Installing Win XP Pro

Jazzycat

Hi I am currently running on win98se and have bought win xp pro.

When I install can you do this and keep your existing data/files on the hard drive? I have heard that when you upgrade your operating system it can keep all your old files without having to save to disc etc.

Is this the case and if so how do I do it?

many thanks

Chippy_Minton

Yes, it automatically keeps your old documents and settings. See Upgrading to Windows XP from Windows 9x/Me.

Jazzycat

Chippy_Minton this is excellent.

Exactly what I need - thank you!

nickmack

If you don't have many documents/settings, I would be inclined to save what you can to a USB disc/CD/DVD and then wipe the Hard Disk and install WinXP fresh. This way you don't leave loads of rubbish on the disk and it could help prevent problems from legacy leftovers in the future.

Little_John

Another thing to point out is that upgrading is never the best way, it is always better to back up the files you want and install from scratch, your pc has all the junk files from years of use since windows 98 was installed and they will remain, if you can start from scratch and restore your backed up files.

madnlooney

yeah i would back up what docs you want to keep and do a fresh install

Jazzycat

thanks all for your help.

If I go for the wiping option what's the best way?

Chippy_Minton

Windows XP Clean Install (Interactive Setup).