I was in no way trying to repudiate anything you've stated -- merely stating *my own* reasons for not upgrading (this particular computer). I did upgrade a laptop from Windows 7 to Windows 10 -- but mostly since I wasn't going to lose much in the process (it was running 32-bit Home edition so XP mode is moot). The other reason why I bothered with the update was I was sort of curious to see if the upgrade would "take" considering the age of the laptop (HP/Compaq NC6400 -- it has a "Designed for Windows XP / Windows Vista Capable" sticker on it) -- I was pleasantly surprised when the upgrade competed without a hitch.

The biggest downside I see with opting for "downgrade" for Windows 7 (that is if such a thing is still available) is that you're pretty much trapping yourself into a legacy system. And the longer you stick to (a more comfortable and familiar) legacy system, the harder the transition will be when you're eventually *forced* into it.

As you previously stated -- you should decide for yourself. That not only means reading about what others have said (BOTH the negative AND positive), and perhaps weigh in some of your own experience as well. In other words -- at least give it a try *before* you you decide.

>I've never said there can't be valid reasons for not upgrading. Compatability with older software is one of them.
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>>At that rate, he might as well stick with XP (i.e. not just himself, but all his customers as well) -- to be "immune" from updates.
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>>As for my own reasons for *not* taking up the free offer to Windows 7 to Windows 10 -- they happen to be:
>>* I'd lose XP mode VM (although I could simply set up a VM as long as I've got a valid XP license -- the hitch being that XP licenses are in short supply). I might not use it all the time, but I do on occasion have situations where it's come in handy when dealing with legacy software (often 16-bit variety).
>>* I'd like to retain at least one computer with Windows 7 mostly for compatibility testing as well as having something that I can use in walking a customer through various processes.
>>When I do replace this particular computer, I'm not planning to ask for "downgrade" to Windows 7
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>>As for why I might want to use legacy software -- mainly for dealing with older file formats which may no longer be supported in current software. Ever try opening older WRI or RTF files that originated from a Win16 environment (although you can generally retrieve the textual information -- you do lose the formatting as well as any graphical content) ?