Problems with XP since I upgraded

[Guest]

Since upgrading from Windows 2000 to XP Pro, I have experienced a number of
problems:

1) The computer is operating much slower than usual. I'm running a Pentium 4
at 1.7 GHz with 512 MB RAM, so I don't understand why I should be running
slower than when I was using W2k.

2) Sometimes I get sound (i.e. CD playback, mp3/wma playback), sometimes I
don't. For instance, when I start the computer, I will hear static noises,
and then none of my sound files work. However, when I shut the computer down,
the Windows Shut Down sound works just fine. So that tells me something else
is tying up the sound files.

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Re. the first issue, run XP in classic mode.. it is a look that you will
instantly recognise, and it improves performance considerably..

The second issue I am not too sure.. that the Windows exit sound is ok
suggests that hardware is ok too, but this might not be the case.. check all
of your connections, try re-installing sound drivers maybe.. look for
hardware errors in device manager when you initially boot..

At this point, a repair install is seemingly overboard, but it might be a
way to resolve the problem..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/User


"(e-mail address removed)"

 

[Plato]

Since upgrading from Windows 2000 to XP Pro, I have experienced a number of
problems:

1) The computer is operating much slower than usual. I'm running a Pentium 4
at 1.7 GHz with 512 MB RAM, so I don't understand why I should be running
slower than when I was using W2k.

ANY new MS OS requires more RAM, etc. to work as fast as your previous
OS. Perfectly natural as ANY new MS OS generally has twice the footprint
as the OS its replacing.

 

[Guest]

Personally, I am never in favor of upgrading from one MS OS to the other.
It creates all sorts of issues.
On one of my machines, (which is a vintage Pentium 3, with 512 133MHZ bus
speed memory); I formatted win2k & made a clean install of XP Pro SP2.
XP is running as fast, smooth, error free as win 2k.
Regards!

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Personally, I am never in favor of upgrading from one MS OS to the
other. It creates all sorts of issues.

I disagree. Unlike with previous versions of Windows, an upgrade to XP
replaces almost everything, and usually works very well.

My recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since it's much easier
than a clean installation. You can always change your mind and reinstall
cleanly if problems develop.

However, don't assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need to
backup your data, etc. before beginning. Before starting to upgrade, it's
always prudent to recognize that things like a sudden power loss can occur
in the middle of it and cause the loss of everything. For that reason you
should make sure you have backups and anything else you need to reinstall if
the worst happens.

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Answers:

1) Windows XP has added more "visual" components to "supposedly" give the
users a more fun "experience". By running in "Classic" more, you turn this off.

2) Driver conflict. XP has a newer driver model that is not 100% the as W2K.
You might be able to get W2K drivers to work but it is not 100% guaranteed.
Look for XP drivers and update them for your sound, video, network and modems.

 

[Plato]

Personally, I am never in favor of upgrading from one MS OS to the other.
It creates all sorts of issues.

Me either. But, the "issues" are often due to people "upgrading" to fix
their previous OS. Which is NOT the way to fix a pC.

ie dont upgrade to fix a problem. Upgrade to add new features, etc.