Article URL: http://www.bc.edu/helpdocs/SW-win-not-supported.shtml

Summary:  Learn why Boston College does not support Windows Vista Home, XP Home, Me, or 98. Also learn what you need to do if you have one of these versions of the Windows operating system.

Why can't I use Windows Vista Home or XP Home?

Windows Vista Home and XP Home are not designed for use in a networked environment and therefore do not have the necessary security precautions built into the operating system. For this reason, it is necessary to upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate or Vista Business, or to Windows XP Professional. Learn more about Windows Vista at BC.

Why can't I use Windows 98 or Me?

In order to be on the BC network, it is required to have anti-virus software installed on your computer. As of July 1, 2005, McAfee does not support VirusScan anti-virus software version 4.5.1, which runs on Windows 98 and Me. For this reason, it is necessary to upgrade your anti-virus software version to 8.5i, which only runs on Windows Vista, Windows XP Professional, and Windows 2000.

What do I need to do?

You need to do the following:

1. See what version of Windows you have installed on your computer and upgrade if necessary.
2. Upgrade your McAfee VirusScan software to version 8.5i.

See what version of Windows you have and upgrade if necessary

To see what version of Windows you have:

1. On your desktop, right-click My Computer, then click Properties.
   - OR -
   Click Start, right-click My Computer/Computer, and then click Properties.
2. Your version of Windows is either shown on the General tab (see Figure 1) or under Windows edition (see Figure 2).
   
   Figure 1.
   
   
   Figure 2.
   
   
3. If you are using Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium: You need to get and install Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate.
   If you are using Windows XP Home, 98, or Me: You need to get and install Windows XP Professional.

Faculty & Staff - How to upgrade

• Contact your Technology Consultant (TC) to help you get an upgrade. Who is my TC?

Students - How to upgrade

If you have:

• Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium: Buy the upgrade to Windows Vista Business for $15 or to Windows Vista Ultimate for $20 at the  BC Bookstore.
• Windows XP Home - Buy the upgrade to Windows XP Professional for $15 at the  BC Bookstore.
• Windows 98 or Me - Buy the full version of Windows XP Professional for $15 at the  BC Bookstore. Note: Make sure your computer meets the hardware requirements.

Download & install your free copy of McAfee VirusScan 8.5i

Learn how to download & install your free copy of McAfee VirusScan 8.5i.