Upgrading from Windows NT 4.0 Workstation

[msdbsql]

I know the easiest route would be a clean install, but I wanted to find out if there are other options. I have a development machine that has a lot of software on it and I am trying to avoid reinstalling everything. Is it possible to do an inplace upgrade?

 

[nogs2]

Upgrading from nt4 to xp pro is possible, check you have ample ram,cpu etc...

 

[msdbsql]

I know that it is possible. Perhaps my question wasn't clear. I just wanted to find out if I would need to reinstall everything(meaning applications) or can I do an in place upgrade preserving all of the settings from applications currently installed.

 

[jimp56]

it should be able to retain the programs and settings, assuming the current programs are XP-compatible. You may want to visit the XP page, they have a compatibility checker there I think. If they are newer apps, almost guaranteed to transfer without problems.

it will also be a good idea to clean up the system as much as possible prior to the upgrade (delete temp files, internet files, old installer files, basically any unused data, remove any un-needed programs) then do a chkdsk to verify there are no file system errors, do a quick check for adware/spyware, then defrag. It gives the upgrade a better chance of running smoothly if the system is "clean" prior to the upgrade.

lastly, i know you dont want to do a fresh install, but it really is a better idea to do that instead of upgrade. just IMO.

 

[msdbsql]

Thanks for the tips. I totally agree regarding the fresh install. I am going to try what you suggested. If I run into problems my second option is to do the fresh install.

My hope is to have the least amount of downtime. Thanks.

 

[msdbsql]

Thanks for the tips. If this doesn't work I will do the fresh install.

 

[jimp56]

no problem. if the upgrade does have problems, maybe report back what they were so we can help others in the future.

and i forgot to mention, make sure you have PLENTY of free space on the C: drive prior to the upgrade (at least 700+ MB free, over 1GB better).

thanks.