Im learning about computers and I have a laptop with windows98 on it. I have Windows xp I just recently purchased how do I upgrade safely?
2007-01-03 20:17:55 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
First check your machine is XP ready
http://pcpitstop.com/xpready/
The best way to do an install is to do a clean build (as opposed to overlaying 98 with XP).
Here's how
http://www.lifehacker.com/software/windows/geek-to-live-how-to-format-your-hard-drive-and-install-windows-xp-from-scratch-157578.php
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2007-01-03 20:19:47 · answer #1 · answered by jan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jan had the right idea.
I experienced a similar dilemma a few years ago, and ended up sticking with '98.
The problem has to do with peripheral drivers. Computers that ran on '98 were typically Pentium II's and Pentium III's. The programs written for '98 were written for the speed of those processors, just as programs written for XP are written for the speed of typical processors sold on XP platforms.
There is a minumum processor speed and amount and speed of RAM necessary to operate XP, but if you ever saw XP on a system with the minimum requirements, it's not a pretty sight. It will run, but run very slowly, and simply put, it's not worth it.
There are articles on the net regarding this subject, and what the "real" minimum requirement is for XP, or you can go to a computer store and talk to the techs about it. They can give you an idea.
The other problem is peripherals. Say after the upgrade you wanted to add a cam. it could be enirely possible that with XP, the system won't be powerful enough to run the cam. And the drivers for '98 (that would work with the power of your system) aren't compatible with XP.
However, if you think this upgrade will work, then a clean install is the best way to go.
I don't think there is an upgrade available to go from '98 to XP, but as I said, that's not the best way to go, anyway.
You are better off doing a complete reformatting, then installing XP.
Good Luck!
2007-01-03 22:01:00 · answer #2 · answered by LongSnapper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go the upgrade route, you should have no problems.
Your files will be preserved, but I suggest backing up any essential files prior to upgrading just in case something goes wrong.
When you insert the XP CD, selct "upgrade" when asked and follow the instructions from there. It's very easy as the CD does all the work for you.
2007-01-03 20:24:02 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you purchased the XP upgrade, then all you need to do is run it; the installation program does the rest. You'll probably need to have the validation code from your Win 98 CD, so make sure you have it (or can get one from a friend... ) :-)
2007-01-03 20:49:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your machine has Win98, more than likely it isn't powerful enough to run WinXP.
I don't think the "upgrade" from Win98 to WinXP is available, but even if it is, I'd recommend a complete reinstall.
2007-01-03 20:26:29 · answer #5 · answered by BigRez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should be able to upgrade easily. just follow the instructions correctly on ur xp software. if u think u might do sumthing rog or it wont work. back up all ur important documents before u start to upgrade.
2007-01-03 20:20:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to microsoft website to make sure. I thought you could only do it from 98SE and above.
2007-01-03 20:24:03 · answer #7 · answered by micaso1971 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformat your hard drive.
2007-01-03 20:25:02 · answer #8 · answered by jkomets 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can
2007-01-03 20:20:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