camera, printer,
or scanner? You may want to check the manufacturer's web site
to see if there are Vista drivers available for each of these
items.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[JS]

I would purchase a laptop that has XP installed as it will be around for a
long while and since your father is familiar with XP there is not any
learning curve.

Also if it's a new laptop chances a very good that if at some time in the
future you decide to upgrade to Vista you will be able to, just be aware
that Vista requires more memory than XP and a better video card than XP
would need.

For Vista PC requirements see:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

Choose the edition of Vista that best meets your fathers needs:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx

For XP Home PC requirements see:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

Just keep in mind that these are minimum requirements and in reality XP
really likes 348 to 512MB of memory and Vista at least 1GB of memory
although 2GB is preferred. Vista also needs a mid to upper end graphics card
if you plan to take advantage of the 'Aero'

Be aware that if you purchase a laptop with Vista and then decide to install
XP on it that not all new Vista computers and associated hardware may have
XP drivers available and therefore you may be stuck with Vista. Always check
with the manufacture before you buy. Remember it's your money and you only
get to spend it once.

JS

 

[tforms1]

1) 'Supported' may not be what you are concerned with. Your definition of
'supported' and what Microsoft means by it may not be the same thing. You

What other definition is there?
Yes, I mean "Windows Update".

can still download updates for Windows NT, Windows 98, etc. And yes, you

They still make windows updates for win98?
Suprised.

can save them and/or integrate them into your installation media for Windows

What I meant by save is....because I have an early XP cd (no service
packs) if they stop updates, and I did a fresh install, the computer
would have no updates installed.

Is your Windows XP a retail or OEM type?

I bought it from Best Buy.

I would suggest integrating at least Service Pack 2 into the Windows XP CD -

How would I do that?
The XP cd was made by MS, I cannot burn onto it.

 

[tforms1]

Just keep in mind that these are minimum requirements and in reality XP
really likes 348 to 512MB of memory and Vista at least 1GB of memory

lol, my father's computer has like 300 megs of ram, and is installed
on a 6 gig harddrive.

Be aware that if you purchase a laptop with Vista and then decide to install
XP on it that not all new Vista computers and associated hardware may have
XP drivers available and therefore you may be stuck with Vista. Always check

Yes, that is my concern.
I am planning on buying a Dell laptop.
Most likely a Inspirion 1521. 3 gigs of Ram.

But if I do decide to skip Vista and put the XP in.....would MS allow
me to activate the laptop?
Of course I would stop using the desktop that has it.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

What other definition is there?
Yes, I mean "Windows Update".

All the old updates will be available for quite some time. They may never
release another update for it (like Windows 98) after the support has ended.
That does not mean you couldn't use it indefinitely. Support as in
continuing to provide phone support or releasing new patches vs. having the
patches available they released previously...

They still make windows updates for win98?
Suprised.

No - but they are still available from Microsoft's web sites. All the ones
they ever released.

What I meant by save is....because I have an early XP cd (no service
packs) if they stop updates, and I did a fresh install, the computer
would have no updates installed.

You would still be able to get them for many years after. However - given
the support date being so far in the future - unless you plan on keeping the
laptop and not upgrading it at all (even if you buy hardware that will not
work with Windows XP in the future - and that *will* exist) for 5+ years.

I bought it from Best Buy.

In other words - Retail. Or did you buy the computer and the COMPUTER came
with Windows XP?

How would I do that?
The XP cd was made by MS, I cannot burn onto it.

You would use Google to search for "integrate SP2 into Windows XP"... You
would have to burn a NEW CD. You would have to copy the contents of said CD
to a local hard drive first. There are even third-party tools that do all
of that for you. You could even update a copy of Windows XP with almost all
the critical updates through this month... If you wait to make the CD until
SP3 is released - you will have a VERY updated Windows XP CD.

 

[JS]

As long as your copy of XP is not an OEM version, it must be a retail
version (full or upgrade).
Is that model available with XP and or do they provide XP drivers?

JS

 

[JS]

Note that the 1521 only comes with Vista, which most likely means no XP
driver support, the 1520 however can be had with XP or Vista from Dell which
means there must be drivers available for both Vista and XP.

JS

 

[tforms1]

All the old updates will be available for quite some time. They may never
release another update for it (like Windows 98) after the support has ended.

Ahhh, ok, now I understand.
There are no NEW updates, but the updates will stay on the website for
download.
Ok.

In other words - Retail. Or did you buy the computer and the COMPUTER came
with Windows XP?

