XP over Me?

[DocDon]

Got a computer with WindowsMe on it (don't ask) and want to install WindowsXP on it. Can I just copy XP over it.

 

[bsobel]

Yes, you can upgrade. But most people here (myself included) will suggest you do a clean install if you can.

Bill

 

[thegorx]

if you have an upgrade or retail version you can upgrade
although I'd suggest doing a clean install
but for the most part upgrading should be ok if the system is running without spyware or viruses or third party driver programs.
uninstall utilities software before hand

or if you have another drive or partition do a clean install and dual boot for the time being
then when you get XP all setup simply delete the ME windows folder from inside XP

 

[DocDon]

I know the clean install is better and I would normally, but this is a friend's computer (not that good of a friend) and I don't want to waste the whole 4th weekend upgrading a computer. Thanks for the info.

 

[spyordie007]

than make them do it 😉

 

[thegorx]

Originally posted by: DocDon
I know the clean install is better and I would normally, but this is a friend's computer (not that good of a friend) and I don't want to waste the whole 4th weekend upgrading a computer. Thanks for the info.

well then heck just leave ME on there

 

[RVN]

Just buck up and do the friend a big favor.

 

[hopejr]

I once installed XP over Me (did the upgrade, not clean install), and XP ran like crap. Clean install is much better.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: DocDon
I know the clean install is better and I would normally, but this is a friend's computer (not that good of a friend) and I don't want to waste the whole 4th weekend upgrading a computer. Thanks for the info.

Why would you take the whole weekend to clean install Windows XP ? It shouldn't take more than 2 or three hours with NSW 2k5, MSOffice, Nero, PSP, and a few games. Really! Charge him / her for your time and give them a little initiative to learn how themselves.

pcgeek11

 

[Schadenfroh]

format the thing and install xp on a clean plate. of course back up your friends stuff.

 

[jaykleg]

Prediction: If you don't do a clean installation your friend will pester the hell out of you because of all of the weird crap that will happen after the upgrade. You'll wind up wishing you had done the job right in the first place. But take care that you can reinstall all of the friend's favorite apps (or replacements for them) and take care of the data, too. Otherwise, you'll get blamed for missing apps and data.

Heck, come to think of it, you're gonna get blamed for anything that goes wrong whatever you do. No good deed goes unpunished.

Heh.