Share experiences on running XP software in Windows 7

I have been a longtime XP SP2 x86 user. Please tell me your experience running XP-based software in Windows 7 (without virtualization solution). What is the difference during installation? What is the performance during use?
I have resisted switching to any of the newer Windows OS because of concern my software will not work.
For example, I have many old PhotoShop plugins. I am worried they will not work in Windows 7. Another example is that I have many stream-ripper softwares that were designed before “Windows 7”.
I know that Windows 7 has these methods of dealing with XP software:
1) Regular installation
2) Special installation in “XP Compatibility Mode”
3) Virtual installation in “XP Mode”.
I am more interested in the regular & special installation methods. I do not like the “virtual” solution (like Vmware) because especially when you do artwork, virtual software is less accurate and responsive.
Please share your experience & any advice…
Answer #1
Don’t be afraid to switch to 7, you can always use compatibility mode in win 7, in my opinion , one of the best OS’es microsoft has ever made.
Answer #2
Don't be afraid to switch to 7, you can always use compatibility mode in win 7, in my opinion , one of the best OS'es microsoft has ever made.
Thanks for the response. But I would like specific examples & experiences.
I am trying to get a sense of the ease & performance of running XP software in Windows 7.
Perhaps it’s 50/50 success rate? In that case, I won’t go to trouble of switching and re-learning a new OS.
But if it’s something like 90/10, then I would be willing to put in the time.
Answer #3
Creative suite 3 works great on 7, all other programs I used in xp just went along with me to 7. I have a triple boot option with XP, Vista and 7, last two years I’m only running Win 7. Cubase ( music program ) was the only thing I still used in XP. No problems with other progs.
Answer #4
Creative suite 3 works great on 7, all other programs I used in xp just went along with me to 7. I have a triple boot option with XP, Vista and 7, last two years I'm only running Win 7. Cubase ( music program ) was the only thing I still used in XP. No problems with other progs.
Cool! Thanks for sharing that.
Answer #5
It’s been a long time since Windows 7 released so all major software devs have taken care about compatibility of their software with Windows 7
As mentioned, don’t think twice about installing Windows 7 PROVIDED your computer can handle Windows 7.
One of the few softwares that didn’t work for me in Windows 7 was this one:
http://www.softpointer.com/AudioShell.htm
Also, DOS games don’t run as they used to if that’s the sort of thing that matters to you…
If you like, mention the software that you use and we’ll try and determine if it’ll work under Windows 7
Answer #6
Thank you all for your input.
I was away for the holidays, and should have re-visited this topic sooner.
I have a follow-up concern. And I would appreciate any advice.
I am going to “bite the bullet” and test Windows 7 Ultimate on a spare computer.
But one thing I am immediately concerned about is the odd “Administration”/”UAC” feature of the later Windows editions.
I am used to being the total GOD on my Windows XP machine.
I do not want to “run as administrator”, be prompted about nonsense, or be limited in what settings I can modify.
Can anyone give me advice on any setting that can make my initial user-account “hassle-free” with total control?
Answer #7
Thank you all for your input.
I was away for the holidays, and should have re-visited this topic sooner.
I have a follow-up concern. And I would appreciate any advice.
I am going to "bite the bullet" and test Windows 7 Ultimate on a spare computer.
But one thing I am immediately concerned about is the odd "Administration"/"UAC" feature of the later Windows editions.
I am used to being the total GOD on my Windows XP machine.
I do not want to "run as administrator", be prompted about nonsense, or be limited in what settings I can modify.
Can anyone give me advice on any setting that can make my initial user-account "hassle-free" with total control?
You can quite simply turn UAC on/off like so:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-IN/windows-vista/Turn-User-Account-Control-on-or-off
If you’d like to get a feel of Windows 7 before jumping in completely, install it in a virtual machine. VMWare Player could be used for this