Installing XP HomeEd over another MS opersys w/o erasing HDrive

[Guest]

I am installing XP HomeEd over another MS opersys. Do I need to erase the
Hard Drive, or will the Hard Drive be erased as part of this process? I was
hoping to avoid having to do that.

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

I am installing XP HomeEd over another MS opersys. Do I need to erase the
Hard Drive, or will the Hard Drive be erased as part of this process? I
was
hoping to avoid having to do that.

It depends.

If the OS you are replacing is a "qualifying" Windows OS, you can use the
option of an upgrade install. It "should" leave all your files and folders
intact, but there are no guarantees. Many of your drivers will have to be
updated for the new OS.

Your best bet is to back up any critical data, and do a fresh install.

If you are upgrading because of issues with the existing OS, doing an
upgrade will only exacerbate the problems, not cure them.

Bobby