installing xp pro over 98SE

[Mike]

I have a product license for windows 98 and it was
installed on my HP laptop. However, the hard disk has
crashed and due to the fact that i bought the laptop
used, I do not have any of the restart or recovery disks,
and Microsoft will not support me on and Windows 98
issues. I have contacted various companies, along with
HP, and still no luck. I have decided I might as well
just install Windows XP as it would save me a lot of time
and frustration. However, I'm not sure about how much
money it will save me. I have the product key/code and
license for windows 98SE, but I'm not sure if i would
still be able to 'upgrade' to windows XP pro? basically
my question is does the upgrade process use files that
would already have been on my computer if windows 98 was
still installed, or does it simply ask for a valid
windows 98 product key and continue on to fully install
windows xp pro? any help at all would be outstanding!
Thank you so much in advance!

 

[Guest]

During the installation of an Upgrade Version of XP, the system will be
examined for an existing and qualifying version of Windows.

It will prompt you for the CD of the other version should it not be
installed on the computer.

You do not have to provide a Product Key, but you do need evidence of the
Windows files as a consequence no CD, no earlier Windows, No Upgrade.

 

[Cheryl]

From everything I've heard from others who
have "upgraded", you'd probably be better off getting the
full version of XP Pro (or Home works just as well, unless
you're wanting to connect to a very large office network
at work). There's a really great site at
www.windowsreinstall.com that covers most issues with
installing XP with an existing OS or a completely clean
install. The reason I suggested the full install is
because of numerous problems that seem to be encountered
from upgrading, since the computer uses existing files and
doesn't always seem to install as neatly.
Hope this helps!
--Cheryl