Full load of XP Home - over Win '98 se.

[Mike Novakovic]

I have recently obtained a 'home-build' (non-standard) computer from a
Computer fair that has Windows '98 (se) as it's operating system. I wanted
to move to Windows XP (home) so bought a copy from someone on Ebay. The
version of XP that I have bought is a 'full' version rather than an upgrade
and as I do not have the Windows '98 (se) CD to fall back on should things
not work properly on the install of XP, I need some advice. My questions
are:
1. Can I install this 'full' installation of XP 'over the top' of the
current operating system without any problems occurring?
2. If things do not work out properly with the installation of XP, is there
a way of 'backing out' to Windows '98 again?
3. How would I take a copy of the current Windows '98 (se) operating system
to either floppy disk or CD in case I need to revert back?

Many thanks for any help anyone can offer?

regards

Mike
(e-mail address removed)

 

[robert]

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go here FIRST....surf....read...learn....

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Mike,

1) If the version of XP you purchased is an OEM version, it will not
"upgrade" 98. OEM versions are designed to only do clean installs. If you
purchased a retail version, then you can still do an upgrade installation as
well.

2) As long as you "upgrade", and do not convert the file system to NTFS,
you can remove XP from Add/Remove Programs, and roll back to 98. Make sure
during setup that you tell it to backup the old operating system.

3) You will need 3rd party backup software that allows backing up to CD and
allows "spanning" of backup CD's, since you don't have the 98 CD to
reinstall from. Two such options are from Terabyte Unlimited, Image for
Windows and Image for DOS. You'll probably want the DOS version since you
can't image the Windows partition while Windows is running. However when
you purchase Image for Windows, you get the DOS version included.

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com