Brick Row Computer Company, LLC.
Proud to have provided full time service to the Capital District since 1995
Call us at 518 767 3299 or EMail -service@brickrow.net

We here at Brick Row Computers want to assure you are aware of Microsoft's Policy specifically regarding the so-called End of Life for Windows XP.
Provided below is from www.microsoft.com and is intended to assist all of us in understanding the process that will affect a large number of Windows PC Users.

Please take a moment to read their announcement and, if time permits, look over our interpretation of what and how we can assist.
We have completed a significant number of these upgrades already.

We find Windows 7 to be very robust, sound and a relatively easy transition from XP.

We understand your need to have your computer back in service as soon as possible and
will work with you to assure the down-time is kept to a minimum.
All necessary parts and components are in stock and available for upgrades.

That being said, here is Microsoft's Official Statement:

What is Windows XP end of support?

Microsoft has provided support for Windows XP for the past 12 years. But now the time has come for us, along with our hardware and software partners, to invest our resources toward supporting more recent technologies so that we can continue to deliver great new experiences.

As a result, after April 8, 2014, technical assistance for Windows XP will no longer be available, including automatic updates that help protect your PC. Microsoft will also stop providing Microsoft Security Essentials for download on Windows XP on this date. (If you already have Microsoft Security Essentials installed, you will continue to receive anti-malware signature updates for a limited time, but this does not mean that your PC will be secure because Microsoft will no longer be providing security updates to help protect your PC.)

If you continue to use Windows XP after support ends, your computer will still work but it might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Also, as more software and hardware manufacturers continue to optimize for more recent versions of Windows, you can expect to encounter greater numbers of apps and devices that do not work with Windows XP.

What does it mean if my version of Windows is no longer supported?

An unsupported version of Windows will no longer receive software updates from Windows Update.
These include security updates that can help protect your PC from harmful viruses, spyware, and other malicious software, which can steal your personal information. Windows Update also installs the latest software updates to improve the reliability of Windows—new drivers for your hardware and more.

Support end dates

Here are the dates when support will end for PCs running Windows XP and Windows Vista without the latest service packs:

Support for Windows XP is ending on April 8, 2014. For more information, see Support is ending for Windows XP.
Support for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) ended on July 12, 2011. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2).
Support for Windows Vista without any service packs ended on April 13, 2010. To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows Vista SP2.
Support for Windows XP SP2 ended on July 13, 2010.
To continue support, make sure you've installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). For more information, see Learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

How do I stay protected?

To stay protected after support ends, you have two options:

Upgrade your current PC

Very few older computers will be able to run Windows 8.1, which is the latest version of Windows. We recommend that you download and run the Windows Upgrade Assistant to check if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8.1and then follow the steps in the tutorial to upgrade if your PC is able. For more detailed information, read the FAQ.

Get a new PC

If your current PC can't run Windows 8.1, it might be time to consider shopping for a new one.
Be sure to explore our great selection of new PCs.
They're more powerful, lightweight, and stylish than ever before—and with an average price that's considerably less expensive than the average PC was 10 years ago.

Download and run the Windows Upgrade Assistant
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=321548

This is the end of the Microsoft Statement.

Now we will pass on the information we here at Brick Row have compiled regarding Upgrade possibilities, paths and associated costs.

At Brick Row, we are System Builders and we service what we sell along with all other brands of Computers. In order to perform these tasks,
we keep a running inventory of all components needed for our tasks.
With this in mind, we feel the following considerations should be taken into account when deciding what to do with your Windows XP Computer:

Is Windows XP currently meeting your needs and does the computer function well? If either/both of these are not the case then the Decision to move is a bit easier
If XP is handling your needs then we may ask if we should add memory to the max(3 GB) and let your anti virus
software handle the security. If not, we should consider the migration to Windows 7
Is my computer a laptop or desktop? If it is a desktop, there is more flexibility in what can be done whereas with a laptop, we are limited on the hardware side
If your computer can accommodate a 64 Bit Windows Operating System it has the capability of having Memory capacity above 3 GigaBytes. If it cannot, then we have
an issue as Windows 7 simply loves RAM and functions best with 4 GB or more. This capability is built into the system, hence the Make and
Model are necessary in order to accurately decide whether to make the Window 7 move.
While they will function with 3 GB, the more the better!
If it is decided your computer cannot accommodate RAM totals above 3 GB then we need to disassemble the computer and do the following:
Normally, we can remove and replace the System Board with a newer up-to-date model capable of up to 16 or more GB of RAM.
In addition, we would have to install a new Intel(the only brand we use)Processor and 4 or more GB of RAM.
We now have the basic components for the new upgraded system(note, depending on the age/power output of the Power Supply,
a new unit may have to be installed as the newer components are a bit more power hungry).
It must be stated that the Computer's Hard Disk Drive spins at approximately 7200 RPM all the while you are using the computer.
Hence, it is one of the weaker links in the unit and is more than likely a One Year warranty item--and if it is in your XP system, you are more then likely beyond that.
We should consider a new Hard Disk Drive and here at Brick Row we only use the three year warranty variety-these cost out at less than $100.
Once we have the basic components gathered, we then disassemble the computer, removing and replacing the old components with the new.
At this point of re-assembly, the upgraded computer can be started.
We now have to load the Operating System we chose. As stated earlier the move to Windows 7 is a bit more resource hungry than was XP and it can utilize much larger
amounts of RAM serving to vastly improve performance.
Windows 7 comes in either 32 bit or 64 bit versions, but the 32 is again limited to 3 GB of RAM.
Therefore, about 90% of our upgrades are completed using the 64 Bit Software.
In addition, there are for or five versions of the new Windows-we generally recommend Home Premium for personal use and Pro for the heavier duty or Business user.
The Cost of these 64 bit Windows versions range from $129 to $169.
As mentioned earlier the better situation is to be capable of utilizing 4 GB RAM or more.
Here at Brick Row we understand how costs affect the decisions we all have to make. Our systems/upgrades utilize only top-shelf components
from well-known manufacturers. Our RAM is either of Kingston or Crucial manufacture, our System Boards are either Intel or Gigabyte and the Processor is Intel.

