Unironically, try Windows 8.0 (not 8.1). It's probably as safe (or perhaps slightly safer) like XP.
I've tried 8.0 on my XP laptop (some Pentium M with Centrino chipset), and wow... Other than the lack of graphics drivers, I have NEVER seen this laptop be this fast
If you decide to take the easy way out, at least do it some interesting way, like 5 fishing magnets and ropes... Run out to the space x rocket as it's about to take off.... Ohhhh add some snow skiis and skii into to space!!!
I've tried 8.0 on my XP laptop (some Pentium M with Centrino chipset), and wow... Other than the lack of graphics drivers, I have NEVER seen this laptop be this fast