Windows XP Install Query

[ultimateav]

If I am installing XP Pro over an 98/ME system that is acting up and will only open in safe mode, can I install it in the boot up sequence off the CD without deleting any of my programs or documents on the partition???

 

[bcastner]

Boot from the XP CD and run the compatability test first. If Win98 does not like your current installation, XP most certainly will not install cleanly or at all.

 

[ultimateav]

Thanks, could you tell me how I do that from startup, it loads the files from boot and then comes to the "do you want to load onto this partition?"

 

[bcastner]

If you boot from the XP CD, the compatability test is Option #3 from the main menu. (From memory, but I believe this is true).

 

[ultimateav]

I have booted from the CD and the following appears:

To install XP, press ENTER
To repair using recovery console, press ....
To quit without installing, press F8

I pressed ENTER, it has scanned the partitioned space and only comes up with the following:

To setup on selected partition
To create new partition
To delete the partition

????

 

[bcastner]

You are absolutely right.

Boot with ME.

Insert the XP Cd and let autorun show you the full menu.

 

[ultimateav]

Thanks for that. I don't have the ME disk, it was done in a shop and is OEM, plus it won't autorun in safe mode as it doesn't pick up the CDROM as a drive in Windows Explorer

Is there any other way I can do it without losing files or do you think it is best to just do a clean install??

 

[bcastner]

Just do a normal mode boot and insert the XP CD.
I believe the compatability test is found in option #3 of the menu.

 

[bcastner]

I am here at the moment, so I can walk you through it.

 

[Grenage]

It is always best to do a clean install if you have the disks you need to reinstall your software, it gives you a far cleaner machine and usually causes less headaches in the long run.

 

[ultimateav]

If I do a boot from the CD though, will I lose the documents and programs though as that will be the deciding factor as to whether or not I do it??

 

[bcastner]

Option #4, should work even if booting in Safe Mode with ME.

But read my comments on upgrading ME to XP here. thread779-739066

I am in complete sympathy with Grenage's comment above: If you can only access ME in Safe Mode, it would be unwise to use XP as an attempted reapir.

 

[bcastner]

An upgrade, if it works, will preserve your settings, installed programs and data.

The upgrade is also revertable: If you choose early in setup to preserve your older Windows installation as a backup the request to revert to the older OS of Windows works quite well.

What does not work well is an upgrade to XP if your earlier Windows version can only boot in Safe Mode.

 

[ultimateav]

bcastner, thanks everso much for your help. I think I am going to buy a new computer. Thanks again, you are definitely worthy of the best advice giver!

 

[bcastner]

alcouk,

That is very kind of you.

My best recent thoughts about your upgrade are found in response to this query: thread779-735839

Hope you can find something usefull there, even with a new computer.

linney, and others, have written some very powerful notes here in the forum. Do a keyword search on "upgarde"

 

[bcastner]

"upgrade"

sorry.

While driver preservation is not much help with a new machine, the use of the Files and Settings Transfer tool as described by linney is very usefull.