Windows XP Users Sticking To The OS Despite Support Cutoff

This is an Avast article...

The majority of AVAST customers running Windows XP said they will rely on AVAST to protect them​

Excerpt...

Our survey found that 21% of Windows XP users were unaware that Microsoft would be ending support, despite Microsoft’s efforts and the media attention around the topic.

I can't count the times I've asked users what operating system they were using, and their response was: "I have no idea ".

 

As of this weekend, there is a new zero-day flaw being reported that affects Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11, with versions 9 through 11 being actively targeted. When enacted, the vulnerability has the potential to take over the computer.

WindowsITPro > All Hands On Deck: Zero-Day Reported in the Wild, Affects IE6-11

 

What does the term "Zero-Day" mean in regards to computer security?

 

Wikipedia: Zero-day attack

 

So, it sounds like the article is saying these vulnerabilities are discovered by hackers instead of developers, but not always.

I thought it was something along those lines, but I wasn't sure.

 

Here are more details: FireEye > New Zero-Day Exploit targeting Internet Explorer Versions 9 through 11 Identified in Targeted Attacks

Down near the bottom, it closes with:

 

I love my XP and will keep using it. Even if i have to use it offline. That is fine with me. I have Avast, Spybot, and Windows defender. As long as i can, i will go online with it. Most of the computers where i work are also XP. Wish i had gotten a 64 bit version when it was available.

 

As Tony pointed out above, for those still using Windows XP, you can simply use a different browser. Here's how:

1. Download and install Firefox and/or Chrome and set either one as your default browser during the installation.
   
   
2. Then to disable IE, click Start > Run, type in:
   
   
   appwiz.cpl​
   
   and press [Enter].
   
   
3. In the left pane, click the Set Program Access and Defaults.
   
   
4. Select Microsoft Windows in the right pane, then Custom, select either Firefox or Chrome, then to the right of "Internet Explorer ", deselect (uncheck the little box next to) "Enable access to this program" and click OK.
   
   
   Note: Even though this may be disabling Internet Explorer for surfing the 'net, you are not actually removing it. Your Windows XP PC will still use Internet Explorer for a number of internal processes.​
   
   
5. So, because of this, let's also disable VML in IE by deregistering the flawed DLL.
   
   Click Start > Run, type in:
   
   
   regsvr32 -u "%CommonProgramFiles%\Microsoft Shared\VGX\vgx.dll "​
   
   and press [Enter].
   
   Note that this command will also work in Vista, 7 and 8.

Problem is, many|most hardware manufacturers did NOT create drivers for the 64-bit version of Windows XP . . . simply because hardly anyone was using it. If you still want it though, it is still available on eBay.

 

Great and helpful post SpywareDR. However, my question is if one does not use IE at all, (I use Chrome) why then would you need to follow your post and disable it.

Can you elaborate on what internal processes please?

My Windows XP Laptop is no use to me unless I can go online. I have done this twice for a short spell with no issues, how unsafe is it to do this from time to time.

kind regards,

 

1) You're welcome.

2) To keep IE from being used accidentally.

3) Can't, because Microsoft won't elaborate. **

4) I have a '63 TR3 convertible with no hood, doors or seat belts. It runs good but, since it's not safe by today's standards it cannot used.

5) No one yet knows how unsafe it will be. The above above zero-day vulnerability is the first one that won't be patched for XP users . . . which leaves XP forever vulnerable to attack.

** Wikipedia's Removal of Internet Explorer goes into a bit more detail. See the "Definition" and "Methods" sections.

 

I have a 1959 Silver Cloud 1 which I had updated with safety issues appropriate for today and use it when I can.

Re Windows XP -I guess if users went online and got into trouble, namely infected we could not expect the "Broni's " of this world to clean us up could we? What to do is a mystery at the moment. Such a pity as my XP laptop is running so well.

kind regards,

 

Even with the Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware etc., as well as the "Broni's" of the world, XP still won't be safe. Here's why:

Source: Fred Langa - Windows Secrets Newsletter • Issue 415 • 2014-01-09

--

Source: Malware XPocalypse Looms for Windows XP Users

 

And to add insult to injury, Microsoft has confirmed that no fix will be rolled out for Windows XP because support has officially ended and there are no plans to make an exception. It states:

“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.”

The company’s advice to Windows XP users has remained the same for some time: upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 or buy a new PC.

Source: Forbes: Microsoft Races To Fix Massive Internet Explorer Hack: No Fix For Windows XP Leaves 1 In 4 PCs Exposed

 

A note for rc17. Windows Defender and Avast used together may cause major conflicts. Stop WD as it is no longer supported by MS.
Avast have stated they will continue support till 2016 (I think). Neil.

 

As I said in another thread, I'm now planning to keep my XP desktop, but not for on-line use. It will become my photography and Quicken machine exclusively. That way, the latest scam, where hackers break in and put a password on all your photography files, then demand a ransom to regain access or they'll delete them all, won't be able to get to me. Also, my check book data will be inaccessible to hackers.

 

I'm still using MS Money.

Do you have to buy new versions of Quicken each year?

 

"Do you have to buy new versions of Quicken each year? "

No, you don't have to buy a new version. I used version ?? (don't remember) on our windows 98 box until I retired it and built the Win XP desktop. I purchased the current version of Quicken for the XP system, Quicken Deluxe 2006, and I am still using that version today.
Gordon

 

That good to know if the time ever comes that Money will not run on future Windows systems. Microsoft released a final version of Money called Money Sunset that requires no activation, but I prefer to stick with the '04 version for now since it seems to run well on Windows 7.

I'm surprised that more people don't use personal finance software. It makes balancing a checking account a breeze.