Upgrading?

[Guest]

I know nothing about computers, but I need an upgrade from Windows98 to
Windows2000 or XP, What's the cheapest, easiest, most convenient way to do
that? Without losing the files on the computer.

 

[Enkidu]

I know nothing about computers, but I need an upgrade from Windows98 to
Windows2000 or XP, What's the cheapest, easiest, most convenient way to do
that? Without losing the files on the computer.

If you perform an *upgrade* rather than a fresh install you will not
lose any files. You may have to re-install applications.

(Just in case -- an application is something like Microsoft Word or
Internet Explorer. Applications are used to manipulate files. A file
ending in .doc is manipulated by Word for example.)

Put in the 2000 or XP CD and it will prompt you to do a fresh install
or an upgrade. If it doesn't it maybe would be easiest to get a local
computer enthusiast to help. You could repost here of course, but that
might be easiest.

Cheers,

Cliff

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I know nothing about computers, but I need an upgrade from Windows98 to
Windows2000 or XP, What's the cheapest, easiest, most convenient way to do
that? Without losing the files on the computer.

Are you sure that you *need* to upgrade? If Win98 is meeting your
current needs, you really don't have to replace it, you know.

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 Windows Catalog:
(http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx) Additionally, run
Microsoft WinXP Upgrade Advisor to see if you have any incompatible
hardware components or applications.

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, sold and run fine
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, like WinNT and Win2K
before it, is quite sensitive to borderline defective or substandard
hardware (particularly motherboards, RAM and hard drives) that will
still support Win9x.

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

Upgrading to Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing operating
system while simultaneously preserving your applications and 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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