Can anyone please advise me on some Windows XP queries..

Hi,

I am new to the forum,

 

I wonder if anyone could advise me on some queries that I have in ref to anyone still using Windows XP.

I have had some problems in trying to access certain websites..and within the Last 2 months I can no longer access

TWO email services anymore..(Which is Now a Major problem for me) but prior to this I was able to do so perfectly OK

and had been able to operate online generally quite ok for the last few years even without any updates, but I have tried to

be careful how I operate online and what websites I visit or actions that I take..or what I click on.and I tend to just use for

general browsing and basic email..

 

But I am led to believe that some of the problems  could be due to no longer being able to update Win XP or its browsers...

OR I also wonder if its because maybe websites now are ran on the Cloud.

OR It maybe that I have since obtained a Virus or spyware / Malware problem.

I have since found some websites that claim to be from some of the well known AV websites who claim to have brought out

some new AV program for Win Xp users or offered to explain other ways to continue to use it...in which I am uncertain as to

whether they maybe trustable or NOT !

 

Below is a copy of a Previous message I wrote in trying to ask for advice.

 

I have tried to ask some of these questions on some other forums but I still had some further queries that

 

no one seemed able to offer me any further possible alternative views to what I had referred to.

I had asked if it may had been possible to try to still do any checks / or tests to try to see if my Laptop Computer

may have virus or spyware problems for ...that in the not too distant past had previously helped me.

But it seems Now, that the Malware advisers will no longer  offer to do further A.V / Malware checks on Windows  XP.

They just suggest as its been outdated for so long now... due to it not being updated

 

One of the basic initial queries I had.. IN WHICH IF anyone  was say still using an old Op Windows XP system...

 

 

(where say Some people maybe are unable to obtain or afford any alternative or have a concern over newer versions)

Where I am now told that  they should Not be using it.. and I now have a better understanding of the concerns 

of anyone using such a system as its no longer updated and fully protected as it could be.

 

BUT I believe many people may still  use it and I personally believe if they were to  only use it for very basic limited use

and avoid doing certain things... That although they  could end up being targeted by hackers / spyware etc.

 

Generally that maybe ok just to generally browse the internet and suggested safe websites..

and to send just Basic emails (without attachments)

 

I have found one website that says Win Xp can still be used from 2022 Ok if they follow certain guidelines.

as well as finding some newish  AV websites claiming to be usable on WIN XP.

 

https://windowsrepor...ing-windows-xp/

 

https://windowsrepor...service-pack-3/

 

On one of my threads I posted ..see link below. I also commented on coming across two antivirus programs that claimed 

could be used on Windows XP that have only recently come out  one being AVAST and AVG ....some years after the updates ended.

and I was asking if anyone believed that they may actually work ok or not, with them being well known 

AV companies.   BUT my impression was that NO one was willing to comment...

 

which I do understand if they are taught or told NOT to promote such a thing..due to other reasons given

by those who had replied on the subjects.

 

THEN MY OTHER questions was..

UPON until about 2 months ago.. I was able able to access TWO email services OK.

and since then I am no longer able to access either of them.

 

They were Protonmail and Mail . com 

 

I had managed to contact Protonmail and got a reply from them where they offered certain 

information but also admitted that their service may no longer work on older Win OP systems.

BUT MAIL . com does still offer an other option for  older op system users.

However  for some reason at the moment I can no longer also access that option to log in.

 

I was however able to manage to set up a new mail . com email  in the last 2 weeks.and for one occasion...

shortly after or the next few hrs or next day.. was able to access their old op system log in ok..

BUT since I am NO longer able to do so yet again...

 

and I am NOT able to find a way to way to easily contact Mail dot com to ask them for any advice.

either by phone or other ways using email or a contact msgs system on their website.

 

I had tried to ask this question to protonmail

 

COULD you Please answer me this  !!! 

 

WOULD YOU BE AWARE OF this , IF say Email service  companies have Updated their systems..

to no longer work on older Windows  operating systems (OS )

 

COULD it be say maybe because they may have moved from the old servers to say the CLOUD ?

 

Do you think this maybe also why I may no no longer be able to access certain websites anymore..

even though on sites I get a msgs saying my browser is not updated.

(which unfortunately on Win XP are no longer further up-datable.)

 

I came across one websites that suggested that Opera maybe another alternative browser

that can be used on Win Xp....  I wonder if you may believe this option maybe worth a try.

