Computer techies Help!
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Short answer is no, you do not need to purchase a new laptop. Your current machine will run just fine after upgrading to Windows 10, if your laptop ran Windows 7 just fine.
Long answer, Windows 7 is losing support, meaning any time you use a Window 7 computer connected to the internet AFTER Microsoft support is cutoff, you have a huge security risk for anything happening on your Windows 7 computer.
The current cost is $120 to upgrade to Windows 10 Home; however, check this link, as this may be a non-illegal loophole to upgrade for free: [www.forbes.com]
Long answer, Windows 7 is losing support, meaning any time you use a Window 7 computer connected to the internet AFTER Microsoft support is cutoff, you have a huge security risk for anything happening on your Windows 7 computer.
The current cost is $120 to upgrade to Windows 10 Home; however, check this link, as this may be a non-illegal loophole to upgrade for free: [www.forbes.com]
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
For writing reports and emails, it’s definitely not needed to replace the laptop, especially if the shopper’s operating income isn’t large enough to justify the business expense.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
OP said "Do I have to get a new lap top (which I am willing to do if necessary)? I can update to 10, but really don't want to waste my time on an old computer."
I would not put money into a computer of Win 7 vintage, nor would I try to run Win 10 on it.
I would not put money into a computer of Win 7 vintage, nor would I try to run Win 10 on it.
@Tarantado wrote:
For writing reports and emails, it’s definitely not needed to replace the laptop, especially if the shopper’s operating income isn’t large enough to justify the business expense.
@panama18 wrote:
OP said "Do I have to get a new lap top (which I am willing to do if necessary)? I can update to 10, but really don't want to waste my time on an old computer."
I would not put money into a computer of Win 7 vintage, nor would I try to run Win 10 on it.
Because why? The laptop may be close to a decade old? If the specs on OP's computer worked just fine with Windows 7, it likely will work just fine on Windows 10. The assumption that the computer will suddenly not work well with a more recent operating system because the computer may be a decade old or close to it is pretty short-sighted .... Despite Windows 7 being more than a decade old along with OP's computer, OP's computer is likely still fine, ESPECIALLY if the computer is mainly used for light tasks like 'writing reports and email.'
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
I just spoke with a computer savvy who fixes computes. He knows my computer, he is a neighbor. He told me I don't need to do anything. He did suggest malwarebytes free to install. Not in any hurry to buy or replace windows 7.
Why didn't Windows 10 push to your computer?
"I told myself to quit you; but I don't listen to drunks." -Chris Stapleton
Honnybrown not sure what you mean. I did get notifications for 10 and the opportunity to update, why update if it isn't necessary? All I use my computer for is Mystery shopping and email. I have cut back to just a few shops anyway.
@shopper8 wrote:
Honnybrown not sure what you mean. I did get notifications for 10 and the opportunity to update, why update if it isn't necessary? All I use my computer for is Mystery shopping and email. I have cut back to just a few shops anyway.
Like I stated earlier, Windows 7 is eventually going to stop receiving official patches and updates from Microsoft, which leaves your computer vulnerable. There is a community that exists for the abandoned operating systems, but if you aren’t familiar with what to do, I’d eventually plan to update to Windows 10 when Windows 7 is officially cut off for support by Microsoft, which is basically now.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
Thanks for that advice, Tarantado. I just upgraded my desktop from 7 to 10. I wasn't going to bother with it, though I did start getting notices a few days ago that Microsoft wasn't going to support it anymore. What you said makes sense and I was able to download 10 for free, even though that free download was supposed to end a few years ago. I will do my laptop tomorrow. Thanks again!
Ach. I just noticed a problem: space on my computer. I now have a red bar going across for hard drive C. I only had 14 GB left before doing the upgrade (I use an external hard drive for files since my computer is so old and I don't have much space), I didn't realize it was going to take so much room. I am going to try to do a disc cleanup and such, but wondering if there is a way to remove Windows 7 or other associated programs? I looked in programs but I don't know how to tell what it is.
