Clean Install:ME to XP

[Karen]

I purchased an upgrade version of XP Home Edition and
would like to do a clean install on my computer. My
current OS is Windows ME which was installed when I
purchased my computer from Gateway. Which is by the way,
also where I purchased my XP upgrade. I was told by
Gateway that a clean install would be no problem but I had
some problems when I tried and contacted Micrsoft where I
was told that a clean install was not possible because I
do not have the consumer version (disc) for ME. (All I
have is my "System Restoration Kit" discs and also the
WorksSuite 2000 discs which came w/my computer.

I really did not want to do an upgrade as I've heard
several horror stories about problems down the line. And
because XP is suppose to be a much more reliable system.

Can anyone advise me on this? What would you do if you
were me??

Thanks, Karen

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

If you wish to perform a "clean install", you'll need
a "Full Version" of Windows XP and not the "Upgrade Version".

A"clean install" of Windows XP, using the "Upgrade Version",
requires you to insert a Microsoft Windows 95/98 or ME CD
during setup. A PC manufacturer's Restore CD does not qualify.

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

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

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


| I purchased an upgrade version of XP Home Edition and
| would like to do a clean install on my computer. My
| current OS is Windows ME which was installed when I
| purchased my computer from Gateway. Which is by the way,
| also where I purchased my XP upgrade. I was told by
| Gateway that a clean install would be no problem but I had
| some problems when I tried and contacted Micrsoft where I
| was told that a clean install was not possible because I
| do not have the consumer version (disc) for ME. (All I
| have is my "System Restoration Kit" discs and also the
| WorksSuite 2000 discs which came w/my computer.
|
| I really did not want to do an upgrade as I've heard
| several horror stories about problems down the line. And
| because XP is suppose to be a much more reliable system.
|
| Can anyone advise me on this? What would you do if you
| were me??
|
| Thanks, Karen

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

It's quite possible to perform a clean installation using the
Upgrade CD, provided you have the true installation CD for the earlier
OS.

Simply boot from the WinXP Upgrade CD. You'll be offered the
opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process. The Upgrade CD checks to see if a qualifying OS
is installed, and, if it finds none, it asks you to insert the
installation media (CD) of that OS. Unfortunately, an OEM
"Recovery/Restore" CD will not work for this purpose; you must have a
true installation CD, complete with the "\Win98" folder and *.cab
files, or the "\i386" folder of WinNT/2K.

Alternatively, or especially if all you have is an OEM Recovery CD
for the earlier OS, you can even start the upgrade from within the
current Win98/Me/NT/2K installation, and still elect to perform a
clean installation, to include formatting the drive. In this case,
there's no further request for the qualifying OS's installation CD,
because the installation routing "remembers" that you started from
within the qualifying OS. This process is more time-consuming, but
you get the same results: a clean installation of WinXP.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Karen]

-----Original Message-----
Greetings --

It's quite possible to perform a clean installation using the
Upgrade CD, provided you have the true installation CD for the earlier
OS.

Simply boot from the WinXP Upgrade CD. You'll be offered the
opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as part of the
installation process. The Upgrade CD checks to see if a qualifying OS
is installed, and, if it finds none, it asks you to insert the
installation media (CD) of that OS. Unfortunately, an OEM
"Recovery/Restore" CD will not work for this purpose; you must have a
true installation CD, complete with the "\Win98" folder and *.cab
files, or the "\i386" folder of WinNT/2K.

Alternatively, or especially if all you have is an OEM Recovery CD
for the earlier OS, you can even start the upgrade from within the
current Win98/Me/NT/2K installation, and still elect to perform a
clean installation, to include formatting the drive. In this case,
there's no further request for the qualifying OS's installation CD,
because the installation routing "remembers" that you started from
within the qualifying OS. This process is more time- consuming, but
you get the same results: a clean installation of WinXP.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH





.
Bruce-

Thanks for the info. How do I start the upgrade from
within my current ME program? Can you give me a blow by
blow or maybe refer me to a site that can spell this out
for me?

Thanks for your help.

Karen

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Boot into WinMe, insert the WinXP Upgrade CD, and follow the
on-screen instructions. Be sure to select "Upgrade (Recommended),"
rather than "New Installation."

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


Bruce Chambers