 

I thought I had tried to download Opera once before and I dont think it seemed as straight forward to install

as I may had expected compared to other browsers I have prior used and I did not manage to install a version of it.

 

but this maybe a newer option.

 

https://www.opera.co...aign=WR_General

 

 

but continuing on...

 

SO....What I had wondered at some stage was that IF My problem in this case.. say could had been 

down  to a virus... and I had ran the AVAST AV for WINDOWS XP software...I wondered if it may 

had helped remove any obvious threats or problems I may have had.

 

Other than that for now... I can only access my emails by a old mobile  i Phone using safari op system.

 

I had also wanted to try to find a way to use a Proxy on my laptop  or my I phone if that was possible.

 

I used to be able to use some proxies on windows XP... BUT can no longer find one that works ok 

that I am willing to consider using.

 

I have found that it is possible to use a proxy on ones mobile.. (which I have only just found out was possible)

BUT IT seems only if one is using WIFI..

 

https://www.howtogee...iphone-or-ipad/

 

https://proxyscrape....erver-on-iphone

 

 

and at the moment... I am using a direct 4G network  to a Mobile I Phone 6 which does not ask me to use a wifi setting..

 

and I am also using a personal HOT SPOT to send the networks signal to my laptop.

which allows me to use the internet using a plug in wireless network USB adapter to pick up the signal.

 

BUT I DONT think I am able to use a mobile i phone built in proxy direct to 4 G  network.

IT may only if your using / selecting a  WIFI option / connection.

 

and also IF I was able to use a Mobile  I phones proxy...using safari..

 

I am NOT sure if its uses the Pesonnal hotspot if that also would work on the Laptops op system / FF / Chrome browsers  

for use on the Internet  say for use on certain websites or for sending emails if one could log in to use 

one of my email services..

 

OR maybe it would only work direct from the mobile only..

 

I wonder if you maybe able to advise any further.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Why do you still want to run XP? You will find more and more sites will not work because of certificate issues. Avast no longer supports XP so you probably aren't getting any more definition updates. For all the security issues that haven't been patched I would not want to be doing things like banking and email on an XP computer. 

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/33922231/why-cant-windows-xp-handle-newer-ssl-certificate-versions

Thank you for your reply.

I do have  a Firefox browser Cryptodan,

As far as I am aware, I think its version has been auto updated...to V 52.9

I tried to browse how to check, but the info shown on FF does Not seem to apply to the instruction that  I tried to follow

unless thats a different version that you are making me aware of...

 

 

You can try using Mozilla Firefox ESR - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/52.9.0/system-requirements/

Hi JC,

I note what you say and most other past helpers have said similar,

So I am am familiar with some of the concerns and issues...BUT NOT ALL...

Maybe not too sure about Certificate issues...

Two main reasons I use Win XP....

I am VERY used to it and overall like it... I have tried some other systems in the past and had various problems.

and unforunately at the moment I am in financial problems... and if its possible... Id prefer to try to stay with using XP..

I did try using  Avast AV some time ago along with several  other version of free  AVs...such as AVG, .. that used to work for me ok some years ago... and then maybe in the 5 yrs or so.... ALL OF THEM did Seem to stop working.......BUT when I tried the ones on the link I posted...

Believe it or NOT they DID work...or at least I was able to upload and run them...

The website does say or suggest or say that they are NEW since 2022 to aid XP users to use an AV program...

CAN YOU TELL ME  HAVE MANY WEB COMPANIES or EMAIL services NOW possible now mostly  moved to the Cloud...

and could that be also one of the main reasons for me having certain problems with certain websites or email services...

AND DONT FORGET... I have said this has only happened with the two email services in the Last TWO months...

Prior to that I was able to access my email OK...

SO WHATs likely to have occurred in the last two months or so as to why i AM UNABLE TO ACCESS THEM now !

Why do you still want to run XP? You will find more and more sites will not work because of certificate issues. Avast no longer supports XP so you probably aren't getting any more definition updates. For all the security issues that haven't been patched I would not want to be doing things like banking and email on an XP computer. 

 

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/33922231/why-cant-windows-xp-handle-newer-ssl-certificate-versions

I managed to find out how to check my Firefox Version to confirm.. by selecting the 3 bars on the top right hand side of the top of a firefox webpage and click on the help option at the bottom of the page.

and then clcik on the about Firefox option.... in which it then tells me the details / version of it...

Its Firefox ESR  52.9.0 (32-Bit) )   I assume this is the same as the link you posted..

