[Solved] Windows XP HELP

Hi, I hope you can help an absolute novice when it comes to technical issues. I have a desktop running Windows XP and with it being made obsolete in April I am in great difficulty. I have a programme installed on it which I use for a web shop that I have. The problem is it is non transferable to another computer without having to pay for a new copy and it was quite expensive. The question I have is what can I do to continue using the programme? Can I remove the hard drive from the old desktop and use it as an external hard drive with my laptop or what can I do. As I say no knowledge of technical matters so PLEASE HELP!

 

Hi Gerard, it is very unusual for most software makers to not include a clause within their license to enable a move of the program from one computer to another. Before going further, have you had a read of the programs "End User License Agreement" or EULA to make sure?

If in fact it is true, and you cannot transfer it, if at all possible just keep the XP computer just for that purpose, make sure it has a good anti-virus and firewall if it does have be on line. I am afraid there is little other alternative.

There is also the possibility that the program may not run on Windows 7 or Windows 8, even if it can be transferred.
Nev.

 

Hi Nev, Many thanks for the reply. Unfortunately the license allows use on one computer only. I have tried running the disc to attempt loading to laptop which it does to a point but when it comes to input off the license number it ceases to go any further. I was hoping for some way around the problem but I guess as you suggest I just continue using the desktop for that purpose only. I have Norton security on the desktop. Is that good enough do you think?

 

Sorry, looks like I added an edit while you were replying, as there is the possibility it won't run on newer systems anyway.

Although most of us wouldn't recommend Norton, it is a lot bulky and uses resources being the reason.
However if already installed it should be OK till the subscription runs out. When that happens look for alternatives then.

I would also recommend installing an anti malware scan on demand program as well, such as Malwarebytes. They do not conflict with other security programs as they only are active when you ask them to scan for malware and work in entirely different ways to antivirus software.

Malwarebytes FREE version, can be downloaded from here :-

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/malwarebytes-anti-malware/

Please use that download site as too many other sites include other software you do not really want. Even so, to be sure, check each stage during download and install, and where you get asked if you want something and a tick box for yes, remove the tick.

Download it, install it, then find and use the updates to bring it fully up to date and then let it scan the system. For the first time use the full scan, however around once a week run a quick scan after that to make sure the computer doesn't have any problems.

If Malwarebytes does find anything please let us know, we might as well be sure you are safe to start off with.

Nev.

 

Hi Nev I took your advice and downloaded from site as recommended. It found 64 items and when I tried using the "clean all too"l it is now asking for me to purchase the full version. Am I doing something wrong?

 

Are you sure you downloaded and installed the free version and not the trial version of Malwarebytes, the free version should just remove what it found.
I will check this for you and also ask our malware guys to take a look if needed.

In the Malwarebytes window, click on the "About" tab, you should see the version number as
1.75.0.1300
If different let us know.
Also once it completed the scan, it should open a notepad document showing the results, can you copy and paste those results as well please.

Nev.

 

Nice catch Pete wow am I getting sick of these download sites!

 

I know I'm very late coming in on this Gerard but I have only just joined the forum. I am responding because I was in a similar situation to you back in March.

My resolution was to restrict internet activity on the XP system to known secure and risk free sites (certainly no banking for example), set Internet Explorer 8 (the latest version compatible with XP SP3) to its highest security level (making browsing with it virtually impossible) and using the latest version of Firefox as my browser as it supports XP and regularly updates its security.

I have explored using Linux live discs for some time, particularly liking Puppy Precise 5.7.1, so I decided to set up my system in a dual boot arrangement with XP and Puppy Linux. Linux operating systems seem less at risk from malware so I feel more secure browsing from the Puppy environment. I am contemplating disabling the internet altogether within XP but have not done so as yet.

Backing up is always important as well as maintaining good security software. I use Avast 2014 Free and the Comodo firewall plus the on demand scanning facilities of Malwarebytes (mentioned in an earlier post) and Emsisoft Emergency Toolkit. For backing up I use Macrium Reflect to create partition images from time to time and Karen's Replicator to back up data files on a more regular basis. The backups are stored on various external devices.

Most malware problems appear to be related to slip-ups by computer users so vigilance is the key regarding sites visited and links clicked. Many problems originate from email scams so again wariness is a must. If the worst comes to the worst, backups on external devices not connected at the time of the problem occurring, can usually resolve the issue.