Installing XP=Pro in a Win 98 SE Computer

[Rex]

I have Win 98 SE and a ton of SW that I probably no longer have disks for. I just bought Win XP-Pro because I wanted some of the video functionality. All of my hardware is less than 1 year old. I have read that installing (upgrading) leaves a mess behind.

I have 2 hard drives and just did a complete copy from "C" to "D" so I have a good backup. My computer is pretty clean but I am sure it has allot of old files.

Questions:

1. Can I get a decent install if I just install XP-Pro over Win 98? Is this as good as a clean install?

2. If I do a clean install is there any way to restore all of my old stuff without the original installion files?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Rex 1. Can I get a decent install if I just install XP-Pro over Win 98? Is this as good as a clean install?

No, installing WinXP over Win98 or WinME is a sure way to mess things up even more. I'd recommend against doing this.

Originally Posted by Rex 2. If I do a clean install is there any way to restore all of my old stuff without the original installion files?

No, you need the installation CDs or installation files.

Cricket

[glc]

If you do a thorough housecleaning, you can usually get a halfway decent upgrade from 98 to XP. The key is dumping all temp files, temp internet files, clean all viruses, spyware, etc.

[HAL9000]

Dump everything you don't need too...I would also recommend temporarily dumping your AV program and removing everything from startup.

[glc]

And disconnect all USB devices except keyboard and/or mouse.

[Rex]

Thanks all for the advice. My SW should be here today so I will give it a try.

[Redfallon]

I did an over the top XP on 98se upgrade on an HP and it hasn't had any problems. The key is cleaning up what you can before hand, a good registry cleaner wouldn't hurt.