When Windows 7/2008 and SQL 2008 reaches their end of support on January 14, 2020, your computer/server will still function but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:
- Technical support for any issues
- Software updates
- Security updates or fixes
The best way to experience Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 is on a new PC or Server. While it is possible to install the Windows upgrades on older hardware, it is not recommended. If you do not know which version of Windows you're running, Microsoft has instructions to help you find out: https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/13443/windows-which-version-am-i-running
What this Means as an Act! User
If you are currently using the latest version of Act! on Windows 10 then there is nothing that you need to do.
If you are currently using the latest version of Act! on either Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008, then we would strongly recommend that you follow the advice of Microsoft above and upgrade your operating system. This will ensure that you continue to get the latest security updates for Windows and that your operating system is compatible with Act! v22. You can find our system requirements and Microsoft information below:
Act! v22 System Requirements:
https://www.act.com/products/system/v22
Microsoft’s Life Cycle Factsheet:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet
Windows 7 support will end on January 14, 2020:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4057281/windows-7-support-will-end-on-january-14-2020
End of support for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2:
Note: If you are using an earlier version of Act! that was not designed to work on Windows 10 (for example you are using Act! v17 or below), then we would strongly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of Act! and the latest version of Windows. This will ensure that you have access to critical compatibility updates for Act!, and will make sure that you get the latest security updates for Windows as well.
Regarding SQL 2008 R2
If you have upgraded Act! from previous versions, it may be the case that you will still be using the ACT7 instance of SQL 2008 R2 to power your database. In this situation, we would strongly recommend that you upgrade the instance to SQL 2014.
In order to upgrade your instance to SQL 2014, please see the following knowledgebase article: