newbie needs advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter howldog
  • Start date Start date
H

howldog

hello

I've been running either windows 98SE or windows ME for years now, and
am about to take the first plunge into XP. My old machine will not be
affected; i'll be getting a brand new machine with XP on it.

Are there any suggestions anyone could give to make the transfer
easier?
 
In
howldog said:
I've been running either windows 98SE or windows ME for years now, and
am about to take the first plunge into XP. My old machine will not be
affected; i'll be getting a brand new machine with XP on it.

Are there any suggestions anyone could give to make the transfer
easier?
Click to expand...


If I were in your shoes, I would want to be sure that the company
you buy the computer from supplies you with a complete Windows XP
installation CD, not a Restore CD, and not a hidden partition on
the drive with installation files on it.

Some companies do this and others don't. I would stay awayfrom
those that don't.
 
howldog uttered the following on 3/19/2004 3:52 PM:
hello

I've been running either windows 98SE or windows ME for years now, and
am about to take the first plunge into XP. My old machine will not be
affected; i'll be getting a brand new machine with XP on it.

Are there any suggestions anyone could give to make the transfer
easier?

hey howldog, by transfer do you mean how diff is Xp to 98 or ME? I ve
Click to expand...
been running xppro and home for almost 2 years now without a single
glitch, serious. I have not once had the BSOD (bloo screen of death) on
either. XP is very stable, if an application crashes for some reason,
well only the app crashes and not your whole system like it would in 98/Me.
In XP you can run the OS with its fancy colors and layout or you can run
it in the Classic mode where the Start menu and programs layout is
like you're used to from 98/me.
Back up all your user data, like Office, photos, emails etc... and
restore it to your xp machine and you'll be ok.
HOpe this helps a bit .... rob
 
howldog said:
hello

I've been running either windows 98SE or windows ME for years now, and
am about to take the first plunge into XP. My old machine will not be
affected; i'll be getting a brand new machine with XP on it.

Are there any suggestions anyone could give to make the transfer
easier?
Click to expand...


One thing I can think of, visit this site before you connect your new
computer to the Internet.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

The rules have changed a bit on Internet nasties since 9x/ME. It takes just
a few seconds for instance for an unprotected XP computer to be infected by
W32.Blaster.Worm .

--
D

I'm not an MVP a VIP nor do I have ESP.
I was just trying to help.
Please use your own best judgment before implementing any suggestions or
advice herein.
No warranty is expressed or implied.
Your mileage may vary.
See store for details. :)

Remove shoes to E-mail.
 
One thing that I found helpful was to immediately switch from the Windows XP
menu to the Classic menu. Right click the Start Button and select Properties
then select Classic. This will give you a start menu that is similar to
earlier versions of Windows and makes navigating a lot easier. Make certain
your Firewall is turned on before you connect to the internet. This will
help you avoid contacting a nasty worm like Blaster. The Help & Support
Center found in the Start menu is a decent resource and much better than
Help has been in previous versions of Windows. So take advantage of reading
through some of it.

Here are some areas which you might want to take a look at
Windows Product Activation http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm
Windows XP FAQ
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;winxpfaq
How to Burn CDs
http://www.microsoft.com/WINDOWSXP/expertzone/columns/bridgman/august13.asp
CD Burning in XP http://www.aumha.org/a/xpcd.htm
How To Repair XP http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
bookmark the links here http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/best_xp_sites.htm
 
In addition to the other advice posted, even though you are not doing an
upgrade, you might be considering installing your current applications on
the new system and using some of your hardware, scanners, printers, etc.
You should download and run the upgrade advisor as it may find applications
for which you need to find new versions or updates, the same for hardware.
Also note, firewalls, antivirus, CD burning software if you use it and most
other disk tools will require new versions if the versions you have are 9x
versions. Those version will not be compatible with XP. Below is the link
to the upgrade advisor:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
 
personally, I would have a reputable shop in your area build you a custom
PC......they'll test it out before you take it home etc..

...XP Pro..
about a 2.5GHz processor..
min 512 Ram...preferably 1 GB..
get two 80GB HD's...partition them reasonably...
one fast CD/DVD reader..
on VERY GOOD CD/DVD burner....and use Nero for your burning....do not bother
with that XP stuff....
 
