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upgrading from Win 98 SE to Win XP Pro

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7 replies

by lannet

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I have purchased more OEM Win XP Pro disk to "upgrade" my current network. BUT, these disk do not offer a "upgrade" on the drop down menu. ONLY shows new installtions. When I try to continue it acts as though it is installing but, hangs up after 30 to 45 minutes. I have uninstalled all virus proct. and nothing extra is loaded into memory. CAN ANY HELP???
Thanks

7 replies

by edlockett

Back up your data. Then tell the installer to format the disk and install from scratch. This would be the recommended method for installing XP. It is not advisable to upgrade since 98 and XP are very different operating systems, this can cause some very annnoying problems.
Good luck :-)

by willcomp

The corporate version of XP Pro will also upgrade an older version of Windows. If you have a number of PCs to upgrade, that may be your best bet.

A caveat. Ensure that you have sufficient hardware to effectively run XP prior to upgrading. I consider an 800 MHz CPU and 256MB RAM as minimum requirements. Most Win 98 PCs are under powered.

If hardware is lacking, Win 2000 Pro would be a better choice and the OEM version will upgrade earlier versions.

Dalton

by willcomp

Should have reiterated that OEM versions of XP (Home or Pro) will not upgrade a prior version of Windows. Either XP Upgrade CD or XP Corporate is required for an upgrade.

by ryfry9

I am very seasoned in this area. First: Dont use upgrade disks. All they will do is put new registry values upon your already messed up ones. Second: Due to problem 1, there will be registry errors for programs already installed. Microsoft likes to think that they pre plan everything and all programs will work. Unfortunately the world is not perfect, even microsoft :). Spend the extra 20 mins, back everything up and install a fresh copy of XP.

by ryfry9

I am very seasoned in this area. First: Dont use upgrade disks. All they will do is put new registry values upon your already messed up ones. Second: Due to problem 1, there will be registry errors for programs already installed. Microsoft likes to think that they pre plan everything and all programs will work. Unfortunately the world is not perfect, even microsoft :). Spend the extra 20 mins, back everything up and install a fresh copy of XP.

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