Resolved Upgrading Windows '95 to XP.....

Greetings,

I have an old PC and I would like to install XP on it. It is currently running Windows '95 and I am wondering if I have to do a complete re-install. I have the Windows XP Install disk from Microsoft and all of my files in 95 have been deleted. Do I just need to run the XP disk and follow the prompts in the wizard on the disk that I have or is there something else I need to do?.

Thanks for your help,

Brian J.

 

Hi 8toes and welcome to WindowsBBS

If you were running '95 I very much doubt your system would be capable of running XP, see Microsoft's Upgrade Adviser before doing anything.

 

Thank you for your reply. The PC's specs have been upgraded to the point where they are sufficient for XP...RAM. HDD space, etc. I have had all of that done previously.

Cheers,

Brian J.

 

No problem,

But it's not just the Specs you need to worry about. Older hardware may not have suitable drivers for XP. You'd still be advised to use the Upgrade Adviser, it's on your XP CD and shouldn't take too long to complete. Once done then if everything's OK go ahead and install XP.

 

Terrific, this is what I was looking for.

Thank you very much,

Brian J.

 

Be careful that your system might be at the low end of the system requirements.

Watch what you install on the new system, it might overload your hardware.

Hardware (like printers) might need updated drivers. Software might not work.

Don't expect an upgrade like that will be without possible problems (although it might work fine). You are doing a "double-jump" (95 -> XP, rather than 98 -> XP).

Your system probably has some hardware that is based on Windows 95, don't treat it like it was made to run Windows 7. Install small/basic programs, close running programs if you are not using them.

If you install programs for Windows XP, they expect that you have plenty of resources (or just gobble them up anyway ).

See how it runs. Test it thoroughly. Be sure you don't leave yourself at a point where you will "lose" the system and your data (that is, be able to go back and start again).

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

Thank you for your detailed reply. I velieve all of those things were taken care of. I have the Installation Disk and will run it and see what happens. I do not anticipate any issues.

Many thanks,

Brian J.

 

You have received some good ideas on this topic. I would go ahead and load the XP and would have the system format the hard drive to be sure everything is gone and start fresh. Something this old could quit working at anytime. Keep current backup's of your data and remember to keep up with Microsoft updates. When they stop supporting XP is a time for you to think about taking it off line and getting a newer system.

 

Thank you so much everyone for your quick and helpful responses. I appreciate every one of them.

Regards,

Brian J.