upgrading nt4.0

[Guest]

I have a NT4.0 w/sp6 that i use for my 32 bit apps i build,I recently purchased an new compaq w/XP Pro (ntfs) can I upgrade the nt 4.0 system to XP Pro? this would be for ease of networking. I was told that an upgrade to xp pro would leave my files intact and could be configured as a fat 32. thanks Grizz

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I have a NT4.0 w/sp6 that I use for my 32 bit apps I build,I recently
purchased an new Compaq w/XP Pro (NTFS) can I upgrade the NT 4.0
system to XP Pro? this would be for ease of networking. I was told
that an upgrade to XP pro would leave my files intact and could be
configured as a fat 32. thanks Grizz

You are not going to be able to UPGRADE and convert NTFS to FAT32.
That change would require something like Partition Magic.

However, the upgrade is doable:

Windows XP Supported Upgrade Paths
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=292607

Please note, however, that you will want to go here first:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
Make sure you can go, what programs/hardware will have trouble, etc.

Collect the Windows XP Drivers for all of your hardware.
Backup all your important data.
Uninstall unnecessary programs.
Disconnect from the Internet.
Do a Full Virus Scan.
Do a Full Spyware/Adware scan.
Do a disk defragmentation.
Do a CHKDSK/SCANDISK.
You may want to even UNINSTALL your AntiVirus software for now.

Then upgrade.

Turn on the Firewall before you EVER connect back to the Internet.
After you turn on the firewall and get back on the Internet, go straight to:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
and download the latest critical updates.
Reinstall your antivirus software and update it.

Good Luck!

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Grizz,

I have a NT4.0 w/sp6 that i use for my 32 bit apps i build,I recently
purchased an new compaq w/XP Pro (ntfs) can I upgrade the nt 4.0 system to
XP Pro?

Certainly, but you can't use the version that came with the Compaq, you will
need a retail WinXP Pro Upgrade disk.

this would be for ease of networking.

Yep, XP is good with that.

I was told that an upgrade to xp pro would leave my files intact and could
be configured as a fat 32.

Yes and yes. Just follow common sense guidelines for upgrading. Check that
hardware/software is compatible, and download any needed third party drivers
ahead of time.

thanks

You're welcome, hope this helps.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone



Grizz

 

[Guest]

thanks very much

 

[Alex Nichol]

I have a NT4.0 w/sp6 that i use for my 32 bit apps i build,I recently purchased an new compaq w/XP Pro (ntfs) can I upgrade the nt 4.0 system to XP Pro? this would be for ease of networking. I was told that an upgrade to xp pro would leave my files intact and could be configured as a fat 32.

Yes. You will need a retail upgrade XP Pro CD (not OEM that will only
clean install) . Run it from the NT; start Install, continue with
Upgrade (the default). This will leave installed software intact for
the most part, and retain data, and not change the file system. You
should though uninstall (not just disable) any Antivirus, system
utilities like Norton, and CD burning software in advance - reinstall in
XP compatible versions after,

An XP Pro you buy now should include Service Pack 1. SP2 is a month or
two off, though it is available now in preview - don't yet put that on
production machines. But you must enable the firewall before going on
the Internet *at all* or you will be hit by viruses in a minute or two.
Then get the critical updates.