You can try using Mozilla Firefox ESR - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/52.9.0/system-requirements/

That stack overflow link you posted JohnC, MAY well explain some of the reason and issues that I have...

But it seems quite complex for some one of my understanding and abilities...BUT does seems to suggest the Firefox should still work on many websites..

I WILL NEED TO TRY TO STUDY THIS in more detail when I can....(Maybe not in the next few hrs)

I do tend to  mostly use firefox.. that tends to work better for me..

I have a LOT more problems in finding / trying to  open many more websites  when I use Google chrome...(HOWever I can still open some perfectly ok)

which was updated as far as It could be as far as I know prior to end of XPs updates.

Why do you still want to run XP? You will find more and more sites will not work because of certificate issues. Avast no longer supports XP so you probably aren't getting any more definition updates. For all the security issues that haven't been patched I would not want to be doing things like banking and email on an XP computer. 

 

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/33922231/why-cant-windows-xp-handle-newer-ssl-certificate-versions

Hello and welcome to BC, @Adwin:

 

<snip>

 

Two main reasons I use Win XP....

 

I am VERY used to it and overall like it... I have tried some other systems in the past and had various problems.

 

and unforunately at the moment I am in financial problems... and if its possible... Id prefer to try to stay with using XP..

 

<snip>

 

Website access/compatibility issues aside, running an XP system that connects to the internet in any way in 2023 is a ticking time bomb for disaster.

A respectful and friendly suggestion from just another home user (not a computer tech): if you are going to continue to use Win XP connected in any way to the internet (something no one here would recommend for countless security reasons), then it's imperative that you make frequent, diligent disk imaging & data backups to an external drive using any of the available imaging software applications (assuming they still support XP).

If something goes pear-shaped on your system -- malware, ransomware, OS corruption, hardware failure or a host of other problems -- you will have no way to recover unless you have a suitable system image backup (AND data backups).

Even on a tight budget, decent, refurbished, computers are available through reputable sources. Many of the regular BC members with expertise in this area would be happy to guide you. Yes, there is cost involved and a learning curve to master a new Windows OS version. But the benefits likely outweigh the cost at this point.

Respectfully submitted... 

Hi MoxieMomma,

Thank you for your kind Welcome and reply / comments.

I note what you say and have in the past been made aware of some of the things that you have said as well as some other very disturbing things that could occur  that do concern me.

My financial issues that have a occurred ar a bit complex, and I have been effected probably mentally by somethings that have led to my situation... that at times I find life a bit too overwhelming an hard to focus and do certain things or tasks.. that at one time I could had delt with much easier.... I have been trying to get my life back on track after having had a series of things that occurred in my past that seemed to occur like a domino effect....After I had been trying previously to try to improve my life, things occurred to do the opposite.

I am now trying to rebuild or come up with some idea or ways to alter my situation for the better.

Meanwhile some of my cpmputer problems had occurred and these are one main part of my problems that I am trying to resolve that I am hoping can help me sort myself out for the better.

BUT Yes those things that you mention.. are No doubt..something seriously to consider.

But to do some of the tasks that you refer to , unless one is more disaplined as well as understands or is more confident on how to

do sucha thing.... THat does not seem too much a major or time consuming task to do....then I suspect for many as long as ones system seems to still work... People may tend to just continue on using their existing systems..

Otherwise...

IT may end up in having something happen to their Op Systems as you describe, to shake them up to take such actions to act in order to prevent it occurring again..

Although I am NOT sure or certain  if my Op system is corrupt...It can vary at times as how it operates..

Sometimes it seems to run quite well, and other times it can run a bit slow.

I DID run two of those Antivirus programs that I referred to for AVAST and AVG that on their websites claimed to be relative new for old Win XP users... and they suggested that they did not detect any viruses...BUT did find a series of either corrupt  or listed files that I think had suggested could be deleted.  BUT as I AM NO EXPERT on such things... I was not willing to allow the program to delete them.

In the past I had contacted another forum and had some Malware experts help me check my system and they also offered use of some what seemed specilised type AV programs that I was NOT previously aware of... that did find viruses or malware that other More Common Known Online AV programs systems did not manage to find  ...

and then may a year or two later... I had another problem occurr.. and was expecting that anyone who was able to help me would have me use almost the same process / AV programs... BUT found that they used mostly completely different programs...

So I was amazed how much and how soon that even such experts were coming up with new approaches and program systems to deal with such things....

