If your intent is to indeed perform an upgrade over Windows ME,
you'll have to perform a conversion to NTFS after the upgrade has
completed.
Converting FAT32 to NTFS in Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.htm
[Courtesy of Alex Nichol, MS-MVP]
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
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
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 ME 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/
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|I have windows Me right now. I want to UPGRADE (sorry, I
| know...but I am a poor student!) to windows XP. However,
| I want to have my hard drive converted to NTFS. I have
| read that if you have 512 bit clusters on Windows XP and
| NTFS, you will have troubles. When I upgrade, is there a
| way to garuantee that I will have the optimal 4kb
| clusters? Will this be done automatically?
|
| Thanks
