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I have a question for all of you computer gurus... I am thinking about updating from AC 6.3.3 to AC 6.6.4 (or 6.6.5 when it becomes available). My "server" computer is presently running Windows XP. This will be upgraded to Windows 7 Professional as a clean operating system installation. If I install version 6.6.4 onto this computer, will it be able to read and process the database backup that was created with version 6.3.3? Or, would it be best reinstall version 6.3.3, restore its database and then install 6.6.4?

Thanks for your input

There are several reasons why, but the short answer is the second approach.

Also, MAKE SURE and set a OS Restore Point before installing, and I'd recommend a full image of the machine, as there is no going back once you install/attempt to install the new version.

More than likely a computer currently running Windows XP will not have the "juice" to run Windows 7 (I assume this is an older computer hence the Windows XP part). Your absolute best bet to get the performance you would want from your server computer and to maintain the ability to go back to 6.3.3 if you need to would be to use a new computer for the new server and just turn off the Windows XP machine and hold on to it. After a few days, if that, you should know for a fact if you can dispose or recycle that machine.

This may not be the approach you were hoping for, but it is the only approach that guarantees you the ability to go back if you need to.

Hi Ed,

I was thinking exactly the same as James wrote. I would spend the extra $1000 for a new PC for improved performance and the ability to have an assured backup (the whole machine/OS/AC) during the process.

Of course, me seconding James is like a 2nd year med student seconding the chair of the medicine department...

Good luck with the upgrade!

Gene

Thanks guys for your input. I see your point about the OS upgrade and the inability to go back if I need to. The computer that I was going to upgrade is a Dell Precision T3400. It has 4GB memory, but I have memory to boost it to 16GB once Windows 7 is installed. The processor is an Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 @ 2.66 GHz. It has dual 500 GB drives in a Raid 1 configuration. This computer is only used to run AC as a server. What if I pull a drive and then update to 7. If it appear to be working fine, can't I then put the second drive back in and have the system rebuild it? Maybe that is not a good idea, but that is why I am asking you folks before I do ANYTHING ... BTW, I am not apposed to buying a new computer, but we have so many stinking computers in my office, I could put out a sign and open a used computer store.

I believe this processor will slow things down considerably. Go with a new PC with an i7 processor.

You may check AC's hardware recommendations here

http://amazingcharts.com/support/hardware-os-requirements/

Gene

I concur on the processor. Plus, if the XP machine is old enough, you may as well replace it now and do everything while it's under your control during planned downtime. You are actually saving yourself a considerable amount of time and heartache.

JamesNT

Okay, you have convinced me. I will buy a new computer. Anyone in the market for a slightly used Dell Precision T3400? Actually, I will take James' advice and hang on to it as a life preserver as I see how we do with a new server running AC 6.6.5.

Thanks for all of your advice!

Hi Ed,

http://www.hitechanswers.net/hipaa-meaningful-use-compliance-windows-xp/

You and others may know that a patient's medical info on a win XP machine after April 8th, and even a XP machine on your network, would be a HIPAA violation. Probably won't be caught, but criminals are waiting to release exploits after April 8th. It's the fines that are so dreadful if info is stolen, much less the notoriety of making the evening news for a few nights.

7 weeks from now is not a lot of time, especially with your comment about so many old computers, probably all XP, which is why I add this post.

To try to be helpful, after you get your new server running, do the win 7 upgrade, and make it a backup server.

Dan,

Fortunately, my AC server is the only computer in my office still running XP (except for the proprietary software running on my topographer and ocular coherence tomographer - which cannot be updated, because the manufacturer, Zeiss, was too short-sighted to go with a newer OS). Fortunately, none of these computers directly access the internet. It will be sad to see the old XP work-horses retire to pasture. It was an excellent OS and much easier to work with than its successors.

You are right. XP was the best and most stable OS since Windows 95. Just using that as a time place, not saying 95 was better. But, how much have you played with Windows 7? It isn't that much different than XP, and IMO is a better OS. Networking is much better, which won't help you as much.

Now you have all peaked my interest. I have several XP machines on the network, and even a few older machines that now log on with Linux on a Server where AC resides and runs with Windows server 2008. Is there any vulnerability to the system when a local, old machine goes out to the internet? (I am fearing the answer will be a big YES). These machines don't run AC locally, but some (my desk for example) run locally for everything else, and log on as a remote client to run AC. The Linux boxes function strictly as a thin client.

The short answer is that it is a risk. Wipe them and put Ubu, RedHat or CenTOS on them. Or wipe them and turn them into home machines.

I don't understand. If you have a server, aren't all your computers using DNS and accessing the Internet via the server?

Not necessarily. Depends on if you have a workgroup or a domain. Workgroup, maybe or maybe not. Domain, YES.

If you are in a Domain and not using the server as DNS, you will have issues if not properly configured.

JamesNT