Best advice I can give is that when you first power up your new computer, TAKE
YOUR TIME and follow the instructions very carefully. Turn on the firewall and
then MANUALLY download all the updates from Microsoft. (Don't use
'autoupdate). Don't open any attachment from an unknown source and you will
have a clean error free running system. DO NOT INSTALL any virus programs.
They cause far more problems than they prevent/cure. I haven't had a virus yet
and have no virus program installed..
 
yes thats what i meant.... what can i expect?

i know nothing of XP.

I ve
been running xppro and home for almost 2 years now without a single
glitch, serious. I have not once had the BSOD (bloo screen of death) on
either. XP is very stable, if an application crashes for some reason,
well only the app crashes and not your whole system like it would in 98/Me.
In XP you can run the OS with its fancy colors and layout or you can run
it in the Classic mode where the Start menu and programs layout is
like you're used to from 98/me.
Click to expand...


ok, groovy.

one user told me XP seemed to "run slower than 98". Falsehood?

i do like changing wallpaper screen backgrounds. I have a sort of
auto-utility that changes the wallpaper about every half hour. Can XP
do that on its own, or will i need some third party thing, and does
anyone have one to suggest?
 
In addition to the other advice posted, even though you are not doing an
upgrade, you might be considering installing your current applications on
the new system and using some of your hardware, scanners, printers, etc.
You should download and run the upgrade advisor as it may find applications
for which you need to find new versions or updates, the same for hardware.
Also note, firewalls, antivirus, CD burning software if you use it and most
other disk tools will require new versions if the versions you have are 9x
versions. Those version will not be compatible with XP. Below is the link
to the upgrade advisor:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
Click to expand...



thanks to all who responded, very helpful.
 
Ken Blake said:
In


If I were in your shoes, I would want to be sure that the company
you buy the computer from supplies you with a complete Windows XP
installation CD, not a Restore CD, and not a hidden partition on
the drive with installation files on it.

Some companies do this and others don't. I would stay awayfrom
those that don't.
Click to expand...
I agree. Make sure you get a RETAIL version of the OS. If they won't do
that, ask if they can just leave the OS uninstalled. Then go out and buy a
retail copy and install it yourself.
 
Which companies still give retail versions? Just curious, I thought they
were pretty much all OEM now because of the price.
 
Could be. I build my own, so I really don't know. However, at least in my
area, there are a few smaller retail computer store that will build one for
you - to whatever specs. and omissions that you request.
 
oh yeah your right some BTO boxes still come with retail versions. Unless
it's a Compaq or HP BTO.
I too build my own normally but actually bought 2 from Dell for my wife and
daughter. I couldn't build them for what I bought them for so I broke my vow
to never again BUY a computer.
 
If only they'd offer the OEM version that is essentially the same as the
retail version that would be fine. Since I have mine built for me by a
local shop, I have more control. Not sure what control a person at retail
has. However, if they are buying direct, they should then push for such a
CD and tell the salesperson it's a deal breaker without it; reason being
that even the OEM CD as long as it is the same as the retail version will
have the same tools and the user won't be hamstrung with a crippled recovery
disk or partition, neither of which contain most of the XP recovery tools.
 
In Retail that's easy enough. Commissioned salesmen/women are more than
happy to throw in a Retail XP package off the shelf to close the sale.
 
In
Papa said:
I agree. Make sure you get a RETAIL version of the OS.
Click to expand...


Although I too would prefer a retail version, I would accept an
OEM version, *if* the price was right.

If they won't
do that, ask if they can just leave the OS uninstalled. Then go out
and buy a retail copy and install it yourself.
Click to expand...


A small local company might give you that option, but it's
unlikely for that to be a choice if you deal with any of the big
national OEMs.
 
Ken Blake said:
In


Although I too would prefer a retail version, I would accept an
OEM version, *if* the price was right.




A small local company might give you that option, but it's
unlikely for that to be a choice if you deal with any of the big
national OEMs.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's true - but I don't hold the large national firms with much
regard - judging by the way they put systems together. Much better to deal
with the reputable local firms that are flexible enough to assemble with
quality parts, per the customers needs, rather than the junk I have seen in
some of these national OEM systems.
 
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