In Illinois, About 7.3 Percent Of Computers Run Windows XP, Potential Hacker Targets

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Microsoft is no longer supporting its old Windows XP operating system, potentially exposing millions of computers that still run it to security risks.

But just how many computers are still running XP? An analysis by WebpageFX finds that Upper Midwestern/Rust Belt states have a higher percentage than the rest of the country.

Indiana, for example, has nearly 10 percent of computers using XP, leaving them susceptible to hackers.

The reason: Microsoft will no longer provide security patches and other upgrades for the system.

That's the second-highest in the nation, behind Ohio's nearly 12 percent.

Illinois ranks 14th in the nation, at 7.33 percent, a few tenths above the national average.

It appears the most tech-aware state, at least by this measure, is Kansas.

About 4 percent of computers there are running on XP.

Using Google's analytical tools, WebpageFX looked at more than 7.8 million web visits since January 1, 2014, and compiled the percentage of each state that is still operating and surfing the web from Windows XP.

Justin Cardoza repairs computers and told CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker it might not be worth it to upgrade old computers to Windows 7 or 8.

"Most likely it probably won't be worth upgrading to Windows 7 or because of all the programs you use, antivirus programs, adobe reader, office programs, things like that, it's going to end up taking at least 30 gigabites of space," said Cardoza.

Plus, the software, extra memory, new hard drive, and labor could cost you at least $200. For a couple hundred more, you could buy a new computer.