upgrade help

[Guest]

I'm upgrading to windows xp and wanted some tips on how to make the transition smooth. I have windows me right now.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Before upgrading any existing Windows installation, it would be prudent to
run the Upgrade Advisor for Windows XP. This tool will report what hardware
or software may be incompatible with Windows XP. If you follow the Upgrade
Advisor's recommendations, you should not have any problem upgrading to
Windows XP.

If you fail to utilize the Upgrade Advisor, you may run into incompatibility issues.
Just inserting the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD Drive and selecting
"upgrade" is not going to give you the desired result. You must "prepare and
plan" your computer before beginning the upgrade process.

Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726

It is imperative that you have the latest BIOS update installed. Visit the support
website of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard for instructions
on updating your computer's BIOS.

Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm

How to Flash Your BIOS
http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/answerstips/story/0,24330,3336702,00.html

If you perform the upgrade, using the following procedure,
you should retain your programs and files. However, it is
always prudent to backup your critical files....just in case.

1. Purchase the conventional "retail upgrade version" of Windows XP.
2. Uninstall any third-party antivirus or firewall programs.
3. Disconnect all peripheral hardware devices, but not the monitor, keyboard or mouse.
4. While at your Windows desktop screen, insert the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD drive.
5. Select the default "Upgrade" option....do not select "New Installation".
6. Defrag your drive after upgrading.
7. Reinstall your antivirus program & turn-on the firewall.
8. Visit the Windows Update website and download the necessary updates.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

 

[milton]

go for a CLEAN install, not upgrade...

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

In

I'm upgrading to windows xp and wanted some tips on how to make the
transition smooth. I have windows me right now.

Although many people will tell you that formatting and installing
cleanly is the best way to go, 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 eth 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.