Win98SE upgrade to XP Home Edition

Recently I purchased the full version XP Home Edition CD with SP2. I have previously done numerous clean installs with Win98SE and Win2k but never an XP upgrade. It is my understanding the upgrade will convert the current FAT32 files to NTFS. Before proceeding I want to make sure previously installed programs will remain intact after the NTFS conversion especially Outlook Express. Thanks.

 

You don't have to convert to NTFS, you can stay at FAT32 if you like.

 

Thanks for the info. I'm sure staying with FAT32 is the safest bet, however isn't NTFS more efficient? Will there be a noticeable decrease in performance and efficiency staying with FAT32? Thanks again.

 

jackpan, for an interesting discussion regarding FAT32 vs NTFS just check this out http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=51305. Goto last 2 pages.

 

rsinfo - your attached article has created new questions. In my original post I should have stated my system has Win98SE installed with a 20GB HD, and 512MB RAM. The articles I read basically referred to monster systems. From what I read it appears I can easily stay with my current FAT32 structure. Maybe I should rephrase my question. I do not have any installed programs that are Win95 or Win98 specific. Now for the new questions:

1. With only a 20GB HD should I stay with FAT32 or convert to NTFS?
2. Should I do an upgrade install of Win XP or should I do a clean install from scratch?
3. Are there any distinct advantages doing a clean install and not an upgrade install?

It's getting confusing. Thanks for reading.

 

FAT32 or NTFS would both work with WinXP. I personally prefer NTFS because its much more robust than FAT32.

A clean install is always preferable over an upgrade. With upgrade you would be carrying your existing problems into the upgrade which become hard to troubleshoot. My advice - backup & reinstall afresh. Asprin not needed.

 

I kind of figured this would be your answer. Perhaps the real reason why I asked is because my Win98SE OS operates flawlessly. I run virus scans and cleanup programs two or three times a week. As you know Win98 is bring phased out on June 30 of this year by Microsoft. I don't want to someday get stuck because I'm still operating a dinosaur. If you can think of any time saving or headache saving tips before I do the install, please send them along. They will be appreciated. Thanks again.

 

Just one - take a complete backup of your data before doing anything.

A couple others - a) Disconnect from the internet
b) Uninstall whatever antivirus scanner you are using and reinstall after upgradation. Same goes for any antispyware/firewall.

Good luck.

 

One more quick question and I'm done - promise! Why disconnect from the internet? You've got me on this one. Thanks.

 

In case your firewall isn't enabled when windows first starts. If it's not, you can be infected with MS Blaster worm and others in a matter of seconds. Do the upgrade (or clean install if you prefer) with it disconnected. Once you've got it up and running check to see if XP's firewall is enabled. If not, enable it. Then you can connect it to the internet.

 

Right on the mark, Zander.

Most of the users don't realise the danger of being connected to internet without a firewall (even a weak firewall like Windows is better than none).

 

That answer's that! Looks like I'm ready to go. After a little more prep work I'll give it a shot. BBS is second to none. You people have been terrific. I do believe we can put this thread to bed. Thanks to all.