Upgrading Windows XP to Windows 8.1

To directly upgrade to Windows 8.1 from 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.

The alternative procedure would be to upgrade to version Windows  8 and get a free downloadable upgrade to Windows 8.1

Migrating Windows XP to Windows 7

Upgrade Path

The first and hardest truth about migrations from Windows XP to Windows 7 is that there is no direct
upgrade path, you will have to do a clean installation. Microsoft doesn't have an easy way to make this happen. Cost of the upgrade DVD is about $100 for the software alone.

I like the idea of not upgrading, and just buying a reconditioned PC. All the work is done for you, plus $50 more than the price of the software DVD  a 2nd hand PC that you know runs Windows 7.

Improving Windows 7 Performance

Disclaimer: This is an evolving check list for my own reference. Use at your own risk!!!

First things first, set up a restore point on your system so you can back out of these changes.

We want to Monitor Resources (resmon):

• System
• Services
• Processes 
• Memory
• Disk
• Network

How to factory reset a laptop

Taken from:

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/laptop/3462995/factory-reset-laptop/