Windows 98Se versus XP

[Lisa F]

I currently have Windows 98SE. I have tried to install Office Professional
2003 but I can't because I only have 98SE. Which XP do I need to buy, XP
Upgrade or XP?

 

[Bob I]

First you need to know if your PC will even work with Windows XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/advisor.mspx

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Lisa F

The retail upgrade would work for you, but FIRST.. go to this website and
check that your system can handle XP..

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/advisor.mspx ..



Assuming that your system passes, think about upgrading memory to 512mb..



Something to be considered is that your computer may not allow hardware
upgrades that would make XP work well.. small hard drives and a maximum
384mb limit are not conducive to good XP performance.. the same can be said
of slow processors.. while XP will load and run on slow, aging computers,
you may become a little frustrated with the overall performance..



it may be more prudent to replace the tower part of your setup with a newer
model.. there are some good deals that include XP as part of the sale.. if
you choose this route, ensure that you get some way of recovering the
operating system in the event of failure.. if a manufacturer or vendor is
unable or unwilling to do this, try another.. ideally you want a generic OEM
XP CD.. in your hand..



Good luck

 

[Lisa F]

How do I find out? I have a HP 6000 laptop which I purchased as used on E-bay.

 

[Lisa F]

Thank you Mike. I will have to try it later.

Lisa F

The retail upgrade would work for you, but FIRST.. go to this website and
check that your system can handle XP..

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/upgrading/advisor.mspx ..



Assuming that your system passes, think about upgrading memory to 512mb..



Something to be considered is that your computer may not allow hardware
upgrades that would make XP work well.. small hard drives and a maximum
384mb limit are not conducive to good XP performance.. the same can be said
of slow processors.. while XP will load and run on slow, aging computers,
you may become a little frustrated with the overall performance..



it may be more prudent to replace the tower part of your setup with a newer
model.. there are some good deals that include XP as part of the sale.. if
you choose this route, ensure that you get some way of recovering the
operating system in the event of failure.. if a manufacturer or vendor is
unable or unwilling to do this, try another.. ideally you want a generic OEM
XP CD.. in your hand..



Good luck

 

[Lisa F]

One more question. What is the difference between XP and XP upgrade? If my
computer will allow me to install XP upgrade,when I only have 98SE, why would
anyone buy XP?

 

[Mike Hall \(MS-MVP\)]

Lisa F

The Retail FULL XP (boxed) will install or upgrade any computer that has the
hardware to support it.. no qualifying software is required..

The Retail UPGRADE XP (boxed) will upgrade any computer running Windows 98
or better assuming the hardware is there to support it.. in the event of a
system requiring a full format, a CD containing the original qualifying
operating system will be required.. a recovery type CD is not in this
category.. it must be an OEM, upgrade or full CD..

--
Mike Hall
MVP - Windows Shell/user

 

[bxb7668]

It should also be mentioned that with the UPGRADE version, if you ever
need to reinstall it, you'll still need to have the installation CD
for Win98SE to qualify the upgrade installation. Without the Win98SE
CD you will NOT be able to install the UPGRADE XP.

Brian Bygland

 

[lindzog]

I'd bow to those with better knowledge here, but recently I looked into
updating my win 98SE computer to XP. I started off by adding some memory, but
by the time I looked into further i needed to make so many hardware changes,
processor, modem etc, as well as having to purchase XP upgrade software (ie
Windows XP) I found it cheaper and more effective just to buy a new computer.
A friend made one up for me with CD/DVD burner, card reader and lots more
very reasonably and Im sure less than messing about with all the upgrade
bits. Just a thought...though Im happy to be corrected.