Reinstalling Windows XP after upgrading from 98SE

[LindaP]

We upgraded from Windows 98SE 2 years ago, and now I'm at
the point where I'd like to do a clean install of
Windows. I have a few questions:
1. Do I need to uninstall Windows XP and revert to
Windows 98 before doing this?
2. I currently have a partitioned hard drive (done before
the upgrade to XP). Can I reformat the windows/boot
partition only, and reinstall Windows to this partition?
Or do I need to format the entire drive, and repartition
when I reinstall XP?
3. Or would I be better off just reinstalling XP on top
of the current installation? This computer will be used
by my 7 year old son for educational and gaming only.
Thanks for any help!
LindaP

 

[Kevin]

We upgraded from Windows 98SE 2 years ago, and now I'm at
the point where I'd like to do a clean install of
Windows. I have a few questions:
1. Do I need to uninstall Windows XP and revert to
Windows 98 before doing this?

No. You can stick the XP disk in and go from there.

2. I currently have a partitioned hard drive (done before
the upgrade to XP). Can I reformat the windows/boot
partition only, and reinstall Windows to this partition?
Or do I need to format the entire drive, and repartition
when I reinstall XP?

Yes. You can choose to format and install XP on any partition you want. Of
course, it prefers to reside on your C: drive.

3. Or would I be better off just reinstalling XP on top
of the current installation? This computer will be used
by my 7 year old son for educational and gaming only.

The best way to go is to do a format of the entire drive and then a clean
install of XP. Copy any data you need from the drive first as the format
will, of course, erase all data and programs from the drive.

 

[LindaP]

If I stick in the XP disc, will it give me an option to
reformat my C partition Drive before completing the
installation?

Thanks
LindaP

 

[Kevin]

Yes. Remember to boot from the XP disk, your BIOS will need to be set to
first boot from the CD, and you will be offered the choices to format and
partition drives. Do a Google search for the term "Clean Install of Windows
XP" and you'll see lots of detailed information.