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mikecox_
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XP to 8.1

An elderly friend of mine owns a very old computer; running XP, with a CRT monitor. Would it be advisable, or even possible,  to try and upgrade it to 8.1.  

The problem is someone recently charged her almost $500 to install a blown out MB and a back hard drive.  I hate for her to throw good money after bad, with the purchase a new computer.  

But I wonder, considering how cheap a, very basic new computer would be. for someone who only surfs the net, does email, and plays solitaire.
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mikecox_

8/22/2022 - Mon
Manfred Bertl

Sorry for saying that, but if the user does only the things you say, i would strongly recommend to install some distribution of Linux instead of any kind of Windows. It is as easy to use, but much easier to keep secure. I personally would recommend Linux Mint or Fedora 20.
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Lee W, MVP

I don't think linux is the answer - replacing someone's computer with a new system that only a few people (relative to Windows) understand is not a good idea.  The person could ask her friends for help with Windows - many will probably know it... Linux can be overwhelming and complicated... I've suggested it on occasion in the past and the people involved always went out and bought a new PC shortly after.

With the christmas season and the prices of computers so low, replace it with something low end and new.  Shouldn't cost more than $250.  Upgrading would cost at least half that IF the hardware supports it.  I have netbooks running Windows 8.1 with SSD drives and they run ok.
Dave Baldwin

Although I do like Aisle Riot Solitaire better than the Windows version (larger card faces), I don't have a single customer that I would switch to Linux.  They just wouldn't "get it".
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James Murphy
Danny Child

if the mobo was changed out, was it to a recent model (and therefore CPU) as well?  And if the hdd is new too, you're halfway towards a new system already????
Lee W, MVP

There's a LOT of GUESSING going on - mobo changed out - older than socket 478...

mikecox - can you provide DETAILS such as the make / model of the computer to put an end to the guessing?
mikecox_

ASKER
I'm accepting this solution because I believe it sounds right; and is what I suspected.  I have purchased a "revamped" desktop computer for $100., which resolves the issue very cheaply.
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