Installing Win XP (over Win ME)

**Tira** · 2003-10-21 19:03

Hello, I am helping someone to install Windows XP on an Dell Notebook. If I am not mistaken I can just install XP over ME, right? Or do I have to uninstall ME first and then install XP?? Also, I don't think I will have to worry about all the software, MSOffice, AOL, IE and so on as I believe the installation of the new operating system should not affect the applications. Is that correct? Any idea how long that usually takes? I'd appreciate your input. Thank you very much, Tira

**viking33** · 2003-10-21 19:16

Tira,

As long as you are installing without doing a "clean" install. ( that is, a reformat of the HD).
You should be able to install XP right over ME, no problem. The installed apps also should go over without lose of info.

The average time to install depends on the machine itself, but plan on an hour or so. <img src=/S/cool.gif border=0 alt=cool width=15 height=15>

Bob

**Tira** · 2003-10-21 20:50

Thank you Bob, for your help. I guess I'll close my eyes and hope for the best:-))

**SMBP** · 2003-10-21 21:48

You sure can Tira and everything should go fine. If I had a choice though, in the best of circumstances, and my data were backed up, I would much prefer a clean install over any OS than an upgrade, and especially with ME.

SMBP

**DaveA** · 2003-10-21 22:24

For better luck, go to the Dell web site and look for the Windows XP drivers for that model of laptop and down load then and then burn to CD or copy to some removable device. When you install Win XP all you are going to have are the "Generic" drivers and you will NOT have full functionality of the devices.

This said, if you received the Windows XP from Dell then you will have the drivers you need for this laptop.

**viking33** · 2003-10-21 22:34

Tira,

Have no fear,.............Go for it <img src=/S/exclamation.gif border=0 alt=exclamation width=15 height=15>

Bob

**sinjin** · 2003-10-22 04:59

Tira,
Dave is absolutly correct. Dell makes it very easy to find the correct XP drivers for the appropriate system on their support site. If there is a BIOS update available, use the floppy method and do it prior to the OS change. I also urge you to do a clean install as the result will be free of any upgrade wierdness. Prepare with all the needed drivers downloaded first and placed on a separate partition or CD, then boot from XP CD and follow the prompts. Also with some of the Dells I have done the new OS will not seem to run right until the correct video drivers are installed. Be patient.

**Tira** · 2003-10-22 17:03

Thank you all for your input. My friend has received the CD with XP from Dell so I was thinking/hoping that everything needed/necessary should be on there - yes?? I have upgraded my computer from 95 to 98 (a while ago) and just installed it on top of each other. Worked fine. But now, since it's not my computer and I wasn't sure with ME to XP I thought I'll double check. If I do a clean install though, I will then also have to re-install all the software again (MSOffice), right?? Sorry but I'm not a computer guru;-O Again, all your help is greatly appreciated.

**viking33** · 2003-10-22 17:13

Tira,

---------------------------------------------------
If I do a clean install though, I will then also have to re-install all the software again (MSOffice), right??
--------------------------------------------------

Right.
A clean install involves wiping out EVERYTHING on your boot drive. It is the best way to clear off all of the accumulated debris from previous installs, but it does mean re-installing your other apps.
I think most of us realize this should be done anyway on a fairly regular basis, IF there has been a lot of changes made. This sure applies to me. <img src=/S/groan.gif border=0 alt=groan width=16 height=15>

Bob

**unkamunka** · 2003-10-22 19:14

To be honest, we don't REALLY know how heavy a user and tinkerer <img src=/S/compute.gif border=0 alt=compute width=40 height=20> with their machine your friend actually is. I have friends you are NOT compulsive downloaders and installers of programs. They are more than happy staying with a relatively simple configuration year in/year out. If your friend is one of those, going for a clean reinstall - together with all the reinstallation of programs - may actually put them through a long period of worry while you carry out all the work.