@JASFLALMT wrote:
Ach. I just noticed a problem: space on my computer. I now have a red bar going across for hard drive C. I only had 14 GB left before doing the upgrade (I use an external hard drive for files since my computer is so old and I don't have much space), I didn't realize it was going to take so much room. I am going to try to do a disc cleanup and such, but wondering if there is a way to remove Windows 7 or other associated programs? I looked in programs but I don't know how to tell what it is.
If you're updating your laptop, a quick relevant question for ya: What's the size of your hard drive and do you know if your hard drive's a traditional hard drive, or does it contain a more modern technology called a Solid State Drive (SSD's)? I only mention SSD's as there's extremely cheap and a simple way to speed up any old computers. When I say cheap, I'm talking about $40 for 256 gb or $63 for 512 gb, plus another $8 for the cable needed and maybe another couple more dollars for the phillips head or other hand tools to open the laptop.
Back on topic though:
To address your problem specifically, if you have pictures, videos, documents, etc. that's filling up your hard drive, as you only have 14 gb left, consider temporarily moving the data to a flash drive. Flash drives these days are rather affordable at normal prices: [www.amazon.com] (this is under $20 for 128 gb).
I'd consider shuffle your non-program related files first like documents, pictures and videos, as that usually is likely the culprit of your low storage in your drive, vs. the programs installed.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
Like I wrote before, I have a backup drive. But I got it figured out. I thank you for your help!
Well, though I got it figured out, I absolutely HATE the layout of 10. Not your problem, not your fault. Just sucks.
When I first had Windows 10, I had to switch to desktop view so it would look more like what I was used to. 
Kim
I hate windows 10. Before I threw even $20 at my windows laptop I would see how much the cheapest chromebook was. Buy it and be done. Ive used windows 10 for years now and its constantly changing things. Every update is a nightmare and now they dont let you opt out. You can delay and that is all.
Rant over... Maybe.
Rant over... Maybe.
Well, I am sure I will get used to it. It's the incompatible NVIDEA that makes the display so weird. I hate the display. I will get used to it, but Windows 7 was so much easier on the eye.
@CoffeeQueen wrote:
I hate windows 10. Before I threw even $20 at my windows laptop I would see how much the cheapest chromebook was. Buy it and be done. Ive used windows 10 for years now and its constantly changing things. Every update is a nightmare and now they dont let you opt out. You can delay and that is all.
Rant over... Maybe.
Unless you know what you're doing, you shouldn't be opting out of those patches and updates if the laptop is being connected to the internet.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
I was able to free up a bunch of space on both C and D. I now have 40.1 GB on C and 5.65 on D, which shows blue about halfway on the bar for each. I think I can go another 5 years on this computer, which I have had for a very long time now, way longer than is typical. When I did the Windows 10 upgrade, they did recommend getting a new computer (gee, what a surprise) instead of upgrading from 7. I am not in the mood to go spend a bunch of money on a new computer. I still have my laptop too, just in case. I really only use that when I travel anyway.
@JASFLALMT wrote:
I was able to free up a bunch of space on both C and D. I now have 40.1 GB on C and 5.65 on D, which shows blue about halfway on the bar for each. I think I can go another 5 years on this computer, which I have had for a very long time now, way longer than is typical. When I did the Windows 10 upgrade, they did recommend getting a new computer (gee, what a surprise) instead of upgrading from 7. I am not in the mood to go spend a bunch of money on a new computer. I still have my laptop too, just in case. I really only use that when I travel anyway.
Here's a pro-tip, if you have some extra funds to upgrade, I highly suggest simply upgrading your hard drive to a solid state drive, which I promise you, will automatically speed up your computer tremendously. It's a relatively cheap and effective upgrade on any of our old and outdated laptops.
Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.
I've got the money, but I really don't feel like I need it right now as everything seems to be running fine. Thank you for the tip, because in the future if my computer starts to run sluggish I will follow your advice.
How difficult is it for a slow learner like myself to transition from Windows to Mac? I am tired of this. I was perfectly happy with XP and whatever I had before that. Every time Windows changes it gets more difficult to use, in my opinion. And I honestly do not want Windows 10. So I am considering making the big move.
