Will upgrading from XP to Windows 7 present significant compatibility problems with existing software?

Question

I decided to pass on Vista, but Windows 7 seems more promising (according to the reviews). However, I'm concerned that upgrading will render much of my existing XP software unusable because those programs are not Windows 7 compatible.

Answer 1

Note what Ben said, plus this:



If you notice, the Windows operating system get bigger and bigger every iteration. There reason for this is because they add all of the new software for Windows 7, ALONG with compatibility for all other previous versions.

Answer 2

I second max, and agree with ben and upsbrown. If it runs in xp or vista you should have no problem running it in 7. I have a logitech mouse and downloaded the vista program, 7 gave me a warning, which i ignored and the software installed and now i'm up an running. Just have to re-install all my programs as i did a install, couldn't upgrade from xp to 7 for some reason. Download the windows 7 RC from microsofts website and give it a shot. I've got it running on one pc and am about to get it on another one. Also Micorosft will support the RC until June 2010, almost a year from now. So you have plenty of time to test out programs and make sure you can run what you want before buying.

Answer 3

I'd worry mainly about your hardware compatibility depending on how old it is and how long it's been running XP.



Most "normal" software that works on XP will work on Windows 7. Some places like businesses that may have had custom applications under XP will want to install the "XP Mode" add-on that works with Windows 7 Professional and above.



If there's any situation where you can use a Vista compatible version of something rather than XP, you should., but if you're generally using "public" XP programs, you shouldn't have issues.

Answer 4

Most normal software that works under XP works under both Vista and Windows 7, with anti-virus software being the main exception. Anything that works with Vista should work with Windows 7. The biggest problem with Vista was not software compatibility (other than poorly written software that couldn't handle the new Windows version number), but driver compatibility, and many device manufacturers already have drivers ready.

Answer 5

Depending on the specific software, you may want to consider getting Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, as they have XP mode which lets you run older programs in Windows 7.

Answer 6

Win 7's compatibility is VERY good.



Much better than Vista.

Answer 7

try the The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if you can run it

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/upgrade-advisor.aspx