Can I install XP Pro if my computer doesn't boot normally?

[KingDox]

I win98 computer gets a windows protection error when I
try to boot normally. I can only boot into safe mode. Will
I be able to install/run XP normally even though my win98
has errors ?

[Walter Clayton]

Don't count on it. In fact, expect things to be much worse.

Never, ever under any circumstances at all, do a reinstall, upgrade or clean
install on a platform that refuses to boot the original OS. An install of
any nature of an OS never corrects hardware faults not does it correct
application interaction issues. To further complicate matters you can't even
reliably run the compatibility wizard to see what potential issues you'll
have.

Fix your problems first without even thinking of a solution at the OS level.
The worse case is that you reinstall 98 over the top of itself, but even
that I would not recommend. If the box can come up in safe mode it can be
configured to come up in normal mode. The only time a reinstall of the
original OS is required is when the OS image is damaged.

Forget about installing XP to solve the problem in this instance.

--
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp


"KingDox" > wrote in message
...
> I win98 computer gets a windows protection error when I
> try to boot normally. I can only boot into safe mode. Will
> I be able to install/run XP normally even though my win98
> has errors ?

[Kingdox]

thanks for the reply, I have tried to fix the problem
using the MS knowlage base to the best of my abilities but
to no avail. Took it to compusa for repair and even they
told me that I should just re-install the OS. I was going
to upgrade to XP any ways and had hopes that it would fix
my boot errors because I heard you install XP From boot, I
hoped that it could fix my boot errors

[Walter Clayton]

You'd think that some one being paid to correct a problem could come with a
better solution. ;-)

Although this isn't a 9x group, I need the exact error messages, verbatim,
no omissions and no assumptions as well as a precise description of what's
happening and I'll see what I can do.

I'll also forewarn you that going from 98 era hardware and software platform
is a daunting task. Depending on a lot of factors in may even not be
practical once you get past the hardware and software upgrades that may be
required. Keep in mind that for $600-$700US you can buy a brand new system
with warranty.

--
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp


"Kingdox" > wrote in message
...
> thanks for the reply, I have tried to fix the problem
> using the MS knowlage base to the best of my abilities but
> to no avail. Took it to compusa for repair and even they
> told me that I should just re-install the OS. I was going
> to upgrade to XP any ways and had hopes that it would fix
> my boot errors because I heard you install XP From boot, I
> hoped that it could fix my boot errors