upgrading to XP

[Ernie]

I run an OEM version of ME at present which I think is
corrupted. I certainly get a lot of error messages, and
nothing seems to run smoothly. I would atempt to reinstall
ME but do not have the disc and Dell refuse to help.
If I buy an upgrade to XP does it install the new system
over the top of the old one in it's entirety, or does it
add bits etc - in other words if the ME is corrupted then
will XP over write it completely or just compound the
problems/

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Have you made sure that your PC's hardware components are capable
of supporting WinXP? This information will be found at the PC's
manufacturer's web site, and on Microsoft's Hardware Compatibility
List: (http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp)

You should, before proceeding, take a few minutes to ensure that
there are WinXP device drivers available for all of the machine's
components. There may not be, if the PC was specifically designed for
Win98/Me. Also bear in mind that PCs designed for and sold with
Win9x/Me very often do not meet WinXP's much more stringent hardware
quality requirements. This is particularly true of many models in
Compaq's consumer-class Presario product line or HP's consumer-class
Pavilion product line. WinXP is quite sensitive to borderline
defective hardware (particularly motherboards, RAM and hard drives)
that will still support Win9x.

Additionally, run Microsoft WinXP Upgrade Advisor to see if you
have any incompatible hardware components or applications.

HOW TO Prepare to Upgrade Win98 or WinMe
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q316639

Of course, there are no iron-clad, 100% guarantees when it comes
to updating any kind of computer software, much less an operating
system. WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing
operating system while simultaneously preserving your data and
translating as many personalized settings as possible. The process is
designed to be, and normally is, quite painless. That said, things can
go wrong, in a small number of cases. If your data is at all
important to you, back it up before proceeding.


Bruce Chambers

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