Free legal copy of Wndows 7, sort of

Before I post this on an XP forum, I might need to run a reality check. To someone running XP, what does 7 have that he doesn't have?

1) gadgets--although he can get similar ones
2) Windows 7 themes
3) libraries
4) Aero--which his computer probably can't handle anyway.

If he installs the 8 Preview and sticks with the classic desktop, he gets all this. He can download free apps for everything else.

Am I hallucinating?

Your list is very superficial Vince. The important differences are under the bonnet, not the desktop. Everything has changed since XP was created decades ago! As has the hardware. Those who cling on to XP offer all manner of reasons but few are convincing for me. There are exceptions such as specialised computer-aided machine control software and the like which needs XP, but generally it seems to be a personal thing. Maybe they also like low-definition monochrome television because it does all they need?

Valid pint, Brian. I am only dealing with the "results," not the more powerful engine that powers 7. But just the same, if an XP user switched to the free 8 Preview version and then stayed with the classic desktop, would he effectively have a free copy of Win 7?

"Valid pint," thanks I'll have one!

I've looked at various MS sites and nowhere can I find information that suggests Win 8 needs a valid copy of any version of windows installed. Therefore you can install Win 8 on a virgin machine and MS even provide a universal product key (

DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J) should it be required. Therefore it does seem you get a free operating system - at least until the beta is superseded by RTM.

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thatmanbrian said:

"Valid pint," thanks I'll have one!

I've looked at various MS sites and nowhere can I find information that suggests Win 8 needs a valid copy of any version of windows installed. Therefore you can install Win 8 on a virgin machine and MS even provide a universal product key (

DNJXJ-7XBW8-2378T-X22TX-BKG7J) should it be required. Therefore it does seem you get a free operating system - at least until the beta is superseded by RTM.

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Click to expand...

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/3997-windows-8-consumer-preview-download.html
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Windows 8 Consumer Preview expires on January 15, 2013. So its only temporary and it may not be compatible with his hardware or software.

Jim

Oh my......just the simple usability of Windows 7 or 8 is just VASTLY superior than xp. The Control Panel is VASTLY better than xp's, Windows 7's start menu is super while the Start Screen of 8 is awesome, and things just work without it falling apart on you. Speaking of Aero, Windows 8 is so streamlined compared to 7, I bet that Aero transparency, even at least without transparency, will work on your xp era PC. I've ran 7 on a desktop that could never support Aero other than the Basic mode, then I ran 8 on the same desktop. Surely enough, I got Aero to run (without transparency) on it. I couldn't game on it though obviously. That PC was an xp era PC as well.

W8CP also has compatibility issues with some programmes. I wouldn't use it as my main OS.

Freddie AppsHer said:

W8CP also has compatibility issues with some programmes. I wouldn't use it as my main OS.

Click to expand...

Curious as to which. There isn't anything I can't run well here, and I use a fair amount of different things.

GMan said:

Freddie AppsHer said:

W8CP also has compatibility issues with some programmes. I wouldn't use it as my main OS.

Click to expand...

Curious as to which. There isn't anything I can't run well here, and I use a fair amount of different things.

Click to expand...

I've heard of people having issues with games. Plus, this one WiFi programme that I use for university won't install.

Freddie AppsHer said:

GMan said:

Freddie AppsHer said:

W8CP also has compatibility issues with some programmes. I wouldn't use it as my main OS.

Click to expand...

Curious as to which. There isn't anything I can't run well here, and I use a fair amount of different things.

Click to expand...

I've heard of people having issues with games. Plus, this one WiFi programme that I use for university won't install.

Click to expand...

Some antivirus programs have compatibility issues. You can learn more here, at our forums.

System Security - Windows 8 Forums
http://www.eightforums.com/system-security/4367-any-working-free-antivirus-w8-cp.html

Gaming - Windows 8 Forums

I hear ya. I'm a casual gamer that has a pretty good collection of games, older to brand new. I haven't found one that doesn't work yet.

As for the wifi, why don't you simply use the WLAN Auto Config service in services.msc?

kostas7 said:

Freddie AppsHer said:

GMan said:

Curious as to which. There isn't anything I can't run well here, and I use a fair amount of different things.

Click to expand...

I've heard of people having issues with games. Plus, this one WiFi programme that I use for university won't install.

Click to expand...

Some antivirus programs have compatibility issues. You can learn more here, at our forums.

System Security - Windows 8 Forums
http://www.eightforums.com/system-security/4367-any-working-free-antivirus-w8-cp.html

Gaming - Windows 8 Forums
http://www.eightforums.com/gaming/2556-list-games-working-windows-8-developer-preview.html

Click to expand...

Of course, that's assumed with security programs. What I meant was actual programs you use. Not too many people are going to say something like, "I can't run ZoneAlarm so forget Windows 8." heh heh

GMan said:

IAs for the wifi, why don't you simply use the WLAN Auto Config service in services.msc?

Click to expand...

The school's WiFi security requires this program.

Freddie AppsHer said:

GMan said:

IAs for the wifi, why don't you simply use the WLAN Auto Config service in services.msc?

Click to expand...

The school's WiFi security requires this program.

Click to expand...

If you upload it and put a link to it, say on like MediaFire, I'll check it out for you to see what it does. Perhaps there is another way without that specific software.

If it's small in size, just zip or rar and attach here.

Anyhow, did you try installing it in compatibility mode for Win7?

Tried Win XP compatibility, no good.

You can give it a shot if you like.

XpressConnect by Cloudpath Networks

It's running well here, but I don't have wireless to test it on. Did you get this far at least or not?

I also noticed this, that you CAN manual configure with the helpdesk's help. From your link, under Other OS:

"Your operating system is not currently supported for automated configuration. Please contact the support desk for manual configuration instructions. "

Yes, and after that screen, it says "Configuration not available for your operating system".

EDIT: It actually says "Configuration not available for your device". Which makes me think it could be referring to the WiFi unit. But the WiFi driver causes crashes in Win 8.

EDIT 2: Got a working driver, still doesn't install.

Now that I've discovered the joy of partitioning, I would hesitate to make a beta my main OS. I am dual-booting both 7 and 8. But I am steadily using 8 more often.

As Win 8 is based on Win 7 code underneath, anything that runs on Win 7 should be OK but you can't expect old legacy apps to work first time.