Windows XP Retirement
This only applies to anyone still running Windows XP
Good Afternoon All,
Microsoft will end support for Windows XP on Tuesday April 8th and I am sure that many of you have questions. To help you navigate this change, we have produced the FAQ below;
Will my Windows XP machine stop functioning on April 8th, 2014?
No. Windows XP will continue to function. Microsoft will end support for Windows XP. This means that you will no longer receive updates, including security updates for Windows XP from Microsoft. Support of Microsoft Office 2003 will also end on the same date. In the interest of educating customers about the change, Microsoft will be sending a pop-up dialog box on April 8th after 3pm local time to reachable XP machines with an end of support notification. Click “OK” to bypass and accept this message. This message will be sent monthly thereafter.
How can I tell which Windows operating system I am running?
Microsoft provides a page that will automatically check your computer and display which operating system you are on. Additionally, the page has instructions for manually checking. Determine your Windows operating system by clicking here or by following the below link;
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/which-operating-system
Will I receive support from the Trent University Service Desk?
Yes. Support from the Trent University Service Desk for Windows XP will continue throughout the summer and will end on August 31st, 2014. Due to the end of life status, our ability to help with Windows XP issues might be limited. Trent owned machines that pose problems will be imaged to Windows 7. Machines must meet the Windows 7-64bit hardware requirements.
What if I have a personal machine running Windows XP?
If you have a personal machine running Windows XP, we would ask you to take the steps necessary to upgrade this machine to the latest Windows. Unfortunately, as per our licensing agreement with Microsoft, Information Technology is not allowed to upgrade non-Trent owned machines. Please ensure that your machine meets the minimum requirements for Windows 8.1 as outlined by Microsoft. These can be found by clicking here or by following the below link;
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows-8/system-requirements
You can purchase Windows 8 by clicking here or by following the below link;
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msca/en_CA/cat/ThemeID.27659600/cate...
What can I do to minimize my risks until I am upgraded?
Please take the following steps to minimize the risks associated with running Windows XP.
• Back-up your data regularly to ensure that you are protected against a catastrophic failure of your Windows XP system.
• Update your Windows XP machine with the latest security updates. Trent imaged Windows XP machines will continue to receive updates slowly over the next number of weeks to receive updates slowly over the next number of weeks to bring them up to the April 8th final standard with no action needed from the user.
• Since Internet Explorer on Windows XP will also not receive security updates, we would ask that you migrate to a different internet browser e.g. Chrome. You can install the chrome browser by clicking here or by following the below link;
https://www.google.com/intl/en_ca/chrome/browser/?&brand=CHMA&utm_campai...
• Ensure that your antivirus software is kept up to date. Trent imaged machines will automatically receive updates to their virus files.
• Be wary of opening files that you receive
• Be wary of unsecured or unknown websites
• Be careful what links you click on
• Keep your installed software up to date
I am a staff or faculty member who has a Trent owned machine that is still running Windows XP. What can I do?
You are on our migration schedule. Our Office 365 team has been very busy moving users to the new Office 365 platform and the Windows 7.0 operating system. We will be in contact regarding your appointment. In the last six months, we have been very aggressive at moving all of Trent’s computing assets to Windows 7. We have currently migrated all labs and lecterns and a good portion of staff and faculty computers. We are also adding more resources to speed up the conversion process. We should have everyone migrated by the end of July. For a detailed schedule, please refer to;
http://www.trentu.ca/it/documents/Office365MigrationSchedule.pdf
I am a staff or faculty member who has a Trent imaged machine that is running Office 2003. What can I do?
Use the application explorer to upgrade your office from Office 2003 to Office 2010. The user guide specific to this upgrade is at;
http://www.trentu.ca/it/documents/UpgradetoOffice2010HowTo.pdf
I am staff or faculty member that is responsible for a private lab that is currently using Windows XP. What is the process for upgrading these machines?
Please contact the Anne Parker, Senior Manager Client Service, at anneparker@trentu.ca or at extension 7602. She will have your particular lab reviewed and a recommendation made about how best to upgrade the lab.
I have a Windows XP machine that I believe cannot be upgraded as it is running specific software that cannot be upgraded?
We would first ask that you take steps with the software or equipment vendor to review your options.
- Can the machine be upgraded and a newer version of the software loaded?
- Does the machine need network access? Taking away network access will substantially decrease the risks associated with running Windows XP.
- Once you have explored the options with the software or equipment vendor, please contact us for any further assistance needed.
What will happen on August 31st, 2014?
On August 31st,2014, the IT Service Desk will no longer support Windows XP machines. Additionally, we will ask that Windows XP machines be removed from our network.
Are the security risks of continuing to use Windows XP really that severe?
Yes, it is that serious. New vulnerabilities are still being discovered in Windows XP. At the end of November 2013 a new security vulnerability was uncovered that allows an attacker to take over Windows XP; Microsoft promises a patch to close this security hole. After April 8th, 2014 Microsoft is going to stop plugging these holes allowing malware to forever use these open doors for direct access to your personal information and compromise your machine.