Update XP and Anti-Virus software or just AV?

[NikosN]

My subscription to MS Anti-Virus just ran out and was hoping to change to MS Security Esentials. When I removed the old software and went to update I had to download a compatibility software.

After I ran ithis software I got a message that said MS will no longer be supporting XP as of July 2010 and that I should upgrade to Windows 7. Don't feel like reloading my software and starting from scratch. So, I thought of just getting another Anti-virus software like AVG or what is recommended on a previous Tom's Hardware link either Avast or Avira.

What's the consensus on this forum... better to upgrade to Windows 7 or stay with XP even if it's not supported. I thought MS was going to support Xp until 2013 or 2014?

 

[badge]

My subscription to MS Anti-Virus just ran out and was hoping to change to MS Security Esentials. When I removed the old software and went to update I had to download a compatibility software.

After I ran ithis software I got a message that said MS will no longer be supporting XP as of July 2010 and that I should upgrade to Windows 7. Don't feel like reloading my software and starting from scratch. So, I thought of just getting another Anti-virus software like AVG or what is recommended on a previous Tom's Hardware link either Avast or Avira.

What's the consensus on this forum... better to upgrade to Windows 7 or stay with XP even if it's not supported. I thought MS was going to support Xp until 2013 or 2014?

Windows XP will need to be updated to Service Pack 3 (SP3) to continue to be updated after July 13th. Sticky at the top of the XP forum, clicky to read here.

 

[NikosN]

Windows XP will need to be updated to Service Pack 3 (SP3) to continue to be updated after July 13th. Sticky at the top of the XP forum, clicky to read here.

I imagine I should back up all my files first just in case there is a crash. If all goes well would I have to reinstall my programs as well?

I had someone install XP a couple years ago. Is there a way of knowing if Service Pack III is already on my computer? i

 

[badge]

Check in control panel>add/remove for an instance of SP3. Sure back up important personal files to external drive or disk before installing SP3. If you download and attempt to install SP3, the installation will recognize if SP3 is already installed on the system and inform you.

 

[NikosN]

Best answer selected by NikosN.

 

[badge]

Thanks. Hopefully The installation of SP3 allows MS Security Essentials to install properly. You will need SP3 to get any further updates from MS anyway.