98 to xp

[FONT= "Garamond"][/FONT]I am currently using Windows 98 and have a disk to install XP. Computers scare me to death because I am always doing things I guess I'm not "suppose" to be doing, like deleting things I think I don't need because if it's not written in "english" there is no possible way the file can be useful. Anyway, I need some pointers...first will my computer be able to handle the transition, it is a Compaq Presario with a 40G hard drive and 512 RAM. Although, it crashed about 2 years ago and the person who fixed it said something like he couldn't put XP on it because of "some reason??? ", and so he installed 98. I guess that's a start for now...BS

 

fuimdrunk--You have not mentioned whether this is an Upgrade XP disk or a full retail version. Also what is the speed of your microprocessor? (Your RAM and system memory are adequate.)
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/XPRequirements.html
Here are some instructions for installing XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941
You do not have to read it all.
See "Upgrade to Windows XP" for upgrading. See "Perform a clean install of Windows XP" for a clean install from a full retail version.
Note that some of your existing software and hardware may not work with XP. (Though XP does offer a compatibility mode for some Win98 software.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/games/learnmore/compatmode.mspx )
It would be a good idea to back up your personal data to an external source before installing XP, just in case things go wrong. You will definitely have to do this if you do a clean install.
Are you sure you do not want to wait about nine months and buy a new PC with Vista installed?