upgrade 98se to xp???

[Guest]

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake
#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you run out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and software configuration? #2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run. Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing my drivers. NOT!!!!!! I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it again... I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a GForce... Well Not m
PLEASE PLEASE give me your feedback on this comments and my issue. Thanks.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Dude, "if it aint broke, dont fix it".

--
Tumbleweed

Remove my socks for email address

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage.

I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my
digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal
actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to
see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are
some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I
REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade.
Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and
some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old).
(also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake)

#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove

too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate
WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that
you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers are generated by taking an
image of your hardware configuration. The license is limmited to a few
computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted
hard disk then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you
run out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of
licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and software
configuration? #2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely
have to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run. Have
antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office software,
upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing
my drivers. NOT!!!!!! I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out there
own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might as well go out and buy a
nice new GForce card because XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500
into a 2 Meg Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in
Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it
again... I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a
GForce... Well Not me

PLEASE PLEASE give me your feedback on this comments and my issue.

Thanks.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Victoria,

1) Your understanding of the licensing is incorrect. You do not have to
renew or reactivate annually, nor do you pay for an annual subscription. You
purchase it, you run it as long as you want, you can reinstall it if needed
on the same machine in perpetuity, no additional charge - ever. The hardware
hash used to activate contains no personal information, and is dumped from
the activation server after 120 days. Registration of the product is
optional.

2) Should you upgrade? If you do, you need to double the amount of ram for
reasonable performance, be better if you quadruple it. Also, though
adequate, 14GB is not much for WinXP and all your apps.

3) Huge concern: supporting drivers for printers/scanners. Manufacturers
often take advantage of this and do not provide newer driver sets. This
forces you to purchase new equipment that will work in the new OS. Fair? No,
but it happens. Make sure drivers are available before you purchase an
upgrade.

4) Blame the loss of VooDoo support where it belongs: Nvidia. They forced
Microsoft to stop supporting voodoo cards during the WinXP beta after they
took control of 3dfx corp. Find "renegade" driver support at
www.voodoofiles.com. I still use a voodoo card (and love it) on my
daughter's machine. I used it during the WinXP beta run as well.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[dglock]

i don't know where you got your info but its all false!
but the software, install, activate, and you are done!
no annual fees or other costs.
if you buy a new comp and uninstall windows from it you
can install it on the new comp. just activate it online.
you may have a problem finding xp drivers for old
hardware. your hard drive is really to small to handle xp
and your programs, xp will use about 1.5 gb.
don

-----Original Message-----
I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is

there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se
except that the software that came with my digi cam from
Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding,
illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are
sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the
problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some
comments that concern me (please bear with the long
diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a
decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my
system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000
and some older software & drivers from my scanner &
printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue
w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake)

#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of

WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users.
Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually.
This will require a licensing fee each and every year
that you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers
are generated by taking an image of your hardware
configuration. The license is limmited to a few
computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a
freshly formatted hard disk then you will lose of the
licenses that you are alloted. If you run out of licenses
then you will be required to purchase a new pack of
licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your
hardware and software configuration? #2) Not only will
you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have to also
buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently
run. Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run
pre-2000 Office software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may
not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing my drivers.
NOT!!!!!! I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out
there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might
as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because XP
just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg
Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever
in Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl.
Alright MicroSoft you did it again... I bet so that all
of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a
GForce... Well Not me

 

[Rob Schneider]

Your machine is simply not powerfull enough. If you want XP, consider
just buying a new machine which has it pre-installed and go from there.

Since you are having "no" problems ... then leave all well enough along
and only upgrade when you really want to.

Do not base your decision on your unfounded issues:

1) wrong.
2) not necessarily. Most Windows programs that run in 98 will run on XP
ok. If your programs were licensed to run only on the 98 machine, that
an issue between you and the licensor.
3) yes, you may have trouble for drivers for old machines like that you
have. That's why I suggested you not bother. If you have complaints
about this, contact the manufacturer of your old machine and the
components which need drivers.


Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake)
#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you run out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and software configuration? #2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run. Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing my drivers. NOT!!!!!!

I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it again... I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a GForce... Well Not me

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Let's address your numbered concerns first, shall we?

