Pro Tools 8 MP compatible with Windows 8?

[Ipsilon]

Hi there,
I have a similar problem than some of you guys.
I used to have a laptop running on Windows XP and used M-Powered Essential to do my music. Did not need anything fancy so never bothered buying the full upgrade.

My laptop died a few months ago and I have just bought a new one running on Windows 8. It seems that I am unable to use M-Powered Essential in Windows 8 as the systems are not compatible. It seems it's the same for Mac with the 10. something OS version.

Now, I would like to know my options. I am a bit upset as it looks I don't have any... I have dozens and dozens of hours of work put into my sessions, I hope I can find a way to save that so I don't have to redo everything in the new equipment I will end up using with Windows 8 or Mac (my gf's laptop). But if I am stuck, then I think I will just go for an old machine equipped with Windows XP so I don't lose my sessions. Someone said I could buy Pro Tools 11. First, it is expensive and I was not planning on such expense. But even then, would my M-Powered Essential sessions work in Pro Tools 11?

Thanks for your advice and opinion on this.

Ipsilon