But on those occasions... they did make  quite a difference as to how the Win  OP system was improved and operated.

BUT if ones system is still questionable or running slower than normal..

 to do things like a back up if its running slow....it  May seem as if it could be a huge long term task to make a back up..

BUT I NOT exactly sure generally how long such a task could take.

I do have an external drive in which I have at times made copies of certain important folders / files etc...

BUT its not something that copies a whole system such as a "C: Hard  Drive ....

Best Regards

MoxieMomma

 

Website access/compatibility issues aside, running an XP system that connects to the internet in any way in 2023 is a ticking time bomb for disaster.

 

A respectful and friendly suggestion from just another home user (not a computer tech): if you are going to continue to use Win XP connected in any way to the internet (something no one here would recommend for countless security reasons), then it's imperative that you make frequent, diligent disk imaging & data backups to an external drive using any of the available imaging software applications (assuming they still support XP).

 

If something goes pear-shaped on your system -- malware, ransomware, OS corruption, hardware failure or a host of other problems -- you will have no way to recover unless you have a suitable system image backup (AND data backups).

 

Even on a tight budget, decent, refurbished, computers are available through reputable sources. Many of the regular BC members with expertise in this area would be happy to guide you. Yes, there is cost involved and a learning curve to master a new Windows OS version. But the benefits likely outweigh the cost at this point.

 

Respectfully submitted...

A few other people have recommended Linux to me. Crypodan ! ...BUT I have no experience with it or know hardly anything about it...or never seen it used.

In my case.... I  assime I would have to have another laptop or desk top computer and a copy of the program to install it.

I assume its NOT possible to somehow install it on my presnt machine unless I delete my present Windows  XP system / program.

or is it ever possible to split the hard drive into partitians and to be able to have one partition use Windows and another partitioan to use Linux ?

Another option would be linux mint it's great and easy to use linux system for just general computer use.

Does your current have a DVD Writer or a way to make a bootable USB?

I have what I think is a Compact disc drive, that make a ref to a DVD rom... that as far as I know, I can play CDs and DVDs  (Its Something I have rarely used)

IT DOES SAY ITS RE - WRITABLE..... Would that be classed as a DVD Writer ?

Is a DVD writer  sometimes a type of seperate device for older machines  ?  or maybe newer machines have them built in.

I use a Dell Inspiron 1501 Laptop

It does have USB ports.... I assume thats for Thumb drives...

and am I write in saying  that some CDs / DVDs are whats described as writable. and some are not...

But I am Not sure if I am able to install a DVD in my laptop and do what I think maybe to Write a DVD... if thats what you are referring to....

Does your current have a DVD Writer or a way to make a bootable USB?

Edited by Adwin, 17 February 2023 - 04:58 PM.

Yes writing a DVD from an ISO downloaded from https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

You can use this for creating a USB - https://sourceforge.net/projects/usbwriter/

Thank you for the links / info Cryptodan.

IF I was say to change from Windows XP to a newer Windows version, such as Windows 10 or 11....

As far as I am aware.... I normally would have to buy the software that would be on a CD or DVD type of disc to be installed in my CD / DVD  drive .

and as far as I can recall.... I THINK it needed to be registared and may also be unusable to anyone else...or maybe only usable on a few occasions if say if borrowed and registared by others..

and IF I normally I was to consider obtaining Linux I would have to   buy it as a Disc similar to a Windows OS disc and also maybe register it...

BUT I am NOT aware that you can find free copies to download for any Window OS to say copy it onto a DVD or CD disc.

However in this case, my impression is that you have managed to find me a Free Full Linux  Download for me to copy I assume onto a DVD or CD...

 Would it have to be on a Writable type DVD disc ?  Described as  DVD - RW  maybe on a 4.7 GB disc.  or if its on a CD... it would be as a CD-RW say a 700 mb.

I assume using a DVD generally is for larger files and you suggest I use a DVD rather than a CD to download the Linux OS onto it.

OR as an alternative I could download a copy onto  a suitable sized thumb drive  !

Do you have a recommendation as to which one of the Linux options I should consider ? Cinnerman, Mate, XFCE

Best regards

 

DVD recordable and DVD rewritable are optical disc recording technologies. Both terms describe DVD optical discs that can be written to by a DVD recorder, whereas only 'rewritable' discs are able to erase and rewrite data.

Yes writing a DVD from an ISO downloaded from https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

 

You can use this for creating a USB - https://sourceforge.net/projects/usbwriter/