Need Advice on Upgrading from Win98 to WinXP

[Torrence Hammond]

I would like to upgrade one of my Win98 machines to WinXP. It meets the
system requirements and I have run the Upgrade Advisor and identified the
compatibility issues that I need to address. My main questions and concerns
are as follows:

Should I do an in-place upgrade or a clean install?
Can anyone direct me to a good How-To or primer on the upgrade process?
Based on the facts and circumstances listed below, are there any pitfalls
that I should be aware of and what can I do to avoid them?

The computer in question (my primary computer) is connected over a home
network to another computer also running Win98. These computer share a
broadband internet connection. My primary computer is used to connect to my
company's network over a VPN. This primary computer has been pretty
stable--for Win98. I would LOVE to avoid all of the additional work that a
clean install no doubt would entail, but don't want to create problems for
myself if that is the better path.

Thanks in advance.
Torrence Hammond

 

[Nicholas]

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

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

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm


Also, physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware devices,
especially USB devices (not including your mouse, keyboard or
monitor). Uninstall any antivirus program, too!

Most importantly, it would be prudent to perform a backup of
any data files you have, just in case a problem should occur.

Important: When you are ready to upgrade to Windows XP,
make sure to select the default "Upgrade" option
during the initial setup phase. Do not select the
alternative "New Installation" option!

P.S. Be sure and visit the Windows Update site and download
all the critical updates after upgrading to Windows XP.


--
Nicholas

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I would like to upgrade one of my Win98 machines to WinXP. It meets the
| system requirements and I have run the Upgrade Advisor and identified the
| compatibility issues that I need to address. My main questions and concerns
| are as follows:
|
| Should I do an in-place upgrade or a clean install?
| Can anyone direct me to a good How-To or primer on the upgrade process?
| Based on the facts and circumstances listed below, are there any pitfalls
| that I should be aware of and what can I do to avoid them?
|
| The computer in question (my primary computer) is connected over a home
| network to another computer also running Win98. These computer share a
| broadband internet connection. My primary computer is used to connect to my
| company's network over a VPN. This primary computer has been pretty
| stable--for Win98. I would LOVE to avoid all of the additional work that a
| clean install no doubt would entail, but don't want to create problems for
| myself if that is the better path.
|
| Thanks in advance.
| Torrence Hammond

 

[DCC]

The main question is if your machine needs an updated bios for XP. You will
have to visit the machine manufacturer or your mother board manufacturer's
site. The upgrade advisor won't tell you.
Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm may help.

A clean install is greatly prefered.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/windowstips/story/0,24330,2102233,00.html
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

=======================================================
Upgrade:
XP Upgrade
If you can't get updated bios for your motherboard, XP may not install.
http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/howto/story/0,24330,3356317,00.html

Before you begin the upgrade process, obtain and install the latest BIOS
upgrade for your computer from the computer's manufacturer. If you update
the BIOS after you upgrade the computer, you may have to reinstall Windows
XP to take advantage of features such as Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface (ACPI) support in the BIOS. If possible, update the firmware in
all of your hardware devices before you start the upgrade.

Good luck

 

[Torrence Hammond]

Everyone,
Thank you all for your excellent advice. I very much appreciate it! I
think I will try the in-place upgrade first and resort to the clean install
if I'm not satisfied.
Thanks again.

Torrence Hammond

 

[Brian Tillman]

Before upgrading any existing Windows installation, it would be prudent to

run the Upgrade Advisor for Windows XP.

How lame. Did you even READ what the OP said:

| I would like to upgrade one of my Win98 machines to WinXP. It meets the
| system requirements and I have run the Upgrade Advisor and identified the
| compatibility issues that I need to address.
--
Brian Tillman Internet: Brian.Tillman at smiths-aerospace dot com
Smiths Aerospace Addresses modified to prevent SPAM.
3290 Patterson Ave. SE, MS 1B3 Replace "at" with "@", "dot" with "."
Grand Rapids, MI 49512-1991
This opinion doesn't represent that of my company