Windows XP

Discussion in 'other software & services' started by Overkill, Aug 7, 2016.

  1. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
    A Windows install is huge. And don't forget all the programs you want to run too which take up space as well.

    There's no reason not to get a large HD. You'l need it.
     
  2. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    I tried xp, but the sticker on the bottom didn't work to activate it so I just installed 7. Thanks for the offer though
     
  3. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    Doesn't seem like much to work with, which OS is your favorite?
     
  4. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
    Mine? Windows 7. Its the best OS since XP. In my opinion, only Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB beats it.

    Windows 10 consumer versions are crapware.
     
  5. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    I was asking bcsman but your ok too lol...I agree with both statements, but w10c is indeed crapware :mad::thumbd:
     
  6. rm22

    rm22 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2014
    Posts:
    357
    Location:
    Canada
    if you change your mind there are also keys in a text file zipped with the XP ISO from getintopc that you could try
     
  7. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    Cool! thanks
     
  8. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
    Since OP has installed Windows 7, it should be more than good enough.

    Cure for menu blues in Windows 7 is Classic Shell. Restores the classic menu that existed through Windows Vista.
     
  9. rm22

    rm22 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2014
    Posts:
    357
    Location:
    Canada
    ok - 1 more thing...
    I also could not activate my license (legit OEM) so i used one of the keys i mentioned. But, it seems the keys just activate a 60 trial. I think the reason my legit key didn't work is there are no ethernet drivers in the iso - so no internet access. i'm assuming, if i can find a driver that works & get online then my key will work. you might have the same issue
     
  10. guest

    guest Guest

    on XP 32 bits ? Defensewall ! best soft ever created on this era.
     
  11. bcsman

    bcsman Registered Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Posts:
    102
    Probably Windows 7, but still have 3 computers here with XP and love them. Much to most advice given to the subject I still connect very frequently to the internet doing my usual surfing and have not been "attacked" because of Microsoft's no more support rubbish. To me that was just an excuse to upgrade. But as stated 7 is the best operating system they have put out in my humble opinion.
     
  12. RJK3

    RJK3 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2011
    Posts:
    862
    Don't listen to the FUD about using Windows XP post support. Old hardware will run XP much faster than Windows 7. How exactly do people think you'll get infected?

    Without any firewall or security measures, an unpatched XP machine would (back in the day) get infected by an internet worm in less than ten minutes - there was a report giving some average figure. I tried this once on an unpatched XP desktop PC with Avast's Network Shield active - within ten minutes it had blocked multiple intrusion attempts from worms. That's pretty much the only scenario anyone will see that Network Shield do anything. None of that will matter if you're behind even a basic hardware firewall from a router, and/or if you close all vulnerable ports (which effectively is all of them). Port scanning won't find a vulnerable port, and the router's firewall won't allow traffic initiated from outside. I wouldn't even bother installing a 3rd party software firewall.

    The other main risk is the browser. If the PC is hardly going to be used online, then I'm sure you know are able to secure the browser enough to minimise any risk. Beyond that any further hardening of the system or security is just extras. Still, this thread might give you ideas, since it inevitably turned to how people were securing their XP installations (https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/are-you-still-using-windows-xp.374090/).
     
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2016
  13. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    I agree 100%
     
  14. rm22

    rm22 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2014
    Posts:
    357
    Location:
    Canada
    Ok - I am finally finished setup on the XP machine. That was a royal pain so I'll post a few tips here for anyone else attempting it.

    1) use any install disk for XP then install the "unofficial SP4" http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/171171-introducing-unofficial-windows-xp-sp4/
    It contains all the updates from SP2, SP3 and all the updates to April 2014 (EOL). Also, Windows Update will NOT work until you install SP4

    2) to find missing drivers (if you don't have original copies) go to Device Manager - open a device's settings - go to the tab with the drop-down menu with "Hardware ID" - start at the top of the list & search away - i found mine on Driver Guide (watch out for all the free scanner scams) and on manufacturers websites. Updating drivers through Device Manager works once SP4 is installed so don't worry about trying to find the latest one.

    3) I do not think Activation works for XP anymore - use your legit key to get through the installation (limits to 30-60 days - Activation doesn't complete) then follow instructions here http://www.wikihow.com/Activate-Windows-XP-Without-a-Genuine-Product-Key

    have fun :)
     
  15. MisterB

    MisterB Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    1,267
    Location:
    Southern Rocky Mountains USA
    Activation worked last time I tried a few months back. I don't think MS would disable activation for any OS or product without some sort of public statement on it.

    I've been converting my old Xp installs into VMs with Paragon Virtualization Manager. I usually use the product key on the COA sticker on the chassis. It hasn't failed once to activate.
     
  16. bberkey1

    bberkey1 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2013
    Posts:
    244
    Location:
    United States
    I have my old XP Professional 64 bit installed on my VM which, only ever received SP2 as its last update, whereas home received the SP3. Will the unofficial SP4 work with the Professional 64 bit?
     
  17. MisterB

    MisterB Registered Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2013
    Posts:
    1,267
    Location:
    Southern Rocky Mountains USA
    No, the code base is from Server 2003. The service pack and updates are the same as for Server 2003.
     
  18. Overkill

    Overkill Registered Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2012
    Posts:
    2,343
    Location:
    USA
    Thanks for this info, i'll definitely try it next time.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2016
  19. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    MisterB glad activation is still happening. I must confess that is something I've been wondering about and if/when M$ will pull the plug on it.

    When I did 2 installs of XP Pro, the last one about 8 months ago, there was no problem activating offline, over the phone. As for installation I did hit a glitch from the original install disk (SP1) and in the end slipstreamed SP3 into install disk and was good to go after that. Drivers ARE a mission though if you have to start from scratch as I did from an HP computer I was given with no HDD.

    XP is great. I use things like ublockO and uMatrix, and Kerio 2.1.5. Haven't had AV for years. Only got one scumware (a dialer) on my system over a decade ago.
     
  20. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
    I like Windows XP so much I put the XP SkinPack on Windows 7.

    People couldn't tell I'm not running XP!
     
  21. rm22

    rm22 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2014
    Posts:
    357
    Location:
    Canada
    Thanks - good to know. I still have the sticker as well so not sure why it didn't work - the key was accepted during installation & then the Activation 'wizard' fails to complete even after all the OS updates. There's also an option to activate through Windows Update, but it fails because the site is only compatible with IE11 :)

    I assumed they would tell me to go buy Win10 :)
     
  22. Reality

    Reality Registered Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    Posts:
    1,198
    LOL you never know what M$ might do next, so best be ready for that one coz you wouldn't want to go down the 10 path knowing what we have on XP : ).
     
  23. Pliskin

    Pliskin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2009
    Posts:
    439
    Link please.
     
  24. NormanF

    NormanF Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Posts:
    2,874
  25. Pliskin

    Pliskin Registered Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2009
    Posts:
    439
  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.