Windows xp installation

[Shamino]

ok hey guys i have a question. My dad has windows me on
his laptop and he is wondering if he can upgrade to xp
without reformatting his drive? I myself imagine it is
possible but i never upgrade to os i always do i caean
install when i do it myself so im not sure about it? He
wants to upgrade it but he doesnt want to loose all his
work files. thanks

 

[Chris H.]

Before you go to Windows XP, I would evaluate the laptop and make sure it
will meet the specs required by XP. You can find upgrade information here:
http://www.aumha.org/win5/ On that page, you'll also find information on
the Windows XP Files and Settings Transfer Wizard, which would solve the
issue of losing any work files. Basic is to run it from the Windows XP CD
before doing the installation, and save all his files to either your LAN (if
you have one) or a CD. It won't save whole programs, but you can designate
the personal files, folders and settings you want saved.

Second suggestion, if the laptop will handle XP, is do away with the
previous operating system entirely, instead of running two partitions. I
seriously believe if you go to the trouble of partitioning and hard drive
and putting XP on there (after the existing OS), he'll shortly tire of the
Millennium partition. There's a very good article by MVP Gary Woodruff on
upgrading here: http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

If you do decide to multi-boot, this Knowledge Base article may be of
assistance: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306559

Do your homework in advance. Check information (like the Expert Zone in my
signature) and you'll be able to minimize any problems.