Will I keep all my old files, etc. when upgrading to XP?

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Guest

I am going to install a new Windows XP on my computer which currently is
running Windows 98. When I do it, will I lose all my programs (Photosuite,
etc.) and files? Or will they still be there to use? Thanks for your help
clearing this up for me!
 
Janette said:
I am going to install a new Windows XP on my computer which currently
is running Windows 98. When I do it, will I lose all my programs
(Photosuite, etc.) and files? Or will they still be there to use?
Thanks for your help clearing this up for me!
Click to expand...

If you do the install as an _update_ you will _usually_ keep everything, but
don't count on it. Back up all important data files and be prepared to
reinstall your programs.

Make sure your machine is capable of WinXP.
Windows XP Systen Requirements:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx
If your machine is near the minimum requirements you probably won't be happy
with WinXP's performance.

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
Please respond in Newsgroup. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
 
Hi,

This is a good reference: http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

Generally, an upgrade will retain existing programs and data, though some
programs may require an update, upgrade, or patch. It is *critical* that you
backup any data that you do not wish to lose before you begin. While most
upgrades go through without issue, there are the exceptions and there is
always the slight possibility that something could go wrong. I have seen
various reports of some folders stored on the desktop lost after an upgrade,
so do not take chances with anything you can't affort to lose. Programs can
be reinstalled, but data is not something easily recovered.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
 
Janette said:
I am going to install a new Windows XP on my computer which currently
is running Windows 98. When I do it, will I lose all my programs
(Photosuite, etc.) and files? Or will they still be there to use?
Thanks for your help clearing this up for me!
Click to expand...


If you buy an Upgrade or Full retail version of Windows, you can do either a
clean installation or an upgrade. If you buy an OEM version, you can only do
a clean installation.

If you want to keep what's there, you should do an upgrade. By definition,
an "upgrade" means that all data, programs, etc. are kept intact. A clean
installation means that you lose all your programs and data.

However there are no guarantees that an upgrade always works perfectly.
However unlikely, it's always possible that something might go wrong. For
that reason it's prudent to be sure you have a backup of anything you can't
afford to lose before beginning.
 
Janette

Locate all program disks and the like before you start.

If a new install only connect mouse, keyboard and monitor for the first
boot.
Then get an internet connection ASAP so that you can download drivers etc.

Make sure you have your ISP information for getting an Intenet Explorer and
Outlook Express connection set up written down before you start.

Install all drivers and other devices before installing Windows XP updates.


--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Janette said:
I am going to install a new Windows XP on my computer which currently is
running Windows 98. When I do it, will I lose all my programs (Photosuite,
etc.) and files? Or will they still be there to use? Thanks for your help
clearing this up for me!
Click to expand...


WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing operating system
while simultaneously preserving your applications and data, and
translating as many personalized settings as possible. The process is
designed to be, and normally is, quite painless. That said, things can
go wrong, in a small number of cases. If your data is at all important
to you, back it up before proceeding.

Have you made sure that your PC's hardware components are capable of
supporting WinXP? This information will be found at the PC's
manufacturer's web site, and on Microsoft's Windows Catalog:
(http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx) Additionally, run
Microsoft WinXP Upgrade Advisor to see if you have any incompatible
hardware components or applications.

You should, before proceeding, take a few minutes to ensure that
there are WinXP device drivers available for all of the machine's
components. There may not be, if the PC was specifically designed for
Win98/Me. Also bear in mind that PCs designed for, sold and run fine
with Win9x/Me very often do not meet WinXP's much more stringent
hardware quality requirements. This is particularly true of many models
in Compaq's consumer-class Presario product line or HP's consumer-class
Pavilion product line. WinXP, like WinNT and Win2K before it, is quite
sensitive to borderline defective or substandard hardware (particularly
motherboards, RAM and hard drives) that will still support Win9x.

HOW TO Prepare to Upgrade Win98 or WinMe
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q316639

Upgrading to Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

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