Clean Install ME to XP

[Mark Parthum]

I want upgrade to XP from ME. I am having problems with
ME. SO... I have been told to do a complete clean
install on the hard drive with XP. From what I have read
online I have two choices:

1.Format the disk, by either formatting it at the command
prompt or manually deleting every program. Then install
XP. Then install everything I already have on there

2.Partition the hard drive into two drives and put XP on
the new drives. Then run both OS at the same time and
have the computer boot up XP on the startup.

Additional notes: I am going to upgrade my memory first.
I am currently at 64 mb and am going to increase to 256mb.
I am planning on buying an OEM version of MS XP Pro.

So... is my logic and research correct about my two
choices? Or am I totally incorrect? What would you do in
my situation? Do you have any advise on how get a clean
hard drive? If I do the partition can I get the computer
back to one drive and eliminate ME completely?

Please help!

[Michael Stevens]

Mark Parthum wrote:
> I want upgrade to XP from ME. I am having problems with
> ME. SO... I have been told to do a complete clean
> install on the hard drive with XP. From what I have read
> online I have two choices:
>
> 1.Format the disk, by either formatting it at the command
> prompt or manually deleting every program. Then install
> XP. Then install everything I already have on there
>
> 2.Partition the hard drive into two drives and put XP on
> the new drives. Then run both OS at the same time and
> have the computer boot up XP on the startup.
>
> Additional notes: I am going to upgrade my memory first.
> I am currently at 64 mb and am going to increase to 256mb.
> I am planning on buying an OEM version of MS XP Pro.
>
> So... is my logic and research correct about my two
> choices? Or am I totally incorrect? What would you do in
> my situation? Do you have any advise on how get a clean
> hard drive? If I do the partition can I get the computer
> back to one drive and eliminate ME completely?
>
> Please help!

You didn't give any specs on your current system, but if you only have 64 MB
of ram, it sounds like you upgraded from 9X to Me and now plan to upgrade to
XP with the OEM version.
If I am correct in my assumption, I suggest you save your money and purchase
a system with XP already installed. I would only suggest purchasing the OEM
version of XP if you are building a system with state of the art hardware.
The OEM version after it is installed, cannot be moved to another computer,
and the changing of a mother board is not allowed. Using the OEM version on
old hardware is the worst choice you can make next to upgrading marginal
hardware with retail or OEM.
If you do decide to upgrade your system and go with the retail version, prep
you system for a clean install, but try the upgrade as the first choice. A
properly prepped upgrade is usually indistinguishable from a clean install
and if it doesn't work, you are prepped for the clean install.
Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
Check out the links below for info on how to do a successful transition to
XP.
For upgrading to XP Home or Pro, see the links below.
http://aumha.org/a/xpupgrad.htm
XP Upgrade
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_2kupgrade.asp
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_9xupgrade.asp
See the link below for steps on performing a Clean Install.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Known problems with XP upgrades.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html
Known Problems with Clean installs.
http://www.labmice.net/WindowsXP/Install/installbugs.htm

--

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP

http://michaelstevenstech.com
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