My first mistake was to buy WindowsXP OEM that is non
returnable to replace WindowsMe. That disk is for new
computers. I understand there are a couple of ways to
install this anyway. I'm leary of creating a double boot
because of space or other hassels. There are some
programs that came pre loaded on this Dell, ie Photoshop
5, that I have backed up and the serial number I have.
The problem with the Roxio CD back up is that the files I
save can only be changed if I open up the program first. I
don't know if this back up will work at all. I use this
program a lot and don't want to lose it and can't afford
to buy new.

I'm trying to decide which is the best way to install xp.
If I don't double boot, I'm told that I should uninstall
Window Me first, then install xp. Should I also delete
every thing off desktop?

Apparently, you acquired an "OEM Version" of Windows XP.
OEM versions cannot upgrade an existing Windows installation. Only
"retail versions" can upgrade. Either purchase a retail version of Windows XP
or reformat your drive to install the OEM version "clean".

Clean Install Windows XP
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]

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

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

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

"MB" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message:
news:10a7f01c44049$6548da00$(E-Mail Removed)...

| My first mistake was to buy WindowsXP OEM that is non
| returnable to replace WindowsMe. That disk is for new
| computers. I understand there are a couple of ways to
| install this anyway. I'm leary of creating a double boot
| because of space or other hassels. There are some
| programs that came pre loaded on this Dell, ie Photoshop
| 5, that I have backed up and the serial number I have.
| The problem with the Roxio CD back up is that the files I
| save can only be changed if I open up the program first. I
| don't know if this back up will work at all. I use this
| program a lot and don't want to lose it and can't afford
| to buy new.
|
| I'm trying to decide which is the best way to install xp.
| If I don't double boot, I'm told that I should uninstall
| Window Me first, then install xp. Should I also delete
| every thing off desktop?

"Carey Frisch [MVP]" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Apparently, you acquired an "OEM Version" of Windows XP.
> OEM versions cannot upgrade an existing Windows installation. Only
> "retail versions" can upgrade. Either purchase a retail version of
> Windows XP
> or reformat your drive to install the OEM version "clean".
>
> Clean Install Windows XP
> http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
>
> [Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]
>
> --
> Carey Frisch
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows XP - Shell/User
>
> Be Smart! Protect your PC!
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MB -

Carey left out another option.
You could purchase a new hard drive (about the price for Microsoft O/S)
and install this drive as your primary hard drive in the computer. You
could perform a
clean install of Windows XP from your OEM disk. Once you have your system
operational
and stable, you could add your original drive (as a slave / secondary on the
IDE bus).

Carey can go into the details of using the Windows XP File Setting Transfer
Wizard (FSTW)
to migrate your settings to Windows XP on this new drive - from your old
drive.

Greg

.... old Microsoft beta tester. Ah PC DOS 1.1 and 2.0 was a big upgrade and
when a 20 MB CMI hard drive was $ 1,500