upgrade or full system install?

[amy]

I am planning to upgrade my Dell laptop from Windows ME
to XP. I am only moderately experienced in dealing with
IT systems. One expert advised that instead of buying
and installing the upgrade package for XP, that I buy a
full copy of XP and install that instead. He indicated
that it would be a more robust and successful system.

What do you think? I'd appreciate other knowledgeable
opinions as I do not have the knowledge myself to really
evaluate this advice. I figured that through a forum
such as this I could collect multiple opinions from which
to make a decision.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

 

[Nicholas]

The "expert" you've been talking with needs to be better informed.
The only difference between an "upgrade" and a "full" version is the
upgrade version requires a previous version of Windows as proof
of upgrade eligibility. Other than that, both CDs are identical.

In fact, as long as you have a Windows ME CD, you can also perform
a "clean install' if you so choose.

Clean Install Windows XP
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

[Courtesy of Michael Stevens, MS-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: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639

Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm


Also, physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware devices,
especially USB devices (not including your mouse, keyboard or
monitor). Uninstall any antivirus program, too!

Most importantly, it would be prudent to perform a backup of
any data files you have, just in case a problem should occur.

Important: When you are ready to upgrade to Windows XP,
make sure to select the default "Upgrade" option
during the initial setup phase. Do not select the
alternative "New Installation" option!

P.S. Be sure and visit the Windows Update site and download
all the critical updates after upgrading to Windows XP.


--
Nicholas

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| I am planning to upgrade my Dell laptop from Windows ME
| to XP. I am only moderately experienced in dealing with
| IT systems. One expert advised that instead of buying
| and installing the upgrade package for XP, that I buy a
| full copy of XP and install that instead. He indicated
| that it would be a more robust and successful system.
|
| What do you think? I'd appreciate other knowledgeable
| opinions as I do not have the knowledge myself to really
| evaluate this advice. I figured that through a forum
| such as this I could collect multiple opinions from which
| to make a decision.
|
| THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I am planning to upgrade my Dell laptop from Windows ME
to XP. I am only moderately experienced in dealing with
IT systems. One expert advised that instead of buying
and installing the upgrade package for XP, that I buy a
full copy of XP and install that instead. He indicated
that it would be a more robust and successful system.

If he said that, he's far from an expert.

The Full and Upgrade versions of Windows XP are identical, expect
for the rules for requirements to install them. The Full version
can be used without restriction as either a clean installation or
upgrade. The Upgrade can also be used for either a clean
installation or an upgrade, however if used for a clean
installation, it requires proof of ownership of a previous
qualifying version--either already installed on the drive or in
the form of a CD insterted when prompted to do so.

Buying a Full version when you qualify to use an upgrade is just
a waste of money.

One might argue that it's better to do a clean installation than
an upgrade, but that doesn't depend on which version you use.
Moreover, in my experience upgrades to XP are usually very
successful (much better than with previous versions) and I
recommend that you at least try it, since it's much easier. Worst
case, if problems develop, you can always change your mind and do
a clean installation.