To Install or Not to Install, That is the Question.

[Rob]

I've been trying to navingate thru the Microsoft web site
for over an hour trying to get an answer to what I am sure
is a very simple qestion: I recently bought Windows XP
(on line from Microsoft). When it arrived in the mail,
the package said "For PCs without Windows, or PCs with
Windows 95 or earlier versions." I currently have Windows
98 on my 'puter and was hoping to upgrade. My question
is whether installing it would damage my computer. (BTW,
I don't have a problem if it erases data or other
applications, since I have very few on the hard drive)
Thanx, Rob

 

[nobody]

You just spent $100 more than you had to, if you have 98 then you could have
just purchased the upgrade version of XP. You can use the full version to
upgrade from 98. If your not concerned about the data then it is usually
recommended that you do a clean install. Boot from the cd, format you hard
drive and install.

 

[Patti MacLeod]

Hi Rob,

From what you've stated regarding the wording on the package, what you have
purchased is the Full Retail version of XP, which can be used to perform a
clean install or an upgrade from a qualifying operating system. WIN98 is a
qualifying operating system for upgrade, so you should be able to safely do
the upgrade.


Regards,

 

[Michael Stevens]

I've been trying to navingate thru the Microsoft web site
for over an hour trying to get an answer to what I am sure
is a very simple qestion: I recently bought Windows XP
(on line from Microsoft). When it arrived in the mail,
the package said "For PCs without Windows, or PCs with
Windows 95 or earlier versions." I currently have Windows
98 on my 'puter and was hoping to upgrade. My question
is whether installing it would damage my computer. (BTW,
I don't have a problem if it erases data or other
applications, since I have very few on the hard drive)
Thanx, Rob

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
For upgrading to XP Home or Pro, see the links below.
http://aumha.org/a/xpupgrad.htm
XP Upgrade
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_2kupgrade.asp
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_9xupgrade.asp
See the link below for steps on performing a Clean Install.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Known problems with XP upgrades.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html
Known Problems with Clean installs.
http://www.labmice.net/WindowsXP/Install/installbugs.htm
Top 10 Reasons for Moving to Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.asp
Why Windows XP Professional?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/default.asp
Windows XP Professional Features
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/features.asp

--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

I've been trying to navingate thru the Microsoft web site
for over an hour trying to get an answer to what I am sure
is a very simple qestion: I recently bought Windows XP
(on line from Microsoft). When it arrived in the mail,
the package said "For PCs without Windows, or PCs with
Windows 95 or earlier versions." I currently have Windows
98 on my 'puter and was hoping to upgrade.

That is a so called 'Full version' - ie not discounted in recognition of
your having an earlier windows (And you have spent more than you need).
But it will do an upgrade happily. First make sure your hardware is
adequate, especially in having *more* than the recommended 128MB of RAM.

Then Read Gary Woodruff`s article on upgrading to XP at
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

Remove software that might cause trouble (AV; utility suites like Norton
and CD burning, to install XP versions after)

and finally run the CD from the 98, enter install, and make sure the
next page's droop down is on Upgrade