Simply install the new RAM and you should not encounter
a problem with Windows recognizing it. You should install
it prior to upgrading to Windows XP.
It is always a good idea to install the latest available BIOS
update to enhance the performance of your computer.
Visit
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
and type in your Dell Service Tag Number and you'll be able to download the correct
BIOS update designed for your specific model Dell computer.
HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639
Before upgrading any existing Windows installation, it would be prudent to
run the Upgrade Advisor for Windows XP. This tool will report what hardware
or software may be incompatible with Windows XP. If you follow the Upgrade
Advisor's recommendations, you should not have any problem upgrading to
Windows XP.
If you fail to utilize the Upgrade Advisor, you may run into incompatibility issues.
Just inserting the Windows XP Upgrade CD in the CD Drive and selecting
"upgrade" is not going to give you the desired result. You must "prepare and
plan" your computer before beginning the upgrade process.
Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726
It is imperative that you have the latest BIOS update installed. Visit the support
website of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard for instructions
on updating your computer's BIOS.
Accessing Motherboard BIOS
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
Also, physically disconnect all your peripheral hardware devices,
especially USB devices (not including your mouse, keyboard or
monitor). Uninstall any antivirus program, too!
HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp
Clean Install Windows XP (optional)
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
[Courtesy of MS-MVP Michael Stevens]
How to Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;310064
How to troubleshoot problems during installation when you upgrade from Windows 98
or Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310064&Product=winxp
Troubleshooting Windows XP Setup
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_setup.htm
[Courtesy of MS-MVP Kelly Theriot]
--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx
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:
| I have a Dell Dimension 8100 series with 256 meg of ram
| running Windows ME.
|
| I just purchased an additional 256 meg chip AND Windows XP
| Home Upgrade.
|
| My thought is that is will be easier to upgrade Windows XP
| first and then install the memory chip...?
|
| I was thinking that if I install the memory first, that
| there may be a problem with ME findng and accepting it
| whereas XP is more advanced and should have no problem...?
|
| ALSO, SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT A POSSIBLE BIOS
| UPDATE...?!
|
| If anyone can help, please advise!
|
| Thank You
