As long as Windows 98 is installed, you can use the "retail upgrade version"
of Windows XP to "Upgrade" over Windows 98. Make sure you select
the default "Upgrade" option during setup, and not "New Installation".
HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639
Before upgrading any existing Windows installation, it would be prudent to
run the Upgrade Advisor for Windows XP. This tool will report what hardware
or software may be incompatible with Windows XP. If you follow the Upgrade
Advisor's recommendations, you should not have any problem upgrading to
Windows XP.
If you fail to utilize the Upgrade Advisor, you may run into incompatibility issues.
Just inserting the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD Drive and selecting
"upgrade" is not going to give you the desired result. You must "prepare and
plan" your computer before beginning the upgrade process.
Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726
It is imperative that you have the latest BIOS update installed. Visit the support
website of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard for instructions
on updating your computer's BIOS.
Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
Also, physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware devices,
especially USB devices (not including your mouse, keyboard or
monitor). Uninstall any antivirus program, too!
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
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| I have an eMachines 400idx with Windows 98 and want to
| upgrade to XP Home. Will the upgrade level of software
| work or will I need the complete XP Home software?