Your friend is going to have a certain amount of "upgrade shock" in any event - as the basic settings will be quite different. Having to reinstall all their well-loved programs and their settings - together with backing up & reinstalling Internet Explorer Favorites etc etc - is no small undertaking! <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>

As you have seen, the Lounge has (at least) its fair share of tinkerers who do frequent clean reinstalls and system recovers and - deny it or admit it - are used <img src=/S/love.gif border=0 alt=love width=15 height=15> to doing so. I myself have done MANY clean reinstalls etc etc.

Bottom line: IF your friend is a "simple" user, I firmly recommend going for the upgrade route with - as <!profile=DaveA>DaveA<!/profile> recommends - the right drivers to hand as a first (and hopefully final) step. You can tell your friend that you may have to go for a clean reinstall if all does not go smoothly. OTOH you may save both of you a fair amount of hard slog.

**sinjin** · 2003-10-23 03:47

Tira,
If Dell only sent one disc it is the OS only.There are most of the basic drivers included with XP. If two came the second will have the all the latest drivers (audio, video, modem, nic, wireless card, touchpad) I just did my wife's Inspiron 4100 with XP Pro two weeks ago (hard drive replacement) and the biggest job is the prep work, (to partition, my personal choice or not, then download all the extra stuff you need) then everything else is put in the disc and follow the prompts, drink a beer and wait then install the driver, drink a beer, and wait, etc, etc. For a basic clean install, driver installs,office install, set up your mail, a few tweaks, figure on about two to three hours. If more programs are to be added you will have to call for Chinese or Pizza. Remember a lot of your time will be waiting. Dell has a step by step "how to" on their web site or if you like you can check out http://www.blkviper.com/index.html ,there is a step by step on his site as well as a service tweak guide. <img src=/S/cheers.gif border=0 alt=cheers width=30 height=16>

**Tira** · 2003-10-25 17:39

Thanks again to everyone. Since my friend doesn't do a lot of install/uninstall upload/download, I believe I want to go with a regular install, easier I hope and hopefully I won't come accross a lot of problems. Wish me luck:-)) I hope I DON'T have to order Pizza.....Thanks much again, Tira

**SMBP** · 2003-10-25 19:47

There are some screenshots/with instructions that may help here--I assume you're upgrading to Home but not sure whether you're doing this with Home or Pro--shouldn't make difference on install:

Screenshots and Instruction Links on Installing Win XP via Upgrade:

XP Home Clean Install

Install Guides with Screenshots for Win XP (Click Hyperlinks on the Left of this Webpage

Paul Thurott: Screenshots and Upgrade Advisor to Win XP

Upgrading to Win XP from Win ME Paul Thurrott

Upgrading to Win XP Home or Pro

Set Up Windows XP Home Edition

Install XP New Installation

310064: HOW TO: Troubleshoot Windows XP Problems During Installation When You Upgrade from Windows 98 or Windows Me

Install Quick Upgrade

Upgrading to Windows XP

Active Win XP Section

Make sure you hit the Microsoft Website--they have a lot of tutorials for Win XP.

Win XP Support Center Microsoft

Use Links on Slide Out this Page "Using Windows XP" including How To's.

hth,

SMBP

**vetter79** · 2003-10-25 23:45

Tira,
I just installed XP Home over ME on a dell as an upgrade and it all but trashed it- Best bet is to do a complete install (You can with an upgrade disk and also you'll have that option) and clean that 4th rate ME once and for all.
Good luck!

**Tira** · 2003-10-28 16:05

Wow, thank you so much for all these links. I've looked at a few and will keep them as I'm sure they will come in handy. This is really great. I have yet another question. The "favorites" folder is on the HD, that much I know but how about the emails. In AOL (am not familiar with it much) one can "save an email to the PC". Does that mean it's acually on the harddrive and needs to be backed up? That would be my asumption. I'm using IE and I thought that it's "up there" and not really on my hard drive. Is that correct and is it different with AOL?? Tira

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