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trevor1940

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Which browser works with XP

I'm visiting someone  tomorrow who is Running XP
I'm told they can't connect to the internet because IE crashes

I don't know if they store any accounts info in IE if so how might I back up this up prior to doing a reset and restore afterwards?

Assuming a reset fails where do I download Firefox and Chrome versions that work with XP?
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efrimpol
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I think it's time to ditch XP. It is an unsupported product. BUT...

First, follow instructions below from Microsoft Community:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie8-windows_xp/transfer-internet-explorer-saved-passwords/91155c03-c54d-4dac-9bf9-6c1cfff9c11d

Second, I believe Chrome ended support for Chrome on XP. It will still install and run, you just won't get any updates.

Chrome Download link:

https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/

I don't use Firefox, but from what I hear, it still works.

Firefox Download link:

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/
You can also download older versions of Opera here. It's not my favourite browser to use but I've had to fall back on it a number of times when the Chrome and Firefox aren't cooperating with older hardware. I believe even the current version still supports XP with security updates as well which I don't believe is true of any of the other major browsers.
Yes.

Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is the minimum Windows version that meets the Firefox System Requirements.

Opera 36 is the last supported version for Windows XP. According to the Opera May 4, 2016 release notes, As of Opera 37, the minimal system requirement for Windows users is Windows 7. Windows XP and Vista will no longer receive feature updates, only security and stability updates.
The current FF works fine in XP-Mode. Use the PortableApp version:

http://portableapps.com/download
http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

You can use it directly from a USB stick so you don't have to install anything at the customer's site.

But I also strongly advise against keeping on using XP. Upgrade the PC to a supported OS.
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Gary Case
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Most IE failures to browse anywhere I have run across are usually damaged TCP/IP stacks from spyware or malware that has either failed, stopped working, or was improperly removed...

I have to agree on trying to get the user to move off XP if they plan on going on the internet.
There are way more holes in XP left than just the browser, and they will get infected...
i Always start by updating XP to SP3 at least
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I'm glad someone agrees with my thinking.  There is one particular expert with loads of points whose canned answer to anything involving "legacy" operating systems is "upgrade to Windows 10", which would invariably mean buying a new computer.

I did mention in my previous comment that there "are loads of issues".  One I have just encountered is with RealVNC.  I just received an email prompting me to upgrade to the latest incarnation of their remote connection software.  I have paid for two "personal" licences for a long time to remotely connect with and support a family member with Windows XP now Windows 7, and a friend on another continent with XP and now also 10.  I have always been able to upgrade, but the latest version has been updated so that anything prior to XP is assumed to be a legacy OS and will be unsupported.  It's no real issue to me as the last of the "old versions" will still work for what I need, but it could be to some.

I am quite sure that within the next year or so support for utility programs like Ccleaner and popular ones by Nir Sofer on XP will cease and Windows 7 will be the oldest that they support.  Adobe are likely to stop any updates for Flash Player and Acrobat Reader on XP, and many more similar instances will be notified.  In principle, if the last supported version of a program for XP works fine, then updates won't really be too important to an operating system that most residual users eventually (albeit reluctantly) abandon once they see what is set to succeed Windows 10.  For me I have a feeling it will be my existing Windows 7 computers and a friendly version of Linux.
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trevor1940

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Hi All Just to update you

I was able to get IE to load by resetting it that was just the start of the problem

The PC needed a new CMOS battery which I didn't have with me

He has a belkin USB wifi adaptor this is recognized by the PC but isn't stable enough to connect to the router, I tried it in a number of USB ports always the same PC "finds" the Adaptor but drop's it before can connect to the router

Some one has got him a wifi booster which is a total waste of money IMHO The router signal is strong enough (I had strong signal and could connect on my phone)

I left after around 90 minuets unable to get the PC to connect to the router and smelling like an ash tray

I had similar problems years ago with my Dads PC and solved it by hard wiring with a long CAT5 network cable I could not do that safely here without drilling holes through walls

XP is still a good OS stick some more memory in and for most people it will function well enough

However In this case, as a blind user, he  would benefit from a newer model with the advances in both software and hardware
A CMOS battery is a trivial issue (as I'm sure you know -- ~ $2);  and a poor WiFi signal isn't an XP issue.   I agree extenders are a waste of $$ => if you don't want to replace the adapter with a better one (which may also require a newer/better router); an easy fix to that is a powerline adapter [e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-XAVB5201-Powerline-500Mbps-Homeplug/dp/B00L5TDPWU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1482001172&sr=8-7&keywords=powerline+network+adaptor&refinements=p_89%3ANETGEAR ]

Sounds like you didn't install Firefox => this is the solution to internet browsing.   Nothing you can do will make IE8 a good choice ... there are simply too many sites that won't work with it.

A nice new computer isn't a "bad" choice -- but you'll still have the connection issue to resolve.
Thanx for your help
Thank you Trevor