I have XP on one desktop, WIN 7 on another and WIN 8 on a laptop. I've changed the laptop so that it's useable as WIN 7. Neither WIN 7 or WIN 8 can cope with old programs used in XP - and compatibility mode is no use.
XP is much the better system for most users [ although I do recognise what is said about it's security issues ] as it's more user friendly.
It's always seemed to me that MS take one step forward and two steps back when they bring out their new operating systems.