Do you have to delete Windows 98 before replacing with XP?

Question

I have had so many problems with my 5 yr-old custom-made computer, and followed all the advice possible from Yahoo Answers, that I decided to replace Windows 98 with a new XP pgm. I now have the XP discs, have downloaded the pgms and files I want to save, and will soon archive necessary email files to my hard-drive and copy them.

A computer repair friend said I have the memory to download XP without deleting Windows 98 first, but after trying four times and being stopped part-way through, I think I need more advice. I only have one phone line, so I couldn't keep her on the phone while working on it, as the computer had to be online to Microsoft. That is one reason I'm upgrading, so I can sign up with AT&T for a high-speed connection that gives two lines but needs at least Windows 2000.

I'm not a techie, so I worry about ruining the computer when I can't afford another one. Can any of you computer gurus give me advice?

I want to add to my question and extend for 3 more days. I'm going to delete everything and then install XP, but one of the answers said to remove the partitions. Are partitions the different drives, like C and D? If not, what are they and how do I remove them?

Answer 1

if you update you will lose 98 it will become xp... the best thing to do if you can is a fresh install insert your xp disc and let it do a fresh install back up ever thing first

Answer 2

Updating should be possible. But as far as I understand have you tried 5 times. I guess your Windows 98 Isn't usable at all after that so reformating is the only option.

If your PC is 5 years old, is it powerful enough to run Windows XP? Do you have enough Memory? Windows XP is far more demanding than Win 98. Why not upgrade to Win 2000? It is far less demanding then XP, and works well. maybe you can find a copy.

Answer 3

Ok, first of all, You can upgrade from 98 to XP no problem. In regards to the last persons answer, You can also have 2 operating systems on one machine, it's called "Dual Boot". Now if you want my professional opinion I say you need to do a fresh install. First back up EVERYTHING that's important to you. Second, I HIGHLY recommend that you delete all the partitions and do a fresh install. When you overwrite an operating system you tend to run into more problems in the long run than if you do a fresh install.

Answer 4

If your copy of Windows XP is an upgrade version, you have to keep 98 on it. You have to have an earlier version of Windows installed before you can install install XP. If, on the other hand, your copy of Windows XP is a full copy, then nope, you can delete Windows 98 and format your hard drive (you can install a fresh copy of Windows XP). Just pop in the XP cd, reboot the computer and follow the onscreen instructions (your computer must be able to start from the cd-rom drive though).

Answer 5

For all of you that seem to think you can't put oem xp as an upgrade are nuts! I know what I'm talking about, I use to use winme and used my "Full" xp as an upgrade and it works. It erases win 98 or winme and puts on winxp. And any files you wanted saved are saved!

Answer 6

I blieve that you can only upgrade the 98 to XP. I don't think you can have two operating programs on there at once.

Back up your important files to a disk/cd. Than upgrade.

Answer 7

No all you have to do is hit the upgrade when you put the xp cd in.

Answer 8

Contact Microsoft. www.support.microsoft.com. It may not be feasible and if you are able to do it, the processor will probably be very slow. There are so many more things that may not be compatible.