Are you still on Windows XP?
There's now an unofficial service pack

Microsoft ceased their support for Windows XP back in April 2014, but it seems some fans are still not quite ready to let go of the aged Operating System.

For these - reluctant to change - users, a developer known only as "Harkaz" has been quietly working away, creating an "Unofficial Service Pack 4".  Harkaz has been working on this project since September 2013, in readiness for Microsoft's withdrawal of their support, and now it's finally available to download.

Unofficial SP4 (Service Pack Four) rolls together all updates since 2002's SP1 (Service Pack One) for Windows XP, including two fixes issued after the official end of support.

Windows XP

Everything you need to know about the end of Windows XP support

Harkaz said they had decided to create Unofficial SP4 for the "many users - including me - who won't be able to upgrade their old machines to a newer OS (and) would like to easily install all Windows updates in one convenient package," following the end of XP support.

Windows XP Updates (Windows Update)

Is SP4 a sensible option?

While there's no reason to believe Harkaz is acting maliciously - indeed, Softpedia describes them as someone with "a good background on large packs of fixes for Windows" - it must be remembered that this is not an official update from Microsoft and is, at best, delaying the inevitable.

Windows XP - Automatic Updates

Chris Boyd, malware intelligence analyst at Malwarebytes, commented : "As always with this type of thing, unfortunately what starts out as a project with altruistic intentions, has the potential for hijacking by those with nefarious goals."
He continued, "Training PC owners to get comfortable with any OS updates using the word 'unofficial' in the name could backfire and open the door for malicious installs."

Boyd added that people who are stuck using XP because they're unable to upgrade from elderly hardware should seriously consider moving to "one of the small yet functional versions of Linux" that are available, as they are "probably more secure".

Download Windows XP SP4 Unofficial Beta 3

Windows XP SP4 Unofficial, a service pack for 32-bit editions of Windows XP, can be downloaded from the  Softpedia website.

Download Windows XP SP4 Unofficial Beta 3

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Others/Signatures-Updates/Windows-XP-SP4-Unofficial.shtml

Windows XP SP4 Unofficial description

An unofficial service pack for 32-bit editions of Windows XP, allowing users to benefit from the latest available updates for their computer

Microsoft has ended the official support for Windows XP for a while now, which means that there are no more official security updates for users of the XP operating system and technical support is not provided anymore. Thus, computers that are still stuck with this late OS version can become vulnerable to malicious attacks.

Windows XP SP4 Unofficial comes to the rescue, providing XP users with the latest official XP updates alongside up-to-date components up to May 2014, also including POSReady updates.

The package is compatible with 32-bit versions of Windows XP, with SP1 installed and it can be deployed on an installation media. Please be advised that this package is not released by Microsoft, who does not recommend computer users to install it.

The Windows XP SP4 Unofficial installer is dedicated to Windows XP users who are not able, cannot afford or do not want to migrate to a newer Windows edition. It provides a convenient and quick way to update system components, so as to increase the PC's security and remove possible vulnerabilities, although it does not guarantee complete protection.

The package integrates .NET framework versions from 1.0 to 4.0 (including DirectX for Managed code in .NET 3.5), MSXML40 SP3, Adobe Flash Player (updated until May 2014), Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 11, XPS Viewer EP, IMAPIv2, Remote Desktop Connection Client 7.0, Windows Search 4.0, Windows Rights Management Client, Windows Installer 4.5, the QFECheck tool (which you can use to verify that the hotfixes were correctly installed) and November 2013 Revoked roots and Root cerificates.

Furthermore, it encases the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) technology to validate your OS license, Windows Feature Pack for Storage 1.0, as well as updates for exFat, DirectX 9.0c and WebDAV for Office 12 (Rosebud).

Please note that Windows XP SP4 Unofficial does not include Windows Powershell, which can be manually installed once .NET 3.5 is available on your system.

Windows XP Support Ends on April 8th 2014
Don't let your PC go unprotected

This is a security alert for all Windows XP users!

Windows XP support has ended

This week (8th April 2014), Microsoft released the last ever batch of security updates for Windows XP and will no longer be releasing official service and support updates for this operating system in the future.

You can read more about this in the technology news section of the BBC web site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26884167

This means that in the future, users of XP could potentially be left without critical security updates, which may leave their computers more vulnerable to viruses and more susceptible to cyber-attack.

It could also mean that computer software and computer hardware manufacturers may begin to move away from supporting Windows XP which may lead to new programs and devices not being compatible with the ageing operating system.

Even though it was released back in 2001, Windows XP is still hugely popular, with some estimates suggesting that roughly one in five PCs across the globe still run XP.

If you still use Windows XP, then the ending of service packs and security updates doesn’t mean that your computer will stop working altogether.  It’ll still continue to look and act the same as usual.  However, it could become more vulnerable to cyber security risks and viruses, and over time the performance could also suffer.

Which OS (Operating System) is on your PC running?

If you’re unsure which version of the Windows operating system your computer is currently running you can visit the Microsoft web site, which will automatically tell you what your laptop computer or desktop PC is running.  If you find that your computer is running Windows XP then it might be time to act.

Click here to learn more about Windows XP end of support directly from Microsoft

Windows XP Desktop Example

If you would like some FREE advice, please contact AWP Computer Services and we can talk you through the options.

Thinking about upgrading your system?

To help keep yourself protected, Microsoft suggests that you check to see if your current PC can be upgraded to the latest software.  They offer a Windows Upgrade assistant on their web site that will scan your computer and tell you if your system is compatible with the new operating system.

Microsoft recommend that you download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check whether your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 8. The Windows 8.1 system requirements are nearly the same as the Windows 8 system requirements, so if your PC can run Windows 8, in most cases, you can get the free update to Windows 8.1. Upgrade Assistant will also check program and device compatibility, and provide a free compatibility report.

Download the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant

What about transferring old files to a new PC?

If you’re not able to upgrade your computer to a more current operating system then it might be time to consider buying a new desktop PC or laptop computer.  If you were to buy a new PC, but want to transfer your files, photos and music over from your old Windows XP computer then Windows provide a free data transfer tool called Laplink PCmover Express. You can find out more about Laplink PCmover Express on the Microsoft web site.

How do I move all my Windows XP stuff to a new PC?

You can move your Windows XP stuff with Laplink, a free data migration solution that will walk you through all the steps to getting your files, settings, and user profiles from your Windows XP PC to your new Windows laptop, desktop, or tablet. (Note that you will need your Windows XP PC to migrate your data, and you can only migrate to a PC running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1.)

Laplink PCmover Free 8

Click here to learn more about Laplink



Call AWP Computer Services for Assistance

If you are still unsure about your options, please feel free call AWP Computer Services for some FREE no obligation advice.  Whilst a direct transfer of your files to a nice new Windows 8 (8.1) laptop or desktop PC may be the preferred option, it's not the only option.  An upgrade to Windows Vista or Windows 7 (64 bit) in all their various flavours could be a cost effective way of extending the life of you existing computer system.

Visit the AWP Computer Services (PC Fix) web site for more information.