Expert: Ran - 6/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a large number of files that I use all the time for my business, and they were created with CorelDraw 8. That program still runs OK on XP, but I know I can't run "8" forever!  If I purchase a more recent version of the program, (something that will run on Vista, since we are preparing to upgrade soon) will those .cdr files I've created in CorelDraw 8 still open and be usable in the newer version?  Or is it possible that I'll be able to run CorelDraw 8 on Vista?  Any help would be appreciated!!

ANSWER: I have recently jumped from 8 to X4 and all of my .CDR files open perfectly.

I believe 8 runs on Vista, but I recommend the X4 upgrade because the export filters are a huge step forward: in particular X4 creates excellent .PDFs.

I was relieved to find X4 not too different from 8, so I was immediately familiar with it! Some of my keyboard shortcuts were missing, but you can create your own in X4 until your heart's content.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much!!  Now... I'm also at a point of purchasing a new computer and am considering the 64bit version of XP.  SOunds like X4 is what I will go with... Do you know if there are any issues with Corel X4 running on 64bit XP?

Answer
Sorry but I can't answer that one! I decided to stick with XP32 because I presumed I would encounter numerous compatibility issues with the absolute raft of different applications on my system which would erode my will to live.

Like a coward I am waiting for more people to upgrade to 64-bit before me, in the hope that the eventual shift will be trouble-free.

I run XP32 on a Dell Precision 490 with an Intel Xeon E5450 (quad-core, 3GHz) and 4GB DDR2 RAM and I don't have any performance issues. This system will run XP64 when the time comes.