XP from ME, plus removing a partition

[pat]

I want to upgrade to XP and more importantly, delete me D
partition so that I only work off of C (it came pre-loaded
that way). Can I just load the upgrade and delete the D
drive in the process? Or, will I have to transfer the
data off of my current drives, reformat/install and then
re-transfer the data back?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I want to upgrade to XP and more importantly, delete me D
partition so that I only work off of C (it came pre-loaded
that way). Can I just load the upgrade and delete the D
drive in the process? Or, will I have to transfer the
data off of my current drives, reformat/install and then
re-transfer the data back?

Deleting drive D: seems a backward step. Having your
data on drive D: allows you to install/upgrade operating
systems on drive C: without worrying about loss of data.

If you still wish to go ahead then you have two choices:
- Back up your data, then delete all partitions, then
install WinXP, then restore your data.
- Install XP on top of WinME, copy your data to drive C:,
then use a partition manager such as Acronis PartitionExpert
or PowerQuest PartitionMagic to delete drive D: and
expand drive C: non-destructively.

An overall observation: There are two groups of people -
those who back up their important files every week, and
those who don't. Ultimately everybody will be in the first
group. The transition from the second to the first group
can be quite painful.

 

[Mark]

you may delete the partition in question yes but you do not regain that
space back on C. See "Help! Partitions?" above in this newsgroup.

 

[pat]

do i have to then reinstall all of my programs or can i
just transfer them back over?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

do i have to then reinstall all of my programs or can i
just transfer them back over?

Your applications will survive the upgrade. However,
if it was my PC then I would do a clean installation,
because this would give me a far more robust and
stable operating system.

 

[Mark]

This would be a new setup so yes you would have to reload all programs. If
you had OEM software on say your PC's restore CD that would not be possible
to obtain.

 

[Mark]

Also a "new installation" does NOT remove all remnants of ME. My method is
the way to go. Cheers!