Upgrading to Windows XP

Hi!

I'm trying to upgrade my Compaq Presario 1692 Laptop, currently running Windows 98se, to Windows XP. Should I format the entire computer first and then install the new OS or should do nothing, simply pop the CD in the drive and install windows XP while running windows 98se. I tried formatting the comptuer and then doing windows XP however when it asked me to enter some information I couldn't use my mouse or built-in keyboard of the laptop and had to restart the computer. The installation did not continue successfully. I was able to format again and then reinstall windows 98se. What should I do to install windows xp onto this computer successfully.

Thanks

 

Should I format the entire computer first and then install the new OS or should do nothing, simply pop the CD in the drive and install windows XP while running windows 98se.
Shouldn't be running 98 while doing this. The XP cd is bootable, make sure that the primary boot device in the BIOS is the rom. XP install will give you the option to format the drive. Format as NTFS.

Follow this quide for clean XP install:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

One other issue, if this is a XP version that's labeled "upgrade ", that is the full OS, but in the course of the install, you will be asked to verify that you have a legit copy of a previous version of Windows. At that point just insert the 98 disc, and after that's been verified, put the XP disc back in and continue.

Regards - Charles