Upgrading to Windows XP

[Supernoob]

Hiya,

Need some help with installing Windows XP on my computer. Its currently got Win 98 or 2000 on it (can't remember which off-hand), do I back-up my files and uninstall the old OS before installing XP or can I just over-write with the new software?

As my name implies, I'm newbie at doing this.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[hubbardt]

A good question !

I always prefer to do a clean install of a nw operating system (i.e. back up any data you want, reformat the hard drive and install new operating system). Upgrades tend to leave a lot of junk around which means your machine will run more slowly and is more prone to crashes.

If you can do a clean install I would recommend it but you need to ask yourself a few questions first.

- Do I meet the minimum requirements and is my hardware compatible ?
Microsof have a useful upgrade advisor utility click me !

- Do you have enough memory ?
Personally I would not run XP with anything less than 512Mb

If you do a clean install ....

-Do you have the original install CDs for your software ?
You will obviously need to reinstall all your software (including antivirus, Email ....)

- Don't forget to back up all your important data.
Email file (e.g. Outlook PST)
Favorites
Personal documents
Any game save data (don't forget My Documents folder)
Registration/Serial numbers for software


One last tip. I always use Norton Ghost to burn an image onto CD before doing any work. That way if everything screws up you can always restore your image and get back to a working machine

Oh ... and make sure the Windows Firewall is turned on


Good Luck !