XP Install Upgrade

[matt2833]

I'm upgrading three computers from win 98. Some Have
advised cleaning the hard drive by formating and then
starting fresh. Is this a good idea? If so, can I still
use the upgrade, and how? Thanks

[Mike Brannigan [MSFT]]

"matt2833" > wrote in message
...
> I'm upgrading three computers from win 98. Some Have
> advised cleaning the hard drive by formating and then
> starting fresh. Is this a good idea? If so, can I still
> use the upgrade, and how? Thanks

Once you have purchased your 3 copies of the Windows XP upgrade (one for
each machine) - you can boot from each of the CDs and during the setup you
can if you wish repartition and reformat.
You will also be required to provide your original Windows 98 CDs -which you
will have 3 of (again one for each PC) so that the upgrade can check you
compliance with licensing


--
Regards,

Mike
--
Mike Brannigan [Microsoft]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights

Please note I cannot respond to e-mailed questions.
Please use these newsgroups

"matt2833" > wrote in message
...
> I'm upgrading three computers from win 98. Some Have
> advised cleaning the hard drive by formating and then
> starting fresh. Is this a good idea? If so, can I still
> use the upgrade, and how? Thanks

[Ray Taylor]

If you format the computer, you erase everything, therefore you would have
nothing to upgrade and the end result would be the equivalant of buying a
new computer with windows xp, and having all your programs and files lost.

If you backup your files and are prepared to install all your programs and
any extra software for printers / scanners etc then this would be a good
option to format. Otherwise if you do not know much about the windows
installation process then an upgrade will be the best option.

Instructions for installing / upgrading to windows xp can be found here:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941
It would be good to read through, understand it, find out the meaning of any
terms you are not familiar with and print off the correct instructions found
at the above link before beginning the install / upgrade process.
If your computer came as a package and was not custom built. eg. HP / Compaq
etc desktop computers, then it would be good to check with them by ringing
their customer support and talking to a representative about any
compatibility issues that they have found with running windows xp on that
computer.




Ray Taylor





"matt2833" > wrote in message
...
> I'm upgrading three computers from win 98. Some Have
> advised cleaning the hard drive by formating and then
> starting fresh. Is this a good idea? If so, can I still
> use the upgrade, and how? Thanks