W98SE -> XPHome: what do I need to know?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Neal
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Neal

I am considering upfrading my soon-to-be-unsupported W98SE to XPHome. It's
my understanding that in so doing I will lose no files or installations.
That's that Microsoft says, anyhow.

If I do upgrade, what precautions should I be sure to take? And what
details should I be aware of that might not be readily obvious from the
Microsoft information?

Thanks in advance.
 
How to prepare to upgrade Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition to
Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q316639

To determine if your computer is compatible with Windows XP Home or Windows
XP Professional, visit one of the following Web sites:

Windows XP Home
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/checkcompat.mspx

Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/checkcompat.mspx

Upgrade Advisor
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/advisor.mspx

Using WinXP's File and Settings Transfer (FAST) Wizard
(by MVP Gary Woodruff; Please read the caveats about Outlook Express)
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm
 
Neal said:
I am considering upfrading my soon-to-be-unsupported W98SE to XPHome.
It's my understanding that in so doing I will lose no files or
installations. That's that Microsoft says, anyhow.
Click to expand...


By definition, an "upgrade" (as opposed to a clean installation) means that
all data, programs, etc. are kept intact.

However there are no guarantees that it always works perfectly. However
unlikely, it's always possible that something might go wrong. For that
reason it's prudent to be sure you have a backup of anything you can't
afford to lose before beginning.
 
You also need to make sure you have the minimum hardware specification
required for XP.

I don't rcommend an upgrade as in most cases it never works properly. A
clean install is the best way to go. You can do a clean install with an
upgrade CD so you don;t need to buy a full version!

hth
 
In
ANONYMOUS said:
You also need to make sure you have the minimum hardware specification
required for XP.

I don't rcommend an upgrade as in most cases it never works properly.
A clean install is the best way to go. You can do a clean install
with an upgrade CD so you don;t need to buy a full version!

hth
Click to expand...

When properly prepped, the XP upgrade will outstandingly. The XP upgrade is
much different than previous versions of Windows and the end result is very
close to a clean install. I recommend prepping for a clean install but do
the upgrade as the first choice. If any problems arise, do the clean
install.
--
Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
(e-mail address removed)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com
For a better newsgroup experience. Setup a newsreader.
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
 
There are several ways to take this issue on:

First run the compatibility check (free download) from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/advisor.mspx

If your system passes this tool then you wont (or shouldn't have a problem),
this is a general rule - other things can still cause errors or cause you
To reformat your drive.

So that brings us here:

Backup all of your important data - I actually mean that.

One that is done and if your system has passed the compatibility checker you
are ready to begin.

And yes if all goes well you will loose nothing and all supported
applications will work (or should).


Robert Bollinger, MCP.
 
Neal said:
I am considering upfrading my soon-to-be-unsupported W98SE to XPHome. It's
my understanding that in so doing I will lose no files or installations.
That's that Microsoft says, anyhow.

If I do upgrade, what precautions should I be sure to take? And what
details should I be aware of that might not be readily obvious from the
Microsoft information?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I agree with what PA Bear, Ken Blake, and Michael Stevens have said.

Here is an additional article regarding preparing for upgrades that
you should read:
MVP Gary Woodruff's article on upgrading to XP:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."
 
Neal said:
I am considering upfrading my soon-to-be-unsupported W98SE to XPHome.
It's my understanding that in so doing I will lose no files or
installations. That's that Microsoft says, anyhow.

If I do upgrade, what precautions should I be sure to take? And what
details should I be aware of that might not be readily obvious from the
Microsoft information?
Click to expand...



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.

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


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
 
I am considering upfrading my soon-to-be-unsupported W98SE to XPHome. It's
my understanding that in so doing I will lose no files or installations.
Click to expand...

So 98 won't be supported. So what? It'll still WORK.

I haven't do this upgrade myself but I've heard there can be problems.

I suggest you do a clean install of XP and reinstall all your
software. Then bring in your data from backup.
 
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