Trying to upgrade to XP Pro from '98

[gregf]

I'm trying to use a Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD to install on a PC that
now has Win98. After a lot of hassle using 6 boot floppies to get the
CD to boot properly, I now get stuck on a screen that says a previous
verison of Windows cannot be detected, please insert the windows CD. I
don't have the original 98 CD anymore, but it is still on the PC. Is
there a way to get it to find Win98 at this point? Anything I can try
since Windows can't find Windows on it's own?

 

[da_test]

I'm trying to use a Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD to install on a PC that
now has Win98. After a lot of hassle using 6 boot floppies to get the
CD to boot properly, I now get stuck on a screen that says a previous
verison of Windows cannot be detected, please insert the windows CD. I
don't have the original 98 CD anymore, but it is still on the PC. Is
there a way to get it to find Win98 at this point? Anything I can try
since Windows can't find Windows on it's own?

when you say upgrade, do you intend to preserve all of your
windows 98 settings and programs?
Or are you trying to install a vanilla XP and essentially
wipe what ever is there now?

If it's the first, boot windows 98 and place the xp cd in the
computer. Assuming you have autoplay enabled the setup will
start. Install xp as an upgrade this way.

Dave

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I'm trying to use a Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD to install on a PC that
now has Win98. After a lot of hassle using 6 boot floppies to get the
CD to boot properly, I now get stuck on a screen that says a previous
verison of Windows cannot be detected, please insert the windows CD. I
don't have the original 98 CD anymore, but it is still on the PC. Is
there a way to get it to find Win98 at this point? Anything I can try
since Windows can't find Windows on it's own?

Hint: If the PC is so old that it cannot boot from the CD, it's quite
likely that it's too old to properly support WinXP.

Have you made sure that your PC's hardware components are capable
of supporting WinXP? This information will be found at the PC's
manufacturer's web site, and on Microsoft's Windows Catalog:
(http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx) Additionally, run
Microsoft WinXP Upgrade Advisor to see if you have any incompatible
hardware components or applications.

You should, before proceeding, take a few minutes to ensure that
there are WinXP device drivers available for all of the machine's
components. There may not be, if the PC was specifically designed for
Win98/Me. Also bear in mind that PCs designed for, sold and run fine
with Win9x/Me very often do not meet WinXP's much more stringent
hardware quality requirements. This is particularly true of many
models in Compaq's consumer-class Presario product line or HP's
consumer-class Pavilion product line. WinXP, like WinNT and Win2K
before it, is quite sensitive to borderline defective or substandard
hardware (particularly motherboards, RAM and hard drives) that will
still support Win9x.

HOW TO Prepare to Upgrade Win98 or WinMe
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q316639

Upgrading to Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

HOW TO Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation When You
Upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;q310064

--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH

 

[David Candy]

Run setup in Windows 98.

 

[Ron Martell]

I'm trying to use a Windows XP Pro Upgrade CD to install on a PC that
now has Win98. After a lot of hassle using 6 boot floppies to get the
CD to boot properly, I now get stuck on a screen that says a previous
verison of Windows cannot be detected, please insert the windows CD. I
don't have the original 98 CD anymore, but it is still on the PC. Is
there a way to get it to find Win98 at this point? Anything I can try
since Windows can't find Windows on it's own?

Boot the computer into Windows 98 and then insert the XP Pro Upgrade
CD.

Run the Setup program from the CD.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm