upgrade Win XP3 to vista or Win 8?/

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Caroln

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Apr 20, 2013
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My question is: Should I use Vista or buy new Windows 8 for the upgrade??
I have Window XP Service Pack 3 now, Gateway FX530XG computer with 2.99 of RAM.

I want to update Windows to get the latest for some of my Photo software.

After I purchased my computer a few years ago, I got a free upgrade of Vista when it first came out, but never did the upgrade. I also have an old program “Microsoft Home Publishing 2000” that came with XP that I use for making greeting cards which no longer exists for upgrades. Afraid of losing it if I upgrade. Which one should I use and will I loss the old software program?

i have 2.99 Gib of Ram. I think i can install 1 more gib. of ram

i also want to upgtade photoshop Lightroom 3.6 to 5 but can't with Winxp3
 
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mjmacka

mjmacka

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May 22, 2012
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I think you would be happiest with Windows 7.

You will not be happy with Windows 8 with an older gateway... not to mention you will have a difficult time using Microsoft Home Publishing 2000 without setting up XP mode (Supported in Pro 7 or better but not 8.)

Tom's has a guide for running XP mode on lesser versions of Windows 7: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/windows-xp-mode-windows-7-win7,10213.html

Windows 8 will not be compatible with your older applications and does not support XP mode (but you can set up a virtual copy of XP if you know how). Vista might not be compatible with your older applications (again, you can set up a virtual copy of XP).

If you are going to purchase a new copy of Windows (like 8), I think a Pro version of Windows 7 (or better) would suit best. It also supports XP mode.
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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First off, 2.66 GHz is the processor speed, not the RAM

It is possible to upgrade directly from XP to 8, so using the Vista as a go-between is unnecessary. First run the Windows upgrade assistant; this will alert you to compatibility problems. Upgrading from XP to 8 does not support saving data, programs, or settings (it will bring you to a clean install of 8). You must back up anything you want to keep first.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

As to the program, there's a chance it won't work but I can't be certain. Regardless, even if it's compatible you'd have to re-install it along with all your other programs (as I said above, the upgrade from XP won't save anything)
 
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mjmacka

mjmacka

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“Microsoft Home Publishing 2000” is not compatible with 7... therefore not with 8 either. XP mode or a virtual copy of XP is required.

The amount of ram Caroln has will dictate whether they should consider upgrading. I didn't find anything in google with the model number for the PC so I can't look up specs but a single core CPU will not perform well with Windows 8.
 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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I found the model under FX530XG (the number 5 instead of S)

 
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mjmacka

mjmacka

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Thanks for pointing that out.

I am still think that 7 would be the best choice because it's a stable OS and XP mode makes using a virtual copy of XP easier.
 
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Caroln

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Apr 20, 2013
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i have 2.99 Gib of Ram. I think i can install 1 more gib. of ram

i also want to upgtade photoshop Lightroom 3.6 to 5 but can't with Winxp3


 
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SchizTech

SchizTech

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Jan 16, 2011
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It should be able to run 7 or 8 with 3 GB, though as others have pointed out the Home Publishing 2000 isn't supported so your best bet could be Windows 7 Professional which lets you use Windows XP mode (Win 7 Home Premium doesn't have XP mode). Unlike Windows 8, Windows 7 doesn't support upgrading from XP (only Vista) so you could either do a clean install or go XP>Vista>7
 
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Caroln

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Apr 20, 2013
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Caroln

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Apr 20, 2013
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I have 3 GB of ram and I think I can install another GB with 2 duo 2.66GHz and 293GHz Processors. model no is Gateway FX530XG purchased 1/08.

Also, i have Carbonite backup which I believe I can have a miror imagine on a separte hard drive. Is that what I would need?
 
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