They would be able to install their software and port USB devices (Printer and Scanner) to the virtual machine. They could run Windows XP in a virtual environment with software like VirtualBox from Oracle. However, there are a few solutions that may work for your client. If they do not then Windows XP may not be a viable alternative to Windows 7 for that machine.
Just because he has a license for XP on his old machine doesn't mean that you can transfer the XP to the new machine without violating Microsoft licensing.Īlso, you will want to check with the manufacture of the computer to see if they have Windows XP drivers available for download. There are a few things to keep in mind here. New Computer Specs: Win 7 Home Premium, 4 GB RAM, AMD Athlon X2 3.00 Ghz, 500 GB HD I want him to be productive, not frustrated. I'm all for keeping him with Win 7, but I think reverting him to XP is best. He is willing (to an extent) to purchase productivity software, but he's adament about using the scholar programs he's used for so long.ĭo you have a recommendation? I'm asking because I want second opinions for his best interest. In addition, he can transfer his documents and such from his old computer to his new one so he can stick with one workstation and say good riddance to his old one. That way, he has compatibility for most, if not all, his programs and hardware (at least more compatibility than Win 7 has to offer). I rarely recommend this, but I would like to revert him back to XP. Right now, he's not as productive as he likes to be because he switches from his old and new computer, and he cannot do as much on the new computer (due to incompatible software). He currently switches between his (really) old computer and his new one, and would like to eventually use only the new computer.
In addition, he has a scanner and a printer that does not have a driver for Win 7. He is a scholar, and he wants to use scholar programs that are not compatible with Win 7. I am helping an older gentleman with his new computer.