Upgrading from Win98 to XP?

[Mike Davis]

I am currently using Windows 98 on a 500MHz system (Pentium III) that
is about 5 years old.

I'm wondering if there are significant problems with trying to install
XP (upgrade to 98) over my current system.

1) I don't want to lose anything.

2) I prefer all my registered programs continue to be registered and
running? I currently use Office 97, Norton Anti Virus 2003, Zone
Alarm and a variety of other shareware programs.

3) I likely won't be able to find drivers for hardware unless they
come with XP.

Has anyone successfully installed XP over an existing Windows98
system, without having any problems with regards to 1, 2 or 3?

Are there any gotchas that I should be aware of, before I attempt
this, IF I attempt this? Yes, I know about "backup your existing
system."

Which version would I have the least problem with? A full-version of
XP or an Upgrad version of XP? Do I need the PRO version for a
single PC in my home?

 

[Nicholas]

Mike --

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| I am currently using Windows 98 on a 500MHz system (Pentium III) that
| is about 5 years old.
|
| I'm wondering if there are significant problems with trying to install
| XP (upgrade to 98) over my current system.
|
| 1) I don't want to lose anything.
|
| 2) I prefer all my registered programs continue to be registered and
| running? I currently use Office 97, Norton Anti Virus 2003, Zone
| Alarm and a variety of other shareware programs.
|
| 3) I likely won't be able to find drivers for hardware unless they
| come with XP.
|
| Has anyone successfully installed XP over an existing Windows98
| system, without having any problems with regards to 1, 2 or 3?
|
| Are there any gotchas that I should be aware of, before I attempt
| this, IF I attempt this? Yes, I know about "backup your existing
| system."
|
| Which version would I have the least problem with? A full-version of
| XP or an Upgrad version of XP? Do I need the PRO version for a
| single PC in my home?

 

[Gray@FA]

I am currently using Windows 98 on a 500MHz system (Pentium III) that
is about 5 years old.
XP (upgrade to 98) over my current system.

1) I don't want to lose anything.

With any upgrade there is always the potential to lose *something*. Just
have backups of all your important files.

2) I prefer all my registered programs continue to be registered and
running? I currently use Office 97, Norton Anti Virus 2003, Zone
Alarm and a variety of other shareware programs.

All will work fine under Windows XP and should remain registered. Again, you
should write down your registration numbers and pertinent information before
doing the upgrade.

3) I likely won't be able to find drivers for hardware unless they
come with XP.

Most important thing here is to make sure all of your hardware is XP
compatible before you upgrade. For example S3 Virge video cards are not
compatible with XP. If your hardware is compatible, XP will find and install
the proper drivers for you.

Has anyone successfully installed XP over an existing Windows98
system, without having any problems with regards to 1, 2 or 3?

I have done two for others, but..........

Are there any gotchas that I should be aware of, before I attempt
this, IF I attempt this? Yes, I know about "backup your existing
system."

Be prepared for a noticable slow down on a PIII 500Mhz system.

Which version would I have the least problem with? A full-version of
XP or an Upgrad version of XP? Do I need the PRO version for a
single PC in my home?

You dont need XP Pro for a single home computer. As for the upgrade or the
full version, I have never, ever, recommended an upgrade. I call this a
*dirty* install. Garbage will always be left from your former OS. A clean
install of XP on a freshly NTFS formated hard drive is definately
preferable.

 

[Alex Nichol]

I am currently using Windows 98 on a 500MHz system (Pentium III) that
is about 5 years old.

I'm wondering if there are significant problems with trying to install
XP (upgrade to 98) over my current system.

1) I don't want to lose anything.

2) I prefer all my registered programs continue to be registered and
running? I currently use Office 97, Norton Anti Virus 2003, Zone
Alarm and a variety of other shareware programs.

3) I likely won't be able to find drivers for hardware unless they
come with XP.

First check you have adequate RAM - more than 128MB, preferably 256.
This is likely to be too low on a typical 98 machine. Then Read Gary
Woodruff's article on upgrading to XP at
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

You should uninstall - not just disable - the Norton, Zone Alarm and any
CD burning in advance - you can reinstall the Norton and ZA (but get a
new download of that to the latest version) afterwards - CD burning may
need getting a new version compatible with XP

Office should be retained, and so may drivers for some devices where
there are no XP native ones (Say 'carry on' if setup issues a warning).
The most problematic ones are drivers for scanners connected on parallel
ports or 'custom' SCSI cards - the old drivers will probably be
unacceptable, and makers are not providing drivers for what they see as
obsolete devices