Using Windows 7 in XP Mode
Here are a few pointers if you’re currently using Windows 7 or are contemplating switching over to it.
Like earlier versions, Windows 7 has several editions: Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. I’m used to having my computers customized and shipped to me; however, this is the first time I bought one at a brick and mortar store and it was pre-packaged. So I landed up with the Home Premium edition of Windows 7.
So here’s Tip #1: If you’ve got software applications that run just fine in Windows XP and don’t want to spend the money to upgrade those applications, you can run Windows 7 in XP mode. Yippee! BUT, you cannot do it in the Home Premium edition. Boo…
Tip #2: ALL editions of Windows 7 are preinstalled in the software. But, like the magic phrase “Open Sesame,” the key to opening the cave with the hidden treasure in “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”, one must use something called the Windows Anytime Upgrade key to advance to a higher level edition of Windows 7.
Tip #3: With Windows Anytime Upgrade, in as little as 10 minutes, you can upgrade to a more advanced edition of Windows 7. You can buy an upgrade key online; there are no disks, no delays – and no leaving your home or office. With it, you’ll be able to take advantage of extra features – like operating in Windows XP mode – while keeping your current programs, files, and settings intact.
I’ll be embarking on this next adventure soon, but if you’ve already gone through this and would like to share your comments below, please feel free to do so.