Moving from Windows XP

With few weeks to the outright end of supports for windows XP and all its related programmes by Microsoft (precisely On April 8, 2014); it is a matter of urgency and importance for you, as windows XP user to seek for what’s next if you haven't yet. 

There’s been series of questions coming to mind of everyone affected with this and their data safety.

There has been questions like:

What’s next to my PC running with the longtime Operating System?

Will I have to head for a purchase of a new system that runs apart from Windows XP?

Is that the end of all XP-supported Application softwares? And so many more…

Don’t worry; Microsoft has offered you options to safeguard your data;

1. You can switch to Windows 7 Operating System
   
   or
2. Windows 8 (and more lately to Windows 8.1) OS 
   

Here’s how to should in case you're opting for an a more updated OS.
(I'm offering this according to how Microsoft recommends, which I agrred is a better way to go by in upgrading to any newest Opearting System of your choice)
First thing first before you begin the "Switching"

To upgrade to Windows 8.1 from Windows Vista or Windows XP, you'll need to install it from a Windows 8.1 DVD and perform a clean installation. This means you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or programs when you upgrade. 

NOTE:

Windows 8.1 isn't designed for installation on PCs running Windows Vista or Windows XP, so we strongly recommend you do the following before buying the Windows 8.1 DVD

Microsoft specifically advised every user to check out for a review of their system.

Review System Requirements

Microsoft recommend that you download and run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to check if 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.

Still be sure to review the system requirements for Windows 8.1 before buying the Windows 8.1 DVD. We also recommend that you visit your PC manufacturer's website for info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility. (Don't forget to check this out, because your PC manufacturer too could have lots of updates for your new Operating System)

Make sure you're having ENOUGH disk-space available on your PC before proceeding.(Most of this latest OS are sort of heavy files in them)

NB:You need touch input hardware to experience the touch capabilities in Windows 8.1. For more info, see Multitouch hardware requirements. (If this is supported by your PC)

 Then,you need to 

Check Compatibility of Programs And Devices

The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will check if your programs and devices are compatible with Windows 8, but you can check Windows 8.1 compatibility info for a specific program or device (including info from community forums) in the Windows Compatibility Center, or contact the program or device manufacturer.

Most programs created for earlier versions of Windows will work in Windows 8.1, but some older programs might run poorly or not at all. There are several things you can try to fix compatibility problems. For more info, see Get your apps and devices working in Windows 8.1

Drivers for basic device functionality are available "in-box" (meaning, as part of the Windows image). This includes drivers for storage, networking, input, and display. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You can get more drivers from Windows Update or from the device manufacturer once you're online. For more info, see Download and install drivers.

 After that, 

Back Up Your Data

This is yet another most important thing you need do; because it is the MAIN purpose of your switching (Upgrading) to the newest Operating System.

Since you won't be able to keep any files, settings, or programs when you upgrade from Windows Vista or Windows XP, Microsoft recommend you back up all files and locate any program installation discs (or purchase confirmation emails) prior to updating. 

You can transfer files before you upgrade by copying them to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or CD, and then moving them to the location you want on your new PC. Be sure that the drive or disc has enough space to hold everything you want to move. If don't want to use an external hard drive, USB drive, or CD, you can move your files to SkyDrive to have all your files in one place and have the latest version on your PCs. For more info, see Getting started with SkyDrive  

After you upgrade to Windows 8.1, you'll need your original program installation discs, or purchase confirmation emails if you purchased programs online, to reinstall your programs. Insert the program CD or DVD into your PC or follow the directions in the confirmation email.

If you've been using Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail, or the version of Windows Mail that came with Windows Vista, your email messages and contacts can be imported into Outlook.com using the Mail Migration add-on. For more info, see Import email from a desktop app. (This is an added advantage for you if you have one)

Check this out; do you know that

You can still restore your personal files after you upgrade to Windows 8.1? YES! You can. I have done this severally during my Operating System Upgrades

Your files are saved to the Windows.old folder, where you can retrieve them after the upgrade. For more info, see Retrieve files from the Windows.old folder

2. If you're buying Windows 8.1

You can buy Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Pro on a DVD from a participating retailer (DVDs of the upgrade aren't available in all countries and regions). You can see current pricing on the Compare and decide webpage.

Determine if your PC can run a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows

After you open the Windows 8.1 packaging, you'll see two installation discs: a 64-bit version of Windows and a 32-bit version of Windows. Every single PC has its own version, so be careful to select that which your System runs on).

