FAQ

    • How do I check if my Computer is running MS-Windows XP?

                     Click Start button
                     Click Run
                     Type winver, press enter​

    • Does this affect me? Will my MS-Windows XP computer stop working after the 08.04.2014?

                     Your computer will still be working after the 08.04.2014. But because of lack of future security patches
                     your computer will become more insecure. 

    • Is MS-Windows XP still used in computer labs

                      In most of the computer labs we are running MS-Windows 7. If you have a computer lab supported by
                      the Computer Centre, still running MS-Windows XP please contact the Computer Centre Helpdesk.    

    • Will the Computer Centre still provide support for MS-Windows XP computers?

                      We will continue to provide best effort support for Maynooth University owned computers still running
                      MS-Windows XP. But based on the individual circumstances we might need to decide that either the
                      computer needs to be replaced or upgraded. 

    • Will my MS-Windows XP computer be insecure?

                      MS-Windows XP computers still in use in Maynooth University are all several years old.
                      MS-Windows XP has become more insecure every year. This is because of unreliable registry information
                      (installing and de-installing applications over the years), wrongly configured or out of date anti-virus
                      software etc. With the absence of future security patches your computer will become even more insecure.         

    • What is the standard computer operating system in Maynooth University at the moment?

                      It is MS-Windows 7 Professional (32 + 64 bit)​

    • Is it easy to update my MS-Windows XP computer to MS-Windows 7?

                      There are several issues to consider. Does your computer meet the minimum specification?
                      Is it necessary to upgrade parts i.e. memory modules, hard disks? Do you use special software applications
                      that might not work under MS-Windows 7?          

    • What are the Maynooth University minimum requirements to upgrade a computer to MS-Windows 7?

                       For desktop computers = Dell OptiPlex 755 or above
                       For laptop computers = Dell Latitude E6410 or above​
                       It is not practical or efficient to spend money and time upgrading older computer equipment to
                       MS-Windows 7. Therefore those computers need to be replaced.  

    • How long will it take to upgrade a MS-Windows XP computer to MS-Windows 7?

                       This is a lengthy process and can take, depending on the computer,  between ½ and 1x working day.
                       If special software is installed it could take up to 2x working days.​

    • What should I consider if my computer is upgraded to MS-Windows 7?

                        If you use older software applications please contact the manufacturer to ensure that the software version
                        you use will work under MS-Windows 7. If it doesn’t, can you get an upgrade to a newer version that
                        does work under MS-Windows 7?  If there is no newer software application available you need to
                        purchase a different application that does the same as your old one. The standard e-mail client in Maynooth University
                        is MS-Outlook.If you used Eudora or Thunderbird we will move your data to MS-Outlook during the
                        upgrade process.  If you still use older peripheral hardware please check that they still work with
                        MS-Windows 7 (drivers). If they don’t unfortunately the hardware has to be replaced. 

    • I am still using MS-Office 2003, will this still be supported?

                        Like MS-Windows XP the support for MS-Office 2003 will not be available after the 08.04.2014. If you are still
                        using MS-Office 2003 it is likely that you are using an older computer which needs to be upgraded to
                        MS-Windows 7.

    • My computer is over 7x years old, can you still upgrade the computer?

                        It is not financially viable to upgrade older equipment that does not meet the technical requirements.
                        Therefore older equipment must be replaced. 

    • My computer is older, and therefore not suitable for MS-Windows 7, but still fully functional. Would you still install MS-Windows XP (even if it is not on the network).

                        It is not practical, not cost efficient and certainly not secure to install MS-Windows XP on older computers.
                        Because of this new installations will only be MS-Windows 7.

    • It seems very time consuming to upgrade an older computer, is the setup of a new computer faster?

                        The setup of a new computer  is very similar to the upgrade of an older used computer.
                        The necessary time for this task is the same ½ - 1 working day and in special circumstances 2x working days.​

    • Can you upgrade all Maynooth University computers before the 08.04.2014?

                         Unfortunately this is not possible. ​

    • What is the Computer Centre's plan about the upgrade from MS-Windows XP computers to MS-Windows 7?

                         We are working on a priority list which will be based on usage and mission critical tasks. All computers with
                         priority 1 will be upgraded before or around the 08.04.2014. All computers with priority 2 will be upgraded
                         as soon as possible. All other computers will be looked at in due course.                   

    • Does the Computer Centre know where all the Maynooth University MS-Windows XP computers are and who uses them?

                         Our IT infrastructure does not allow in-depth details of whom and where those MS-Windows XP computers
                         are used. We created and worked on a priority list which will be updated every month.

    • How many MS-Windows XP computers are still on campus?

                         There are no 100% accurate figures available but we believe that we still have 550x MS-Windows XP
                         computers (desktop- and laptop computers) in use.

    • When should I contact the Computer Centre to talk about MS-Windows XP?

                          Please contact the Computer Centre with queries that are not covered by the MS-Windows XP FAQ.
                          We will do our best to work with you on the transition to the new MS-Windows operating System.

    • Do you upgrade to MS-Windows 8 (8.1)?

                          The standard computer operating system the Computer Centre supports is MS-Windows 7.
                          MS-Windows 8 (8.1) is not tested fully within the Maynooth University IT infrastructure and therefore cannot be
                          supported at the moment.