Multiple Winows 98 Problems!

[hlp45777]

I have a number of questions on a windows 98 system. one is this: When I start it up I get an error message that states " Cannot find the file 'COM'
(or one of it's components) Make sure the filename is correct and that all required libraries are available." When I click ok I get another message that says " could not load or run 'COM' specified in the WIN.INI file. Make sure the File exists on your computer or remove the reference to it in the WIN.INI file.
What does all this mean and how important is it. What I want do do to repair any missing files, is to put my windows 98 disk in and just run it. But I don't want it to lose any files,programs or documents. I know a clean install would do just that, but I thought just running the install disk again would just repair the system (will this work?). I also want to install a new larger hard drive but i want to transfer everything from the old drive to the new drive (a complete copy) because the old hard drive is running out of space.Total capacity is 8.95 GB with 7.35 used and 1.59 Free space. I feel this is why the computer is really running slow. I am also going to upgrade the ram which is at 96 Meg. Then I want to upgrade the new hard drive to XP Home edition. I know this all sounds crazy and confusing but can anyone give me some advise on what do do and do the steps in a proper sequence. We can start this one step at a time if ya want but I definitely need help. PLEASE
As far as specs iwill come up with them once someone replies and tell me what they need. But this is an HP Pavillion 6465.
Thanks
hlp45777

[edfair]

This is from memory, so therefore subject to being wrong.
Your HP 98 may be a recovery CD that takes the system back to "as new" rather than letting you do an overlay install. You may need to do some more research with it.
Your error message may be from some corruption in the win.ini file. This is one startup file that tells the machine what to load. If you have msconfig available you can use it to look in the file to see what it is telling windows to do. Normally should give a file name if there is a problem.
A memory upgrade may be a problem. Some would only go to 96 because of some limitations in addressing.
And a new hard drive? Then XP. Sounds more like you need to spring for a complete system, replacing what you have. Possibly throw the HP's hard drive in so you can get your data, but let the other stuff die a natural death.

[hlp45777]

my disk is a install disk for 98 so canirunit without losing any file or data? I amhoping to corect my error messages by doing this. hp says the memory can be upgraded to 256 meg. I have an intel celeron processor 433 mhz. I am also doing a complete backup up of the c drive and storing it on another computer, will that enable me to put in a new hard drive and the ram. then install xp and then restore the back upped files onto to the XP sytem?
Let me know what you think. and where I may be going wrong.

[edfair]

I stand corrected.
You can do an "over the top" install, 98 and SE were best at it. Just make sure you put it in the exact same place. BUT, it may not correct your errors. Some stuff is retained and if the error is part of that, then you have the error on the new.
Transferring stuff from 98 onto XP may be a problem. Better to make the new XP, then reload the programs. You will be able to transfer the data without major problems, just not a copy across of the programs since the OS grabs and integrates important information during the install.

[hlp45777]

I have solved the problem thanks to the experts at PC Mech!