uninstalling 98, installing xp - advice needed

[turbo24]

Hello - Hopefully this is the correct forum to be in on this matter - I have a PC currently running Win 98, and for this PC I just recently swapped out my mother board (its a better one that the one that was there but its not new) Anyways, WIn 98 is giving me fits about the hardware changes and so I was thinking of just wiping out win98 and installing XP Pro on that system, using the same drive. I already checked that the drive meets the size requirements recommended for XP.

But what I don't know how to do is to set up the drive/operating system. Once I deltree the drive contents (I think this is the right method???) then its clean right? Is there anything else needed to be done first?
How will my computer be able to boot so that I can install the new OS? I don't have a boot disk made on my 98 machine and since its freaking out over the new hardware, if I made one now would it be bad? Or should I make one using my other computer that already has xp running on it? Or do I even need one? I just don't know the way it goes when setting up brand new.

I haven't done anything yet....I am waiting for your help first before I go and screw something up!!

[glc]

Just boot with the XP cd and enter Setup - it will allow you to delete all partitions and do the setup on a blank drive. No need to do any preparation.

[Statica]

Ok firstly, if you are having problems with Win98, are you sure that these problems are not because of errors but because of Win98s inability to recognize these new devices? Just because you have XP does not mean it will work fine if the hardware is buggy to begin with. That's just a disclaimer. Of course, putting in a new OS afresh will clean up any conflicts as a result of old hardware.

To install XP afresh, you do not need to deltree or format from Win98. Backup all data that you need, then when you are ready to clean out the system, go to your BIOS and set your CD as your first boot device. Then insert your XP in the drive and boot.
You should find that you are booting from the CD.

Follow the prompts onscreen to install XP, its pretty self-explanatory and painless. If you want to see what you can expect check this site out: http://www.blackviper.com/Articles/O...tallxppro1.htm

[turbo24]

Well, actually the inability of win98 to recognize my newer devices is exactly what the troubel is and I don't have the win98 cd so I cannot get the files I need in order to make it work....

Thanks very much for that info on Xp install. I did not realize that Xp was so efficeint even on its installation!!

So now I just have to make the stupid thing recognize my cd drive and I will be in business....

[Statica]

Originally Posted by turbo24 So now I just have to make the stupid thing recognize my cd drive and I will be in business....

Is it being recognized in the BIOS? You dont need it recognized in Win98 to install XP. Just go to the BIOS, and depending on your BIOS you should check to see if your CD is recognized as an IDE device either in the POST screen or go into the BIOS' IDE detect options and see if your CD drive is being detected ok.

[glc]

The issue he is having with 98 and his hardware and drivers is addressed in this thread:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=119613

[Statica]

Originally Posted by glc The issue he is having with 98 and his hardware and drivers is addressed in this thread: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=119613

Thanx for the clarification; that would explain a whole lot.

[turbo24]

cool - then i should be okay!! When in the Bios setup, yes, the Cd drive is listed!! SO even though windows can't see it I should be alright??

Thanks very much!