I bought the XP Home edition from Best Buy.
I also bought a Professional edition for myself.

You would use Google to search for "integrate SP2 into Windows XP"... You
would have to burn a NEW CD. You would have to copy the contents of said CD

haha, my fathers computer doesnt even have a cd burner.
My computer does, but its running XP Professional.

 

[tforms1]

As long as your copy of XP is not an OEM version, it must be a retail
version (full or upgrade).

Yes it is a full retail version.
But if I installed it onto the laptop, and then activate it, wouldnt
MS say:
"Wait a second...you have a desktop resigistered with this serial
number, and it was used yesterday"

Do I then have an option to say "I will use this laptop instead of the
desktop now, so invalidate the desktop serial number" ?

Is that model available with XP and or do they provide XP drivers?

Yes. I saw your other post...I must be refering to the 1520 then.
I am thinking of getting him the one with XP or Vista.
I was originally going to get XP...but he seems to be set on Vista,
because he heard newspaper articles saying Vista is the future, etc.

So I think we'll go with Vista and if it doesnt work well, then
install the XP Home edition over the Vista, and not use the desktop
anymore.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Ahhh, ok, now I understand.
There are no NEW updates, but the updates will stay on the website
for download.
Ok.


I bought the XP Home edition from Best Buy.
I also bought a Professional edition for myself.


haha, my fathers computer doesnt even have a cd burner.
My computer does, but its running XP Professional.

To make a new CD - you Have to have Windows 2000 or above installed. It
does not matter which Windows XP CD you are attempting to make in reference
to what OS you have installed otherwise. You copy the files to your
computer, download the service pack/patches, integrate them into those
copied files, rip the boot sector from the CD as well, burn the new CD with
the boot sector per given instructions...

There is also third-party software available that do all that for you.

 

[Grinder]

Yes it is a full retail version.
But if I installed it onto the laptop, and then activate it, wouldnt
MS say:
"Wait a second...you have a desktop resigistered with this serial
number, and it was used yesterday"

Do I then have an option to say "I will use this laptop instead of the
desktop now, so invalidate the desktop serial number" ?

You may have to telephone MS to activate your copy, but since you have a
*retail* version of the software, you have every right to use it on a
different machine. As long as you're only using it on one machine at a
time.

Yes. I saw your other post...I must be refering to the 1520 then.
I am thinking of getting him the one with XP or Vista.
I was originally going to get XP...but he seems to be set on Vista,
because he heard newspaper articles saying Vista is the future, etc.

So I think we'll go with Vista and if it doesnt work well, then
install the XP Home edition over the Vista, and not use the desktop
anymore.

If you do end up doing that, you might consider Linux to keep that
desktop in play. Ubuntu is look pretty good for desktop use now, and
you should be able to get it installed without too much pain.

 

[Grinder]

To make a new CD - you Have to have Windows 2000 or above installed. It
does not matter which Windows XP CD you are attempting to make in reference
to what OS you have installed otherwise. You copy the files to your
computer, download the service pack/patches, integrate them into those
copied files, rip the boot sector from the CD as well, burn the new CD with
the boot sector per given instructions...

There is also third-party software available that do all that for you.

If I recall correctly, you have to be running the same operating system
(though not necessarily the same edition) that you're attempting to
integrate/slipstream. So, you can't build an XP SP2 installer, for
instance, on a Win 2000 machine. This shouldn't affect the OP though,
as it appears he has XP all around.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

If I recall correctly, you have to be running the same operating
system (though not necessarily the same edition) that you're
attempting to integrate/slipstream. So, you can't build an XP SP2
installer, for instance, on a Win 2000 machine. This shouldn't
affect the OP though, as it appears he has XP all around.

You are recalling partially incorrectly. You cannot use the /integrate
switch to update a Windows XP CD with patches (or SP2) on a Windows 2000
installed machine - it is then that things started getting weird (that
Windows 2000 just couldn't do the integration for Windows XP.)

There is a way to integrate Windows XP SP2 into Windows XP on a Windows 2000
machine.
http://www.jsifaq.com/SF/Tips/Tip.aspx?id=8863

 

[JS]

At worst it's a painless call to Microsoft (which I have done in the past)
to activate Windows.
One question, since you mentioned your father is currently using a Desktop
(which means a full size keyboard) has he tried or used laptops in the past.
I ask this only because in my case I dislike those smaller and flat (no
tilt) keyboard layouts.

JS