Thanks for your input Al. I lost so much time in November trying to get virtualization running that I'll be working on the backlog of client projects until spring. Perhaps then I'll revisit the topic.

For me, new hardware is right up there with invasive dental procedures. It's traumatic, even without a new OS. When I bought this system I hardly used it for the first 3 months. I preferred the old one: my programs, utilities and files were right where I could find them and the Office applications didn't have ribbon menus! With each new computer, I bid goodbye to a percentage of my software. Either the media is obsolete or the install files have gone missing. It takes time to find replacements. A new OS adds even more challenges. Still, I know you are right: I'm going to have to move to Windows 7 or its successor someday. It's enevitable. But it isn't something to look forward to!