Windows Me to Windows XP

[Magicb6076]

OK I know Windows ME has had a bunch or problems and thats why I intend to upgrade to Windows XP, but I need some help. I want to keep all the files/programs that I have on my computer now, and not delete them when i install Windows XP. Will installing XP do this? What do I do to install the XP? Do i just put the CD in and click install or what. Remember I do not want to reformat my hardrive, i just want to upgrade it. Since Me has had a lot of problems, will it make things harder to try to upgrade it? I have to keep in mind that I do not have my original Windows ME cd, we are in the middle of a move, so if anytihg happens when I try to install XP, that results in losing important information, I have no way of getting my comp. back to Windows ME. Can anyone help me please? What about drivers too, will that effect anything? I have upgraded Windows 95 to Windows 98, and it left all my programs/files there...thats exactly what I want to do with XP.
Im running a Gateway,pentium 4 1600 megahertz processor, 256 mb ram, and 19 gigs of hardrive space. PLease help!!! Thanks, Brandon

[Magicb6076]

Oh yeah, its going to be Windows XP Pro, if that has anything to do whith anything... Thanks Brandon

[RJ]

Well. For what you intend to do, just insert the Windows XP CD while you are in Windows ME. It will autoplay and then just follow the instructions on the screen.

Me has had a lot of problems, will it make things harder to try to upgrade it?

Possibly. That is why a clean install is recommended over an upgrade. It could be that your Windows XP will be problematic as well.

What about drivers too, will that effect anything?

You will need Windows XP drivers for all your devices. Better download them now, before installing XP.

I have upgraded Windows 95 to Windows 98, and it left all my programs/files there...thats exactly what I want to do with XP.

Yep, it works the same way.

RJ

[glc]

I'd really recommend you find a way to back up your files in this case - in place upgrades from ME to XP are frequently problematic and a fresh start will almost always be better in the long run. You can try the in place upgrade, but I would not do it without a backup first, even if you have to burn a whole pile of CD's.