Cannot upgrade to XP from Windows 98 SE!!!

[jpf]

Hello,

I purchased a copy of the Windows XP Upgrade Sunday
afternoon from a localnational electronics store. I
currently have Windows 98SE installed and wished to
upgrade my OS. The following details the steps I took to
accomplish this task and the resulting failures.

1. My first attempt was to insert the CD and install while
in my current Windows 98SE configuration. This resulted in
an error (3E6h). I reviewed the Knowledge Base article on
this error and attepted all suggested steps but this did
not resolve the issue.

2. I then removed all programs in the event there was one
not listed in the article causing the error. In addition
the only "incompatibilties" listed were possible driver
issues with my printer. Therefore this was uninstalled and
disconnected. At this point the only peripherals were the
video card and network card for DSL. I then again
attempted to upgrade from within Windows 98SE but received
the same error.

3. I booted from the WinXP CD and attempted to install
this way. Setup had difficulty copying files (had
to "retry" copying some files on nearly a dozen occasions)
and eventually failed again due to a mismatch between the
component manifest.

4. Since none of these worked I formatted my C drive
(NTFS) and attempted to install this way. Again there was
difficulty in copying files and the install failed.

5. I formatted the drive again (FAT) and attempted to
install again. The result was the same in Step 4.

6. I formatted again (FAT) and reinstalled Windows 98SE.
This install went smoothly with no errors and no
additional updates or optional items were installed. I
then attempted to install from within this fresh install
of Windows 98SE and again there was diificulty in copying
files and the final error showed a mismatch with the
component manifest.

Therefore at this point based upon the steps I took and
the resulting errors/failures displayed I think there may
be a problem with the CD itself....any other thoughts? I
have been waiting/on hold for going on 40 minutes now for
Microsoft Support.......

One last thing....where can I find the product ID for
online support in my retail packaging? Neither the Product
Key nor Cert of Authenticity numbers are the correct ones.

 

[markc]

The fact that 98 went on without a hitch and XP is
having difficulty copying files, may indicate that the
hardware you are trying to use is not up to date.
Look for a new BIOS to flash to. XP needs an XP happy BIOS.
Remove the network card.
Most ppl here post their problems but keep all the
hardware involved a secret. Many clues are given by what
hardware you are trying to use.

Some network cards are incompatible with XP.
Pull everything except video, one hard drive and one
CDRom. If sound is built in, disable it in the BIOS until
the install goes smooth.

Copy problems indicate, the BIOS or CD are not good for
XP, or you might have memory problems. The BIOS is the
more likely problem unless another hardware device is
found to be in conflict. If you have 2 sticks of memory,
pull one and see if that helps.

Mark C