#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may
prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need
to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each
and every year that you use this OS. Also, the unique license
numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware
configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers. This
means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk
then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you run
out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of
licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and
software configuration?

I don't know where you did your so-called "research," but you seem
to have carefully avoided any source that might have contained any
facts. *NONE* of the above is true. There is no annual renewal fee.
Microsoft does not track your hardware and software configuration.

As it has *always* been with *all* Microsoft operating systems,
it's necessary (to be in compliance with both the EULA and U.S.
copyright law http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/117.html), if not
technically) to purchase one WinXP license for each computer on which
it is installed. (Consult an attorney versed in copyright law to
determine final applicability in your locale.) The _only_ way in
which WinXP licensing differs from that of earlier versions of Windows
is that Microsoft has finally added a copy protection and anti-theft
mechanism, Product Activation, to prevent (or at least make more
difficult) multiple installations using a single license. Here are
the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm

#2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have
to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run.
Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office
software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet.

This is a possibility whenever one upgrades an operating system.
Odds are, however, that your antivirus application came with the WinXP
version on the same installation CD, unless it's really old. In which
case it should be replaced, anyway. Microsoft Office versions 97 and
up all work flawlessly on WinXP. As for the scanner and printer, it
is quite possible that, if they're 5 years old, the manufacturers have
decided not to provide support for WinXP. After all, in computer
terms, 5 years is just over two generations. Do you still get your
milk fresh from the cow every morning? Does your car stereo still
accept and play 8-Track cartridges? Progress always entails parting
with the old to embrace the new.

#3) Now for installing my drivers. NOT!!!!!! I wonder how many of
you avid gaming freaks out there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If
you do you might as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because
XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg Trident
9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in Windows XP.. At
best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it again...
I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a
GForce... Well Not me

Didn't know Voodoo still existed. Why would you expect Microsoft
to provide any sort of support for a defunct product line? Anyway, it
has _always_ been the sole responsibility of the hardware component's
manufacturer to provide device drivers for their own products. Again,
progress means moving on.

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an
advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the
software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues
(windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open
.avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this
eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are
some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe).
I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to
upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS
Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner &
printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my
own drivers, piece of cake)
PLEASE PLEASE give me your feedback on this comments and my issue.
Thanks.

If you're happy with Win98, stick with it. If you want to
upgrade, proceed carefully.

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


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

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an
advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software
that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues

(windows


My view is that you're going about this backward. A change of
operating system should be driven by need, not just because there
is a new version available. Are you having a problem with Windows
98 that you expect XP to solve? Do you have or expect to get new
hardware or software that is supported in XP, but not in 98? Is
there some new feature in XP that you need or yearn for? Does
your job require you have skills in XP? Are you a computer
hobbyist who enjoys playing with whatever is newest?

If the answer to one or more of those questions is yes, then you
should get XP. Otherwise most people should stick with what they
have.

Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz,

How much RAM you need depends on what apps you run, but for
almost everyone running XP, at least 256MB is required for good
performance. 128MB is not enough.

Apparently you will
need to reactivate WIN XP anually.

Completely false. Once activated, it never needs to be activated
again, unless your hardware changes substantially.

This will require a licensing fee
each and every year that you use this OS.

Completely false. There is never an additional fee.

Also, the unique license
numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware
configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers.

No, the license is limited to *one* computer, just as it has been
with every version of Windows since Windows 3.1. The only thing
new with XP is that there's now an enforcement mechanism.

This means
if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk then you
will lose of the licenses that you are alloted.

Completely false. You can reinstall as often as necessary or
desired with the original license.

If you run out of
licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of
licenses.

Completely false.

You've apprently been reading nothing but FUD about Windows XP.
Whether you should upgrade or not, I don't know, but don't let
all the FUD and misinformation influence your decision.

 

[Guest]

Hi Victoria
i have had Windows since a week before Christmas 2003 and have not stopped trying to repair this OS System my addvice is keep Windows 98se as I will be going back to the reliable Windows 98se asap, The XP in Windows I am sure stands for Xtra Problems as I have not heard a good word in faviour of XP in all the Time I have been trying to sort out its problems. The other system I found to work great was 2000 Pro which I am also thing about getting. good luck with what ever you decide
Regards Tony

----- Victoria wrote: ----

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake
#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you run out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and software configuration? #2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run. Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing my drivers. NOT!!!!!! I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it again... I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a GForce... Well Not m
PLEASE PLEASE give me your feedback on this comments and my issue. Thanks.

