How do I replace windows 98 with XP (I can get the XP CD)

  • Thread starter vtec_guy
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vtec_guy

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The current OS im running is Windows 98, but my friend has offered me an XP disc to use so I can install XP instead. But the thing is, I dont know what to do or where to start. My coimputer has just been fixed so there's nothing on it at the moment other than the OS.

BTW some of the current replies may not make sense. Thats because I made this thread a while ago but changed the title and its purpose to save making a new one.
 
Should be able to stick the windows 98 disc in, boot it straight from boot up and the F disk screen should come up with the option to format, and from there you should be able to uninstall and reinstall.

im not too good with windows 98 but with XP you just get the options when the disc is in but i think thats how it works with 98.
 
nope, it didnt have the black and whitescreen whe nyo ucan do that, it says "unable to determine the location of configuration files" in which case you can only select ok, then it loads up and goes to the teal screen, it then says something else but i cant remember. I'll try and find out next time I can.

My mum said shell just pay to get it sorted anyways so im just trying this as another idea.
 
You could try booting into safe mode. The problem you've got was probably caused by a virus of some sort, not necessarily by your sister deleting files.

Reboot the PC, after it POSTs (i.e. when you hear it beep once), hold the F8 button on the keyboard. You should be taken to a screen with various options to boot into windows. Select the option of booting into safe mode. You should then be able to run your anti virus/anti trojan software and hopefully solve the problem. To try booting back into windows normally, just reboot again.
 
Yeah wait for Windows Vista (used to be Longhorn)...looks the business.....will need 64 bit processors though......thats why I just bought a new AMD Athlon 64 computer 2 weeks ago...... :)
 
I might just goonto XP, but I still need to clear all this crap of at the moment. Thanks for the help btw. Ill give it a try when i get home.
 
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Would this not be an ideal time to get XP or hold out for Vista.
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XP, yes, but Vista isn't really essential considering he's just trying to get his computer working. A bit of overkill considering Vista is bound to be more expensive than XP and all he needs is an OS, not a super OS. And then yeah, 64 bit CPU..
 
And if it's a Win98 system, it's extremely unlikely to be able to run Vista.

If it's needing to install new devices when there haven't been any added, I would advocate a full (including Bad Sector) CheckDisk, in Safe Mode. I suspect that there could be some fragmentation (actual, not literal) of the disk platters, and that the reason the computer is trying to install the hardware is that the previous installation has been destroyed by disk damage.
 
Windows 95/98 computers don't run XP well. Junk it and save up for a new one with 64-bit and Vista.
 
all I want is to have something to use microsoft word on for typing up letters and CVs, and a media player so I can play my own music whilst playing GT4. We're thinking of getting a friend to look at it since hes some computer fixer person lol. As you can tell I dont really understand computers, just how to work the OS.

btw tyhanks for the help.
 
You can get new pcs pretty cheaply. Especially if you use your old screen and mouse ect. Buying xp it's self is nearly the price of a cheap base.
 
Well, my mum is paying for it to be fixed if it can be done. If we can pay like £20 to get it fixed by her fried then I dont see the point in getting a new one. All I need to do is install Microsoft Word and transfer my music from my downstairs computer onto it. Lol if I dont want people telling me to get a new comp I shouldnt really say this,but the computer we're having fixed has like 4gb of memory. Not 4GB left, just 4GB in total. So I might just put the money towards a new one of those. If I replace the hard drive will that wipe everything off the computer including the OS anyway?
 
I have a new question at the beginning of the thread. All replies up 'til now are fro ma previous question I asked. Could anyone help me with my new querie?
 
vtec_guy
I have a new question at the beginning of the thread. All replies up 'til now are fro ma previous question I asked. Could anyone help me with my new querie?
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If its a Win98 machine, chances are it boots from floppies. You'll have to go into the BIOS and set it to boot from CD.

Once you've done that, put in the XP CD and restart the computer. Enter the XP setup and follow the prompts until you get to the format screen. Format. Install. Done.

Edit: Black Viper has a guide to installing XP (with pictures). :)
 
Presumably the XP CD will come with its own unique license code that is separate to any that your mate may be using? Otherwise this is piracy.

Since the computer is now clean, I would advocate booting the system off the XP CD, wiping the hard disk, and installing a clean copy. You may wish to make sure you have all your hardware drivers recorded out to a CD for use during the install.
 
vtec_guy
So I can just install it without getting rid of 98 first?
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Yes, the installer will reformat your drive for you.

Oh, and next time, please just create a new thread. If you are happy with answers to your questions and want a new topic, you can just ask for the thread to be locked. Confused the bejezus out of me this morning!
 

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