Upgrading to Windows XP
 

I don't really know how to word this properly....

I use Windows ME at the moment, but I'm wondering about upgrading to XP.

Is upgrading a necessary thing or is it only if it'll be of any use to you and/or your circumstances?

Is it a case of if what you do with the computer is okay on ME it won't change much on XP or is it a must have?

Sorry if I'm a being a bit vague. I just don't want to upgrade, muck everything up and it not be any different.

You will certainly find XP different. Takes some getting used to but I think it's worth the upgrade.

You can put XP straight on top of ME and there shouldn't be any problems (I put it on top of 98 and it went fine) although a clean install will always be preferable.

Gotta agree with Russ ;) But I had problems upgrading from ME a clean install imho is a must.

You shouldn't have any probs I have updated from Win ME on another PC, to XP and it went smoothly.:)

A clean install is my preferred option, you just have to back up your documents etc.

i have also upgraded to windows xp from windows ME and never looked back fast stable everything works program wise you may need to reinstall a few progams so they work under the new OS

obviously a clean install is recommended :)

Ta!

I know this may sound very stupid, but for a clean install, would I have to get the full version or can I get away with the upgrade version?

you will need the full version :)

Before you do anything get the latest XP drivers for your modem of the web. Guess what I didnâ₠¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t do when I upgraded to XP.

Ta!

Though an install over a clean install of ME is probably preferable (and cheaper) than installing over the system as is.

Options
1) Clean install of Full XP disc
2) Clean install of ME install upgrade XP
3) Install XP ontop of machine as is.

I found that upgrading from 98SE to XP pro made XP pro run very unstable.
I will and always advise to do a full install rather than an upgrade.

There is a halfway house for a semi-clean install whereby instead of doing a full format and install you install XP over the top of ME rather than upgrading it. This is semi-clean becuse this type of install ignores the current settings and registry.

Fact you have an "Upgrade" rather than "Full" copy should not be an issue as it can confirm the earlier OP sysytem was there by reading the ME CD as part of a compliance check.

First step in any case is to check for any potential conflicts/problems.

The install CD should give you the option to run a compatability check which will identify any issues and even suggest work arrounds. Having done this and obtained any updated drivers and backed up important data insert the CD and start the install.

On the screen that asks if you want to upgrade select "No" and then on the later screen confirm that you wish to nominate the partion to install XP to. Then you simply nominate the existing ME partition. (If you have more than one partition selecting another partition will auto create a "Dual" boot system that allows you to choose between ME and XP at bootup.)

Hope this helps.

Forgot to mention my problems occured when upgrading from ME to XP Pro

get yourself an oem copy of xp and save £50 ;)