What I am actually going to do instead (within the next 2 years) is buy a new desktop computer. I just reverted back to Windows 7. I had nothing but problems after upgrading to 10 on my old HP desktop. I couldn't get my printer/scanner to work with Windows 10 no matter what troubleshooting I did over the past 24 hours. I tried patches, removing and reinstalling, updating drivers, rebooting, this and that...and I hated the display anyway, because NVIDEA was not compatible as well. I absolutely need my printer/scanner for other things besides mystery shopping, since I am also a demo rep and merchandiser and need precise scanned images and quality printouts.
I am really glad that I tried the upgrade, because it did help me free up a bunch of needed space on my hard drives. I have enough space to do what I need to do on this 'puter for awhile longer and I have good antivirus software, so keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts for at least another few years. I have the money to buy a new computer but really don't want to spend it right now. I'd rather go on a vacation!!!!
I am really glad that I tried the upgrade, because it did help me free up a bunch of needed space on my hard drives. I have enough space to do what I need to do on this 'puter for awhile longer and I have good antivirus software, so keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts for at least another few years. I have the money to buy a new computer but really don't want to spend it right now. I'd rather go on a vacation!!!!
@Tarantado wrote:
@JASFLALMT wrote:
I was able to free up a bunch of space on both C and D. I now have 40.1 GB on C and 5.65 on D, which shows blue about halfway on the bar for each. I think I can go another 5 years on this computer, which I have had for a very long time now, way longer than is typical. When I did the Windows 10 upgrade, they did recommend getting a new computer (gee, what a surprise) instead of upgrading from 7. I am not in the mood to go spend a bunch of money on a new computer. I still have my laptop too, just in case. I really only use that when I travel anyway.
Here's a pro-tip, if you have some extra funds to upgrade, I highly suggest simply upgrading your hard drive to a solid state drive, which I promise you, will automatically speed up your computer tremendously. It's a relatively cheap and effective upgrade on any of our old and outdated laptops.
@JASFLALMT wrote:
What I am actually going to do instead (within the next 2 years) is buy a new desktop computer. I just reverted back to Windows 7. I had nothing but problems after upgrading to 10 on my old HP desktop. I couldn't get my printer/scanner to work with Windows 10 no matter what troubleshooting I did over the past 24 hours. I tried patches, removing and reinstalling, updating drivers, rebooting, this and that...and I hated the display anyway, because NVIDEA was not compatible as well. I absolutely need my printer/scanner for other things besides mystery shopping, since I am also a demo rep and merchandiser and need precise scanned images and quality printouts.
I am really glad that I tried the upgrade, because it did help me free up a bunch of needed space on my hard drives. I have enough space to do what I need to do on this 'puter for awhile longer and I have good antivirus software, so keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts for at least another few years. I have the money to buy a new computer but really don't want to spend it right now. I'd rather go on a vacation!!!!
/quote]
And hope that a more efficient version of Windows comes out in the interim? I might do that, too. I do not like the options right now. But MS seems very content with 10, even though there are so many complaints, so I'm doubtful that the next version will be any better. I wonder how many dissatisfied people have just dropped them altogether.
if it costs you $120 to upgrade then i would look into getting a used one with windows 10 preinstalled there are plenty out there that would be near that price.mine was $160 and i got it well over a year ago
shopping north west PA and south west ny
When and if I have problems I will purchase a new computer.
I am still using windows 7 and have not had any problems. I only use my computer for shopping and email. I did install free Malware.
@cooldude581 wrote:
if it costs you $120 to upgrade then i would look into getting a used one with windows 10 preinstalled there are plenty out there that would be near that price.mine was $160 and i got it well over a year ago
That is what I have done this time around. I usually am stuck somewhere around the trailing edge of technology/ I tried Linux but when every I would update as suggested my internet would quit working. After several different Distos, I gave up and bought a used chrome book which is starting to show its age. I am surprised that the EU lets Chrome stop updating the chrome books when the browser is supposed to work on everything This is version 69 which is several years old. Ah well. I bought a Lenovo ThinkCentre with an i5 I just need to get time to clean up the desk and install it and move files onto an SSD before moving to this.
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