XP Home update or full install?

[TedKord]

I'm running Win98SE right now, but want to move to XP.

My dad says that there are problems with the XP upgrade path,
that I should buy the full version. I really hate to pay that much
for yet another MS OS.

Any bad experiences with the upgrade? (My plan was to re-format,
install 98SE, then install the upgrade, then re-install my progs)

Also, XP uses NTFS, right? How does it handle converting the FAT32
to NTFS? I have my OS/programs installed on the primary HD, a 30gig
Quantum ata-66 7200, but also have a 120gig Maxtor ata-133 partitioned
into 4-30gig drives, where I store other files, etc...Can these be converted
to NTFS without harming the data?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Twista]

Can these be converted yes yuo can do a command prompt command to covert that drive to NTFS.

 

[Mem]

You can install XP upgrade on an empty HD if you`ve the 98SE CD,

As with other versions of Windows, you have the option of performing a clean install or an upgrade from a previous version of Windows. The upgrade pack will allow you to do both. But, you must have a copy of the full version of your current operating system if you want to perform a clean install using an upgrade disk

You might find XP Upgrade advisor worth downloading .

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Like Mem says..If you have a Win98 cd allready, Go out and get the $89-$99 WinXP upgrade CD, Set BIOS to boot from CD, Boot to cd, Follow instructions, Blow HDD clean, Continue with install until prompted to install your Win98 CD, remove 98 CD and re-insert XP CD. Continue 'till done. Happy computing.

 

[fredtam]

Why not just order the cheaper OEM full version and do a clean install. That is all you would be doing with the upgrade cd if you do not have 98 on the drive already. Then you don't nned the 98 cd.

 

[TedKord]

Thanks to all for the reply. I do have the win98SE cd.

The OEM full version is cheaper then the upgrade? I
don't need MS support, never used it with 3.1 or 98SE.

What my dad sais is that he's heard that upgrading to
XP from 98SE produces a buggy, unstable XP. Is this
true?

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Mem]

What my dad sais is that he's heard that upgrading to
XP from 98SE produces a buggy, unstable XP. Is this
true?

Best way is always clean install of XP on an empty hardrive,as to your question well it depends on the software & hardware combo,some people have upgraded from 98SE to XP with no problems while others find clean install of XP is needed.

I would just boot with the XP CD and do a clean install,it only needs your 98SE CD for validation.

 

[TedKord]

I would just boot with the XP CD and do a clean install,it only needs your 98SE CD for validation.

Ah, there's what I didn't know. I figured it modified win98 to XP. Thanks.

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: TedKord

I would just boot with the XP CD and do a clean install,it only needs your 98SE CD for validation.

Ah, there's what I didn't know. I figured it modified win98 to XP. Thanks.

why the hell would you want to do this? you can get the FULL VERSION that doesnt ask for the win98 cd for the SAME price. its like saying your drivers side door works on you car but you always get in on the passenger side. SURE it works, but why would you do that?

 

[TedKord]

why the hell would you want to do this? you can get the FULL VERSION that doesnt ask for the win98 cd for the SAME price. its like saying your drivers side door works on you car but you always get in on the passenger side. SURE it works, but why would you do that?

A big part of my reasoning is I have $40 of Amazon GCs in my account to put toward it. Amazon doesn't have the OEM
CD. Know anywhere I can get the full OEM for $50?

 

[Buz2b]

One other question that it seems wasn't answered is the NTFS file system. XP will convert your OS file system to NTFS if you want it to and select that option. You can opt not to and just use FAT32 if you want or are worried. Keep in mind that this is a one-way street. You can convert from FAT32 to NTFS but cannot (without problems) convert from NTFS to FAT32. I don't remember exactly what the problem entails but it was something to do with file names I think. Anyway, something to think about.
Also, (and I'm sure someone will correct me on this) but buying an OEM CD has some restrictions. It must be purchased with some sort of hardware (legally) and it's not something that normal stores carry. I'm sure you can get one on eBay but I'm not sure I would be comfortable dealing with some of those dealers. Personally I would advise you to just buy an upgrade CD and be done with it. You can get your full install from that or just upgrade Win98 install. As Mem suggested though, you should download the upgrade advisor and run it on your current machine. That will pinpoint most potential problems you may have with hardware or software you are currently using.
Of course, you could also shop the FS/FT forum here for the OEM or upgrade CD. Same restrictions apply for the OEM version and as long as the seller has decent refs, your odds are improved over the eBay route. Just be clear with the seller that the CD can not have been previously "activated" or registered.

 

[fredtam]

Also, (and I'm sure someone will correct me on this) but buying an OEM CD has some restrictions. It must be purchased with some sort of hardware (legally) and it's not something that normal stores carry.

You can buy it at most hardware sites (newegg,zipzoomfly,mwave) and some require hardware purchase but usually there is a free item (ide cable) the stores have available or send with it to satisfy Microsoft's hardware purchase requirement.

 

[lucky9]

Don't believe everything that Microsoft's upgrade advisor says. I ran 98SE and it gave some problem areas. To remove any worry about things that can be delt with easily just get drivers for printer, etc. The installation (clean install) went without a hitch for me. XP found every piece of hardware except the old HP scanner I have. Since HP wants to charge 10 bucks for an XP driver they've lost a customer. I would go with ntfs for the security it gives, at least on the primary HD. By the way, by the time the install needed to get some of the drivers for stuff it just went over the net to get them. I had no issues at all.

 

[TedKord]

You can buy it at most hardware sites (newegg,zipzoomfly,mwave) and some require hardware purchase but usually there is a free item (ide cable) the stores have available or send with it to satisfy Microsoft's hardware purchase requirement.

Newegg is great on this. They let you purchase a free piece of equipment to satisfy the requirement. That was going to be
my original path, OEM from Newegg, but now I've got these two $20 Amazon GCs.

BTW, as an aside, has anyone noticed that most of the stuff sold on amazon now is not from amazon, and therefore does
not qualify for free shipping or using your account GCs? I was shopping for speakers, they're all from Office Depot or J&R.
If I want to buy something through Office Depot, I'll go to officedepot.com, and use ebates and an OD coupon.

Thanks again to all who answered.