Correct XP version to install over ME?

[Guest]

I recently bought XP Home with SP2 from Microsoft online. The box says it is
for computers with Windows 95 or earlier or PCs without Windows. There was
no indication of this when I was ordering. I want to install over ME which
was upgraded from 98. Will this version of XP require me to install all my
programs again, or will it preserve them like an upgrade does or?

 

[bud]

I recently bought XP Home with SP2 from Microsoft online. The box says it
is
for computers with Windows 95 or earlier or PCs without Windows. There
was
no indication of this when I was ordering. I want to install over ME
which
was upgraded from 98. Will this version of XP require me to install all
my
programs again, or will it preserve them like an upgrade does or?

My box says it also updates Windows millenium edition. That's ME.

 

[Googleman]

do yourself a HUGE favor, and take the time to burn to disc a critical
backup of your most important files.. THEN do a secondary backup to disc of
data files/my documents./emails/addressbook/. etc.. then a third backup of
music/mp3's... less important stuff.
THEN:::::::::::
1. do a low-level format of your hard drive (which is very easy,
instructions found on your hard drive web site.. western digital, etc..)
which makes if fresh/brand new

and

2. do FRESH/brand new re-imaging installation of XP.

You definitely don't want to overlap this upgrade on your millenium. Even
though your heart tells you it's best, because it's a bit easier. EITHER
way you really should do the critical backup anyhow....

so, just go for it. Your machine will run sooooo much better; will be
like brand new. Does take a few more hours of backup time, but most
programs are very easy to re-install.. just get your data files backed up.

good luck.

 

[Chris Catt]

Hi, if XP is going to be installed on hard drive that previously has a OS on
it there is a utility built in called a files and settings transfer wizard.
Use this and the XP CD to delete the partition, thus negating having to do a
'low level' format......
Chris C

 

[Guest]

Thanks guys. I'll try it and see what happens. I was hoping not to have to
reinstall all my programs. I'll soon find out.