If I install Windows XP

[basslover1]

I plan to buy XP home in the near future, I was wondering if I install it on my PC, is it possible that I can have all my files transfered over to that from ME? Because ME sucks really bad, I'm getting tired of useing it, so if I install XP, my idea was to just get rid of ME all together, but can I do this w/o losing any files?

Thanks

This is not General Hardware related.

AnandTech Moderator

 

[sswingle]

Well, you can do an upgrade install, and then XP will boot with virtually no difference to your installed programs, desktop, and start menu. I don't recommend that however.

I suggest making a backup of your files, such as my documents, favorites, and whatever else you need kept. Burn it to a CD, DVD, whatever. Make sure you have all the software you need, as in install CD's or files.

Then put your XP cd in and do a format, make your drive NTFS, clean install, and then copy all your files back over from CD. You will be much happier.

 

[basslover1]

Thats what I figured, copy the important stuff to a CD, format the HD and install XP.

Thanks

 

[woodscomp]

I installed XP on a cust. machine over her ME (at her request) and she has been running it for two years now no problems.

 

[Pollock]

I second the idea of doing a clean reformat. ME is a nasty thing, and you don't want any leftovers from it.

 

[usernamemax20charact]

Don't know why everyone bashes ME. I have it on an old computer and have NEVER had any problems with it, but I digress.

I third the idea of doing a clean install. It's always the best thing to do when upgrading to a new OS since it gets rid of all the contaminants from the old OS and programs that you've installed and uninstalled, not to mention getting rid of any problems you may currently be experiencing that may later creep up on you.

If you have a second HDD (preferrably internal), back up to that drive instead. That's what I do. It's so much easier and faster to just copy your files back that way than to have to constantly be switching out CDs/DVDs not to mention no wasted CDs/DVDs.

 

[Turkish]

You want a fresh format. ME = no good.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Also i would invest in XP Pro as it is much better than home edition.

Or if you dont have a place to back files up to get something like partition manager (i think that is free its in the software forums) and partition your drive and save the files to the other partition.

-Kevin

 

[Abhi]

I upgraded around a year ago...

Just backup your files and do a fresh install ... Its worth the extra effort.

 

[caz67]

Fresh Install. ME sucks..LOL