Read this for more insight: 

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a PC's processor (also called a CPU), handles info. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit version. To install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a CPU that's capable of running a 64-bit version. 

Here's a link to check your PC compatibility

To find out if your PC running Windows Vista is 64-bit capable

To see whether a PC running Windows Vista is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
2. Click View and print details.
3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.) 

To find out if your PC running Windows XP is 64-bit capable

To see whether a PC running Windows XP is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, do the following:

1. Click Start.
2. Right-click My Computer and then click Properties.
• If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, your processor is capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows. 

NOTES

• If you start your PC using a 64-bit Windows 8.1 installation disc, but your PC isn't capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you'll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You'll need to use a 32-bit Windows 8.1 installation disc instead.
• Most programs designed for a 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs. Programs designed for a 64-bit version of Windows won't work in a 32-bit version.
• Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows won't work on PCs running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. To learn how to check for drivers, see Download and install drivers, or go to the device manufacturer's website.

Find your Product Key 

Your product key should be on the box that the Windows 8.1 DVD came in. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. Where the XXXX... represents the keys.

You'll need to input your product key during installation. It's a 25-character code used to activate Windows, which helps verify that Windows hasn't been used on more PCs than the Microsoft Software License Terms allow. 

It's a good idea to save a copy of your product key for your records in case you ever need to reinstall Windows. 

3. Insert the Windows 8.1 DVD

Turn on your PC so that Windows starts normally, insert the DVD, shut down, and then restart your PC. You might have to press any key to boot from the DVD.

If you restart your PC and your current version of Windows starts, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC's BIOS or UEFI settings so that your PC boots from the media. To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you'll typically need to press a combination of keys (such as F2, F12, Delete, Esc, etc.) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer's website.

If your current version of Windows still starts, try again by waiting until Windows asks you to sign in, shut down completely, and then restart your PC again.

Choose Country or Region Settings

Windows Setup screen to choose language, time and currency, and keyboard or input method

You need to choose a language to install, a time and currency format, and a keyboard or input method before installing Windows 8.1. You can always change these settings later.

For info about how to add a language, see Add a language or keyboard. For info about how to add a different keyboard layout or an input method editor (IME) for entering text, see Add a keyboard layout

4. Install Windows 8.1

Windows Setup screen where to choose a custom installation

Be sure to plug in your laptop or tablet if that's what you're using. The installation could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours with a high-speed Internet connection (1.5 Mbps–10 Mbps). The time depends on your Internet connection, PC, and other factors and might exceed these estimates.

Perform a clean installation

Windows Setup screen where to format a partition

Warning:

When you format a partition during installation it erases any data on the partition. Be sure to back up the data you want to keep before you begin.

To clean install Windows

1. Click Install Windows.
2. On the Enter the product key to activate Windows page, enter your product key 

The product key should be on the box that the Windows 8.1 DVD came in. It looks like this: PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
3. On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
4. On which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
5. On the Where do you want to install Windows? page, click Drive options (advanced), click the partition that you want to change, click the formatting option you want to perform, and then follow the instructions
6. When you've finished formatting, click Next 
7.  Follow the instructions to finish installing Windows

You can only choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) when updating from Windows Vista or Windows XP. The option to upgrade isn't supported.
Please do be careful while working on the aforementioned procedures.
This dialogue box should display as thus if you follow the process rightly..(Picture Below)

Windows Setup screen showing installation of Window

 5.Choose your Settings
This is a setup screen directing you to customize your PC settings to whatever taste of yours.
 The Personalize Stage first

Personalize screen during setup

Here you can Choose a color you like— but you can always change this later from the Start screen. To do so, on the Start screen, point to the lower-left corner of the screen, move your mouse all the way into the corner, click Settings, and then click Personalize. 

Use Express Settings

                                 Settings screen during setup

You'll see a list of recommended settings, called express settings. To accept these settings and continue, click Use express settings. You can change any of these settings later, after you finish setting up. If you'd like to change some of these settings now, click Customize

You can learn more about this Express settings and how these settings affect your privacy, by clicking on Privacy statement. 

You can "Sign in" with you Microsoft account details if you wish to access your PC with it

Accessing your PC with your Microsoft account is one way to protecting your PC.

There are other things like "SkyDrive Cloud Storage" you can do as well before finalizing your setup process.

Hope these procedures has helped you to safeguard your data from  the windows Xp to new Operating System your may later settle for.

Cheers