Should I upgrade to Win 8 Pro...

... since right now it's being offered at a great discount.

I recently was forced to purchase a new computer when the PS on my old Pavilion died, taking out the monitor and I don't know what else. I couldn't find a replacement fast enough, had work product I had to get out and ordering would have put a wrench in the time line.

Anyways, I ended up with a HP Pavilion computer running Windows 8 Consumer and there are a few reasons I'm asking this question.

1) I want to install a Virtual Machine and run XP since many of my legacy programs will not install on Win 8, even to the 32-bit folder. I've tested Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 (I own the latest Corel x5 that runs but is missing functionality) and it simply won't install no matter what I do with permissions and making sure that Norton is shut down. I don't want to do trial and error through about 15 other graphics programs including CS2 and Corel Draw.

(Don't go on about Norton, it's due to be replaces as soon as Comodo works out it's Windows 8 glitches)

Back to VM. If I want to run MS's Hyper-V I have to upgrade. If I want to run VMWare or Virtual Box I am guessing I don't need the Win 8 Pro upgrade as it's never mentioned as a requirement at the sites.

Or do I as 2) I cannot decipher whether I would need Windows 8 Pro regardless.

So what are the benefits of installing the upgrade?

And would I lose what I've set up already, eg., Personalizations and other user specific items.

Should I move my Docs and whatnot off onto the external drive beforehand (I know this is probably "best practices" but is it necessary)

Any help will be greatly appreciated since there's about 3 days left on the sale and HP is no help as usual.

Thanks!

 

Wow, thanks.

I guess I'll do the ONLY reasonable thing I can think of and buy the damn thing. Hopefully I can avoid installing it until I can figure out what I need to do to prepare.

Thanks ever so much for the help guys, really can't even begin to explain how much it means to me...

 

Hello SMCSS, first of all let me address your issue. We here at MajorGeeks are volunteers, we have lives, families, and jobs. We also have many questions being asked of us all the time. We do our best to get to each and every post that comes our way and also take care of our personal lives too. Now to answer your question, I would upgrade to Win8 Pro while you can still get it at the bargain price. Upgrading to Win8 Pro will give you all the features that the Pro version offers, compared to the version you now have. I hope I was of some help to you. Thank you for your time, and have a nice day. :wave

 

I do not believe that XP mode will run or is available for Windows 8.

 

I'm aware of that. Sometimes a simple "hey hang on, real busy here but we'll get to you" is helpful and could not harm anything.

Yes, I determined that I should probably just order the physical copy and install it when ready.

I just got this computer, Windows 8 is a trip into Wonderland for those used to XP, between figuring it out, work and family I've been feeling way out of my element.

I just wish I knew WHY it was better besides being able to install Hyper-V should I decide to go that route.

I really don't know what I'm talking about, I was happy with XP and probably would have continued six months or so longer before caving in and buying a new computer. I was forced into this by the vagaries of life so I am cramming as fast as I can to get enough knowledge forced into this old head so I don't end up with a 1k doorstop.

Thanks for the time you did assign to this thread.

 

No, but Virtual Machines are and you can run any OS on a virtual box on Win 8.

VMWare
Oracle's Virtual Box
and MS's Hyper-V which requires Win 8 Pro

Thank you

 

Windows 8 is terrible IMO. A lot of people are having problems. I do not know whose idea it was to put a tablet UI on a desktop but I am guessing that person is barely hanging onto their job. Windows 7 was the first very reliable OS that I have had since XP. My advice to you is before you buy it google win8 vs win7 and windows 8 reviews.

 

Sorry for another post but this is not a call center. If they are going to type this to you then why wouldnt they just type a valid response to your question? Calm down my friend the world does not revolve around you.

 

I give up.

Just because some of you folks hate MS and hate Windows 8 - it's not an excuse to ignore people and not even read what they post when you bother to open the thread.

It seems to be missed here that

1) Old computer PS fried
2) Forced to actually BUY a new computer - it's not being considered - it's D-O-N-E and was when I posted for assistance.

This is NOT a call center and it pisses me off to be insulted that way. I've used - and heavily, heavily promoted MajorGeeks for YEARS. Just because I don't have a high thread count or sit around and chit-chat means little. My life, family and work demand my attention and care, not online communities. I use the computer to W-O-R-K.

So I will go find another place I guess. This was my FIRST time asking for help outside of the malware removal area.

Guess it's my last since this area doesn't perform as well as the other - at all.

Ciao, I've got things to do and this isn't it. No, finding a place to get help IS so I'm unsubbing this thread and not coming back.

Again - thanks SO much people.

 

So what you are saying is that you could not wait even a day for someone to respond? I mean that is what it took. Go find a forums that responds that quickly everytime and then some back and send me the link because trust me it does not exist. I do not see you having things to do when you are watching these boards like a hawk and get pissed when other people actually have lifes and cannot. Have fun on your journeys and please dont act the same way on another board.

 

I have a life and a family too. Sorry I missed your thread, but you are not all important, and this is not my job. On top of that, I am not getting paid.

No, I do not feel you should upgrade to Windows 8. You have mentioned nothing that you need to do that would require it of be of a benefit. Windows 7 Pro can run XP Mode, removing the need to install a VM. Hyper-V sucks in Windows 8 and conflicts with some other applications and USB 3 controllers. The experience is difficult, and not pleasant in the least.

So stay with Windows 7, and if you need to, upgrade to Pro so you can install XP Mode. Or, get Virtualbox for free and run XP in there. You can then run it in seamless mode and it integrates with your current desktop.

As for documents, Windows 7 allows for symlinking of folders....set them to an external drive that is backed up regularly,and then go to properties of Documents under start or explorer and set it to point to the external folder.


Now excuse me while I get back to my life, family, and work. It is not less important than yours. If you want to find another forum, feel free. They won't be as kind as I am to someone being a total jerk. You are not entitled to ANYTHING, so consider your audience and be nice next time.