windows xp installation

  • Thread starter Thread starter nick
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nick

hi, im new to computers and am thinking about upgrading
win98 to xp but i dont want to lose any current
information that i already have i.e folders, files,
favourites, programmes, desktop etc etc. Is there a way
that this can be done??

I would appreciate any assistance on this matter.

Nick :-)
 
Before upgrading any existing Windows installation, it would be prudent to
run the Upgrade Advisor for Windows XP. This tool will report what hardware
or software may be incompatible with Windows XP. If you follow the Upgrade
Advisor's recommendations, you should not have any problem upgrading to
Windows XP.

If you fail to utilize the Upgrade Advisor, you may run into incompatibility issues.
Just inserting the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD Drive and selecting
"upgrade" is not going to give you the desired result. You must "prepare and
plan" your computer before beginning the upgrade process.

Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726

It is imperative that you have the latest BIOS update installed. Visit the support
website of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard for instructions
on updating your computer's BIOS.

Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

If you perform the upgrade, using the following procedure,
you should retain your programs and files. However, it is
always prudent to backup your critical files....just in case.

1. Purchase the conventional "retail upgrade version" of Windows XP.
2. Uninstall any third-party antivirus or firewall programs.
3. Disconnect all peripheral hardware devices, but not the monitor, keyboard or mouse.
4. While at your Windows desktop screen, insert the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD drive.
5. Select the default "Upgrade" option....do not select "New Installation".
6. Defrag your drive after upgrading.
7. Reinstall your antivirus program & turn-on the firewall.
8. Visit the Windows Update website and download the necessary updates.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| hi, im new to computers and am thinking about upgrading
| win98 to xp but i dont want to lose any current
| information that i already have i.e folders, files,
| favourites, programmes, desktop etc etc. Is there a way
| that this can be done??
|
| I would appreciate any assistance on this matter.
|
| Nick :-)
 
If your computer processor is fast enough, and you have enough RAM, I'd buy
a new hard drive. You can get them for under $100. Then, I'd install the new
drive as my main drive, install a full version of Windows XP Home. Make your
Windows 98 Hard drive your second drive. Then, you could click and drag any
info you want to your new hard drive. Also, you'd have more storage.

On the other hand, if your computer is over 3 years old or the processor is
slower than 700 MHz, you might consider keeping Windows 98. XP would only
slow your computer down.

C.E. Jones
 
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