 

[Rob Schneider]

What problems are you having? As long as the computer is capable of
running XP (and Microsoft provides free tools to check this prior to
upgrade) and you have proper security to keep nefarious progarms out of
harms way, you should experience no major problems with XP.

If the machine is not up to spec, or if there are hardware problems
(which are not uncommon in problem-reporting forums), then XP will not
work. But no mystery about that.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

Hi Victoria,
i have had Windows since a week before Christmas 2003 and have not stopped trying to repair this OS System my addvice is keep Windows 98se as I will be going back to the reliable Windows 98se asap, The XP in Windows I am sure stands for Xtra Problems as I have not heard a good word in faviour of XP in all the Time I have been trying to sort out its problems. The other system I found to work great was 2000 Pro which I am also thing about getting. good luck with what ever you decide .
Regards Tony

----- Victoria wrote: -----

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake)
#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that you use this OS. Also, the unique license numbers are generated by taking an image of your hardware configuration. The license is limmited to a few computers. This means if you need to reinstall XP on a freshly formatted hard disk then you will lose of the licenses that you are alloted. If you run out of licenses then you will be required to purchase a new pack of licenses. Do you really want MicroSoft to track your hardware and software configuration? #2) Not only will you be buying the new XP, but you'll likely have to also buy upgrades to nearly all the software you currently run. Have antivirus software, you MUST upgrade it. Run pre-2000 Office software, upgrade. Have a scanner, it may not even work, yet. #3) Now for installing my drivers. NOT!

!!!!! I wonder how many of you avid gaming freaks out there own a 3DFX card made by VooDoo? If you do you might as well go out and buy a nice new GForce card because XP just turned your 64 MEG 4X AGP VooDoo 5500 into a 2 Meg Trident 9680... You cannot run any GLIDE Games whatsoever in Windows XP.. At best you can use D3D or OpenGl. Alright MicroSoft you did it again... I bet so that all of us VooDoo freaks will run right out and get a GForce... Well Not me

 

[Alex Nichol]

I'm wondering if i should upgrade from 98se to xp. Is there an advantage. I'm having NO problems w/my 98se except that the software that came with my digi cam from Arcsoft is causing issues (windows sys not responding, illegal actions, and can't open .avi's). They are sending me an older version to see if this eradicates the problem. I've been reading up on xp, and here are some comments that concern me (please bear with the long diatribe). I REALLY need feedback before I make a decision whether or not to upgrade. Notes about my system: PIII, 14gb, 128ram, 1000mhz, MS Office Pro 2000 and some older software & drivers from my scanner & printer (about 5yrs old). (also, I have a no issue w/installing my own drivers, piece of cake)

There is no real benefit until you find a need for something where your
present system will not cope. If you do decide to upgrade, get yourself
another 128 or 256 MB of RAM (it has to be very well matched - I would
get 256 from a really reliable maker like Crucial or Kingston, and if it
does not match well enough you would have the 256 on its own as fall
back). And Read Gary Woodruff's article on upgrading to XP at
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

#1) MS's new method of licensing and registration of WIN XP may prove too scary to stomach for some users. Apparently you will need to reactivate WIN XP anually. This will require a licensing fee each and every year that you use this OS.

That is totally wrong. You have fallen for some of the rumor that is
spread (sometimes I think maliciously). You do need to activate, which
goes through on the net in about 20 seconds, sometime in the first 30
days. You do not have to repeat annually, nor pay any subscription.
Read up at my page www.aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.htm

 

[Alex Nichol]

Your machine is simply not powerfull enough. If you want XP, consider
just buying a new machine which has it pre-installed and go from there.

I would regard the only point on which it is inadequate as being the RAM
size. 1000 MHz is plenty; 14GB adequate (my total of system and
installed programs is under 9GB)

 

[Rob Schneider]

good catch. sorry. decimal point error on my part.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms