Well, maybe I'm just not too smart about computers, but I would like to relate my experience from recently upgrading from Windows XP-Pro to Windows7.

My Quicken and Quickbooks programs would not load into the new PC with Windows7--totally incompatible.Consequently, I had to print out all of my Quickbooks accounts, then re-enter them into my new, Windows7 compatible Quickbooks program. With Quicken, it took three days, endless hours with tech support, hours on hold, and finally I had to download an old copy of Quicken, use it's conversion program, then convert all my files again so they would load into my new Quicken Program.

Windows7 no longer uses Outlook Express, which I was always quite happy with. Consequently, you must purchase a new copy of MS Office so you can use the NEW Windows Outlook program for your email. However, when you attempt to export your old email contacts from Outlook Express and import them into the new Outlook, it doesn't recognize the format. I did, however, find a way to copy them into a folder labeled Contacts. Big whoop--they still cannot be utilized by programs such as Incredimail, etc... You must copy the information line by line into your new Email program(s).

None of my music programs are compatible with Windows7--guess they're just too old.

My Word-Perfect 8, which I have been using for several years loaded into the PC, but with some difficulty. However, none of the address books can be exported into the NEW PC from the old XP-Pro PC. Keep getting a message about needing to select a default Email provider. I selected Outlook, but this didn't make a bit of difference.

So, lets put all this into perspective. I spent just $299 for the NEW desktop PC, got blazing fast speed, loads of pre-installed BS software that I don't want or need, then had to spend another $300 on new software so I could do my book-keeping, taxes and a small fraction of what I was doing before with the old PC.

As for the legacy program installation, well, it depends upon how old the programs you wish to install are. My old Photoshop, Print Shop, Nero-Burn, CD-Print, Acid-Pro, and a host of others will not load no matter what you do. Ain't life grand!

When I have some free time in January In intend to clean the junk out of the OLD PC, reinstall windows XP-Pro, and use it until it ultimately drops dead on the desk. I'll continue the battle with Windows7 for another couple years, doing my taxes, checking, etc..., but when the music business ends, which will happen one day in the not too distant future, I will end my relationship with computers altogether.

Sorry about the rant,

Gary