certain versions of windows 7 have the ability to run xp with in 7 in a virtual mode so that you can then run your old programs that way. The best suggestion is to try to communicate with the programs creators to see if there is a version or an update that will make it compatible many do have an update. If you have windows 7 home premium it does not have that xp function but you still can run a virtual machine set up with in windows 7 and run your programs that way. You would need to read up and understand how to set up and run a virtual machine, there are some free versions available. Make older programs run in this version of Windows Windows XP Mode Windows XP Mode Learn to Use Windows 7's Compatibility Mode with Older Apps there are a few links you may want to check out.

I sometimes speak up concerning others' suggestions that seem like Chicken Little-type fear mongering. I also think too many people have too many unsupported fears of unlikely risks on the internet and from PC use in general. I'm generally in agreement with Kudzu's comments, but let's be realistic - no one knows what the evil doers will do. Using an XP PC on a network that's unconnected to the internet - I'd say zero risk. Use it in full confidence until the hardware dies. Using an XP PC on the internet? Time will tell. Having capable firewalls, updated security software, etc., is a must for all PCs with all operating systems anyway. I have an XP PC that I use very occasionally that has all the protection reasonably available. I'll be sure to remove any personal info and will use it carefully. If I see any hint of odd activity, I'll just replace it. For most PCs old enough to have XP, spending good money to put a newer Windows on old hardware seems a poor choice to me.

How are you backing up to the Maxtor? With some specialized software that creates images, or is it copying the files and folders? If it's copying files and folders so you can view the files on the Maxtor just as you do on your C: drive, you should be able to restore everything with windows explorer. If you're using software that came with the drive and it's backing up in some proprietary format, you'll need to use that software to restore. Depending on the software in question, it may be easier to use it to restore, anyway. Some backup software that ships with external drives has a simple one button backup/restore function.

Bree look on the side panel or top of the case and there should be a sticker there telling you Windows XP is inside and there should be a product key listed too. Was this a new computer? Was it local built? Go to my link below and download the small SIW program. It does not need to be installed, just double click on the exe file and it will run. This will tell you so much about your computer it is amazing. On the first screen click the second choice down on the left side - Operating system. In the new window you will see it tells you if your is XP Pro or Home and if it is full retail or OEM - I suspect OEM but that is fine. This is the top line on my computer, yours would look similar and hopefully say the service pack 2 is installed. Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 Look further down the right window and record the Product key (not the serial number as that is not so important) for future reference (this is the key that should be on the sticker somewhere on the outside of your case. I would suggest confronting the vendor but at this stage we do not know what you purchased or what you paid Here is a link that might be useful: Gregory Topala's SIW program