I have run Avast happily for a few years on my Thinkpad X40 (Pentium M 1.2 GHz; 2 or 2.5 GB RAM; Win XP SP2) but this summer (either June or early August, I can’t recall) it appears that after installing one of the periodic Avast software upgrades, the X40 runs significantly slower at times. I first noticed it when opening Excel, but that’s not the only time it slows down.
I want to keep using this X40 for quite awhile (years) to come and I’d like to have some protection. The latest Avast appears to be a bit too heavy for it. I’ve wondered if the older, faster Avast version could still be utilized. I also stumbled across the “sandbox” products out there but have not really investigated them.
I agree: installing SP3 is a good idea. I’ve put it off and put if off, never wanting to risk the system becoming unavailable due to registering as a false positive on the Windows Genuine Advantage radar. (While all is legal on my system, I bought from a 3rd party way back when and so have no paper trail back to a bona fide retailer.) Just re-researched the WGA and it still sounds like it could become a nightmare. So maybe I’m one more test case of what happens if you do nothing to XP for ten years.
Have you tried downloading Microsoft essentials from the Microsoft store? It tests for genuine Windows, and I don’t believe it will disable anything if it isn’t. It just won’t allow you to download MSE. IF you can use and download MSE, then I would assume you pass all genuine test.
Also in the past I have run into WGA issues on Windows XP machines, it doesn’t lock your desktop, it just has a really annoying constant prompt and blacks out your desktop to let you know you have a problem. You can still rollback via windows restore, and are able to use your computer while you get the license issue sorted out.
Much obliged for reporting on your experience with MSE. I had just decided to give it a try and wondered about WGA. Just now tried MSE install and it starts by requiring Filter Manager Rollup ('cause I run SP2); decided to retreat until I have time to deal with wherever this might lead. Will do so next month I have finished with some current critical tasks. For about the first time I wish I had a second Windows instance (at home), like a legitimate but cheap XP install CD, would remove a lot of fear, but that’s off-topic. Thanks.
