Upgrading to Windows XP

[Russ]

I want to purchase Windows XP operating system upgrade fro
mm PC currently running Windows 98 SE. I assumed the
older Microsoft Office 97 applications I have been using
would be compatible with the new operating system. The
salesperson could not assure me that this was the case?
Do old Microsoft software products run on XP, or will I
have to updat thesse applications also?

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

If you purchased MS Office 97 at retail, it should run on XP. If it's an
OEM version (a version supplied with another computer) no.

As to your blanket question, there is no precise answer to that. Some will
and some won't and sometimes it varies from system to system. XP does
include a compatibility wizard but there are no guarantees and the older the
application, the greater the possibility of trouble, especially with games
and anything designed to run in DOS.

If you have an application that is system critical, something you need for
business or work, you might want to dual boot your system with XP if you
know the application currently runs on your current setup. That way you
won't lose access to it.

Also, you might want to run the compatibility wizard on your setup. It may
point out problem applications or hardware that need to be changed or
updated. There is a wizard on the XP CD but you should run it before
acquiring it. You can download the wizard known as the Upgrade Advisor from
the following site and note, it is about 50MB so if you have access to a
broadband connection you might want to download it when you have access to
it:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp

Dual booting can be accomplished during XP setup. While at the 98SE
desktop, place the XP CD in the drive so as to begin setup from 98, choose
new install (this is available even on the upgrade CD). At some point
during setup you will be asked where you wish to install, choose a partition
separate from the current 98SE partition. NOTE: this may require you to
create a new partition for XP prior to installing if your hard drive has one
single partition. This can be done with 3rd party software such as
Powerquest's Partition Magic, www.powerquest.com.

 

[Russ]

Thanks for your help.
The MS Office 97 sofware came with my PC when I purchased
it, they are OEM versions. The applications I am
concerned about are WORD, Excell and Access. I'll try the
compatability wizard you suggested and see what happens.
Again, thanks for your help.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Even if the application you mentioned are not found to be incompatible by
the wizard, you may not be able to install Office 97 or any of the
components on the new system as it may be tied to your other hardware.
Legally, it's not supposed to be done but it also may not work, especially
if it were somehow integrated with your other setup. If not, the new setup
will ask for a CD key during setup. Most OEM software doesn't have a key or
a key that will work on another computer.

In any event, good luck.

 

[David]

Even if the application you mentioned are not found to be incompatible
by the wizard, you may not be able to install Office 97 or any of the
components on the new system as it may be tied to your other hardware.
Legally, it's not supposed to be done but it also may not work,
especially if it were somehow integrated with your other setup. If
not, the new setup will ask for a CD key during setup. Most OEM
software doesn't have a key or a key that will work on another
computer.

In any event, good luck.

The OP Never said he was buying a new system. He said he wants to get
the Win XP Upgrade for his Win98se system. Therefore, OEM is not an
issue.

--

David

Programmers write "Help Files" for a reason. use them.

"Due to Viewer dicretion...
Graphic violence is advised"

http://www.HeroicStories.com/
http://www.thisistrue.com/

 

[David]

I want to purchase Windows XP operating system upgrade fro
mm PC currently running Windows 98 SE. I assumed the
older Microsoft Office 97 applications I have been using
would be compatible with the new operating system. The
salesperson could not assure me that this was the case?
Do old Microsoft software products run on XP, or will I
have to updat thesse applications also?

Run the XP upgrade advisor from the XP CD before anything else. It
will tell you what problems to expect from your configuration.

When I ran it. It told me that I would need to re-iinstall Offfice
after the upgrade.

--

David

Programmers write "Help Files" for a reason. use them.

"Due to Viewer dicretion...
Graphic violence is advised"

http://www.HeroicStories.com/
http://www.thisistrue.com/

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Correct, as long as Office 97 is installed on the previous setup over which
he plans to upgrade to XP.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

That can be a problem with an OEM version of an application. Some will
install with no problem but sometimes it recognizes the different OS as a
different computer. Even if it is a separate disk as opposed to bundled
with or otherwise integrated into a bundle, it can be problematic as retail
CD Keys are usually different from OEM keys. He may try to reinstall
Office, input his key and find it is rejected because he's trying to install
it in XP.