Will WIN7 Pro allow me to run 32 bit XP applications better...?

[uberman]

I've been away from newer computers for a while for health reasons. I've built about 12 computers and have been on this board since 1998. I don't remember what my old handle was.

I'm going to purchase a few laptops which will com loaded with WIN7 Home. I've got tons of old software I enjoy with XP; however, you bright guys know I can't buy a new laptop with XP. I want to run my older 32 bit software from XP.

Will these apps work well in WIN7 Home Edition or Do I need to get Win7 Pro 32bit from Newegg and install WIN7 Pro? If this is true, could you reccomend an OS from the Newegg link. I'm thinking WIN7 Pro 32 bit, not WIN7 Premium.

Thank you in advance for any assistance. Uberman.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...d&Pagesize=100

 

[MrChad]

The one advantage that Windows 7 Pro will give you is access to XP Mode, which is a full XP install that runs in a virtual machine on your W7 install. Applications that do not run correctly in 7 can be installed directly in XP (this won't work for games). Can you be more specific about the applications you want to run?

 

[corkyg]

Win 7 Pro should have no trouble with most 32 bit apps. If Win 7 Pro is 64 bit, it can handle most 32 bit apps. If not, as was stated above, you can install a XP VM in Win 7 Pro or Ultimate. You really won't run into any trouble with apps unless hardware drivers are involved. There are very few 64 bit software packages around.

 

[uberman]

The one advantage that Windows 7 Pro will give you is access to XP Mode, which is a full XP install that runs in a virtual machine on your W7 install. Applications that do not run correctly in 7 can be installed directly in XP (this won't work for games). Can you be more specific about the applications you want to run?

Smartly Hot Key Program, Office Professional 2000, Text Aloud, ACDSEE, Photoshop 6, Unreal Tournament 2000, and 2004, Flight Simulator 2000, ...and tons more...Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred 7.0, Omni-Page...etc.,etc. Lots of older apps I've known and enjoy.

If you paid retail, I've got about $20,000 in software.

Thanks for any advice. I realize there are a lot of bright people here.

 

[uberman]

Win 7 Pro should have no trouble with most 32 bit apps. If Win 7 Pro is 64 bit, it can handle most 32 bit apps. If not, as was stated above, you can install a XP VM in Win 7 Pro or Ultimate. You really won't run into any trouble with apps unless hardware drivers are involved. There are very few 64 bit software packages around.

You did mention it, WIN7 Pro has the best 32 bit e3nvironment?

Win7 Home edtion does not. Is that correct?

 

[MrChad]

Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional will be no different in their ability to run software. The only advantage that Professional has its it's XP Mode feature, but a virtualized install of XP should really be your choice of last resort, and it's not going to work for games like UT2K, UT2K4 or Flight Simulator 2K. Your best bet is to google for compatibility information on the apps you want to run and see what gotchas to expect with Windows 7.

 

[oynaz]

Or install Windows XP on the laptops.

 

[Sephire]

Yes

 

[uberman]

Or install Windows XP on the laptops.

I believe that is always a problem because of driver issues. No compatability for XP.

 

[Nothinman]

I believe that is always a problem because of driver issues. No compatability for XP.

Some of them may run just fine in Win7 with it's built-in compatibility, the only way to know for sure is to try.

XP Mode is an option for Anything that doesn't need hardware acceleration, so your games are out if they don't run in Win7. I would be surprised if Dragon worked well. Others might be ok if you increase the memory allocated to the VM, I think its' 256M by default. But you won't have fun in the process. It would be much simpler and better to look for newer versions or alternatives to those ancient software packages.

 

[JackMDS]

Given this list posted above, "Smartly Hot Key Program, Office Professional 2000, Text Aloud, ACDSEE, Photoshop 6, Unreal Tournament 2000, and 2004, Flight Simulator 2000, ...and tons more...Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred 7.0, Omni-Page...etc.,etc. Lots of older apps I've known and enjoy".

If they are all first tier applications for you, and you do not want to upgrade the applications, you are better off staying with Win XP.

 

[Nothinman]

Given this list posted above, "Smartly Hot Key Program, Office Professional 2000, Text Aloud, ACDSEE, Photoshop 6, Unreal Tournament 2000, and 2004, Flight Simulator 2000, ...and tons more...Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred 7.0, Omni-Page...etc.,etc. Lots of older apps I've known and enjoy".

If they are all first tier applications for you, and you do not want to upgrade the applications, you are better off staying with Win XP.

Until XP becomes completely unsupported by MS in the next few years, then it being "better" becomes very questionable.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Well since you didn't "pay retail" for those apps, why not just re-download the newer versions?

 

[uberman]

Well since you didn't "pay retail" for those apps, why not just re-download the newer versions?

I purchased some from the manufacturers and others from dealers. None of those programs are hacked or cracked.

ACDSEE has produced bloated versions to date. Newer does not mean better.

Unreal Tournament 2K and 4K run fine. I'm not looking for a new version. I like them.

Smartly Hot keys were $80.00 from the vendor. Why would I buy it over again.

TextAloud was a$17.00 download from Newegg. Why would I buy another version if I'm happy with the one I have.

Fight Simulator 2000 was the one the 9/11 terrorists studied with. I was lucky to get a copy as it was removed from store shelves.

I am a credentialed teacher and I do get academic pricing.

Software is expensive. Newer is not neccessairly better. It would be bad economics to
repeatedly buy software that I'm already content with.

oldversion.com exists because newer is not necessairly better.

 

[uberman]

Given this list posted above, "Smartly Hot Key Program, Office Professional 2000, Text Aloud, ACDSEE, Photoshop 6, Unreal Tournament 2000, and 2004, Flight Simulator 2000, ...and tons more...Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred 7.0, Omni-Page...etc.,etc. Lots of older apps I've known and enjoy".

If they are all first tier applications for you, and you do not want to upgrade the applications, you are better off staying with Win XP.

Thanks, I agree.