Microsoft Corp. is getting flayed by some Windows users for failing to provide a clear upgrade path from its aging but beloved XP operating system to its newest Windows 8.1 OS.
Earlier this month, Microsoft made a plea to more tech savvy customers to help their friends and family who are still using Windows XP to switch from the OS which will be retired by the company on April 8th.
“Today marks 60 days until the end of support for Windows XP and we need your help spreading the word to ensure people are safe and secure on modern up-to-date PCs,” Brandon LeBlanc, senior marketing communications manager for Microsoft’s marketing group, wrote in a blog.
He warned that after Microsoft delivers its last public patch to XP on April 8, users of the OS will be prone to attacks from cyber criminals.
LeBlanc also explained that XP users will not be able to keep any of their files, settings or applications when they upgrade the, so they will need to back up their files and locate any installation disc or buy confirmation emails before switching to the newer OS.
Some irate Windows users voiced their displeasure at Microsoft’s move to apparently burden users with the task of upgrading XP users.
“You are suggesting I upgrade people from XP to Windows 8.x”, wrote a person identified as nephelim. “But that is impossible…You (Microsoft) have made Windows 8 and 8.1 incapable of upgrading from Windows XP. I simply can’t upgrade anyone, including myself to Windows 8. It’s impossible.”
Online technology Web site Computerworld.com, reported that nephilim and other users noted that it would entail spending hours of reinstalling applications and restoring files from a back-up in order to switch over a PC running XP to Windows 8.1.
The site said LeBlanc even warned users no to try such a task sometime before the official launch of Windows 8.1
“Windows 8.1 is not designed for installation on devices running Windows XP or Windows Vista,” he said in September. He added that the new OS is not recommended for hardware running Windows XP or Windows Vista.