Once the computer is assembled, running and tested we face the next hurdle and that is to retrieve data from the XP installation.
It is assumed no backups have been completed and we begin the movement of data to the new system. Without current backups, we need to copy the data directly from the XP System.
It must also be stated that the 3.5" 'Floppy' Disk Drive is a thing of the past in the newer Operating System-if one is needed, there is a USB variety available.
Speaking of USB, the new System Boards have on board USB-3 connectors which allows for super quick data transfers.
We need to remind you that Programs cannot be copied and must be reinstalled, hence the original CDs must be available to avoid repurchasing.

Once the programs are reinstalled, the Anti Virus Installed and Updated with the data copied, the Upgraded System is ready for use and much quicker!!

Earlier we mentioned that laptops presented a different case for upgrading. That is a fact as the System Boards in laptops are not generally replaceable except by the same
Model originally installed in the unit from the factory. When movement to Windows 7 is to be completed using a laptop, we are bound by the System Board Capacity.
We usually bring the RAM to the maximum allowed on the board being dollar conscious here and limiting the RAM to 4 GB at the outset even if we can go further.
The same Hard Drive issue is true with the laptop and we usually suggest using a new 500 GB unit.

The following is current as of April 8 2014
(from Yahoo- https://www.yahoo.com/tech/seven-safety-tips-for-people-sticking-with-windows-xp-82027599094.html):

Everybody panic!

On Tuesday, April 8, Microsoft will stop “supporting” Windows XP. If you’re still using a computer that’s running this old operating system, you do have options. I covered them very recently: Still on Windows XP? Here’s Some Bad Advice.

But what if none of the options work for you? What if, for a perfectly good reason (like the fact that upgrading from XP will cost you either money or time, and you have neither), you’re stuck with a computer using XP? What’s going to happen to you and your computer on April 9?

Nothing you’ll notice, at least not right away. Windows XP will continue to work. But your risk of a security breach into your computer increases over time. Microsoft is adamant that Windows XP can no longer be considered a safe place to store your digital assets.

Even though the operating system has been repaired (“patched”) literally over 1,000 times, it’s got an old foundation, and it can’t stand up to modern security threats. Unless you want your data stolen, your home network hacked, or your computer taken over to be used as a slave to send spam, you need to get off this creaky platform. That’s what Microsoft says.

But if you have to keep using an old XP machine, you can decrease your exposure in a few ways:

1. Get the last version.
Make sure you have the final version of Windows XP. Connect your computer to the Internet and let it update itself. Or find Windows Update on your computer and let it run. Make your version of XP as secure as possible, because it’s not going to get any better after this.

2. Update your antivirus software.
Microsoft will continue to support its own Security Essentials add-on app for Windows until July 2015. Make sure it’s updated (it should handle this itself, or you can force it by opening the app and asking it to update). Security software is a strong line of defense, but it can’t protect you from everything.

3. Make sure your browser is up to date.
Since the most common threats your machine is likely to see will probably come through websites you visit, be sure you’re running a modern and up-to-date browser. All the current versions of the major browsers offer better security than that other giant Microsoft product that people still use, Internet Explorer 6. Get off that thing right now.

4. Be extra careful with email.
Do not open attachments on your XP computer: PDFs, Word files, attached programs, and so on. Even those that appear to be from people you know. The “from” line in an email message can be forged, and happy-looking emails from friends are great vectors for infection.

5. The same goes for Facebook.
It’s fine to read updates, but you’re at risk if you click on links to stories or sites that show up in your feed, even if they appear to be from people you know.

6. Be extra, extra careful with USB sticks, CDs, and DVDs.
These can carry malware. Your security software might catch it, but it might not. Best bet is to not use any kind of external media with this computer, especially USB sticks.

7. For the ultimate in safety, disconnect from the Internet.
Not a joke. And it’s actually a workable idea for people who are using their XP computers for dedicated functions, like cash registers. If it doesn’t need to be connected to the world, disconnect it. Do your email and web browsing on a modern device, like your smartphone or tablet, if you can.

All things end
Microsoft has a public document stating when it will stop supporting various versions of Windows. Today may be the end for XP, but its newer products have termination dates, too. If you’re on Windows Vista (which hopefully you’re not; it’s terrible), you have until April 11, 2017. Windows 7 users will be abandoned on Jan. 14, 2020. The clock is even ticking on Windows 8.1: Microsoft is planning to end support for today’s operating system on Jan. 10, 2023.

Rafe Needleman can be reached at rafeneedleman@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @rafe.

Here is the link to the Microsoft Statement as quoted above:
Microsoft Link

Apologies for the wordy details above, but we feel it needs to be said as thoroughly as possible as this is an important step.
We hope the above helps you in your decision making process and invite you to contact Brick Row if you have questions or concerns.

Thank You for visiting Brick Row

We can be reached at 518 767 3299 or service@brickrow.net

At Brick Row we offer all Computer, Network and Internet Services and are here to help as we have been since 1995.

Joe Scalzo, Owner..