How to remove WinME from my Compaq Presario 5000

I have tried unsuccessfully to upgrade the OS in my Compaq Presario 5000

I am currently running WinMe, but am finding that many of the programs I want to load simply will not work with ME. The Compaq is an extra computer that I would like to run financial software on. (The software package that I purchased will not run on Win98 or ME).

Given that I'm not very experienced at this (but am willing to try anything)! I have read some of the threads posted here, but am still in a dilemma about where to start...you all seem so much more knowledgeable than myself.

Anyone care to take a crack at a step by step tutorial on how to get this ME dinosaur out of my computer? I would like to install WinXP or even Win2000.

Sincerest thanks,
Fanta

 

Thank you Arie, for responding!

The exact model number of my Presario 5000 is 5WV280 3DOAFPN7POTB.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am quite a novice at this and I gave up on fooling with trying to upgrade. The problem that I most remember happening is that the computer wanted to load the new operating system as a dual boot with ME.

I don't want ME on my system at all. Is there a way to do this? Can you tell me how to do it? I may be a novice, but I'm determined...I will learn.

Thank You,
Fanta

 

If you want to upgrade your system, and you have a Microsoft ME Installation CD, you can buy a XP Upgrade CD for less than a Full version. Both are complete installation CD's, but you must have a Microsoft CD of ME for the Upgrade CD to work, it will be looked at during the install of XP. A Compaq Restore CD will not work.
That said, the best way to do what you want is to format the drive, then install windows.
Step by step on how to do this, under this heading "How to partition and format your hard disk by using the Windows XP Setup program "
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348
Some words of advice on those instruction.
Yes, you do want to delete the partitions. Compaq's typically do have two of them.
I would not use the Quick format, use the normal one.

 

I STILL want to do it.....!!!!

I so want to embark on what I think may be a very interesting quest to upgrade my old compaq presario 5000. Here is some more information about Old Nellie: She is a 4.90.3000 version, with an X86 based system and an AMD Athlon 902Mhz processor. Her total physical memory is 767.51MB, with an available physical memory of 572.02 mb. Total virtual memory is 2.00 gb, with an available virtual memory of 1.72 gb.

Do you recommend that I go ahead with a format and upgrade to WinXP?

What drivers do you suggest that I look to update?

This computer will probably just be a standby computer as I mentioned earlier. I have some financial programs I'd like to run on it that are not compatible with ME......maybe some internet, but not alot.

There's really nothing on this computer that I want to keep in regards to files, etc.......


soooooo......


the weekend is fast approaching and I'm planning on taking on the task...



Sincerely,
Fanta

 

Go for it, you will get a learning experience out of it regardless of the outcome. I think what you have will run XP OK. When XP came out, 1 ghz processors were about the average speed available on the market.
A system with the age it seems to have, it is likely XP SP2 will have most of the drivers for it, may need to hunt down video drivers for it.
Good luck, and have fun!

 

It is basically an upgrade
You will need a disk with registration keys
It all depends on the power of your computer as to what it can handle - processor type and amount of ram
You can run xp on a Pentium 2 with 256 of ram - but it is like a horse that is bought on sale cheap and dies the next day
It is an old sales trick . The computer runs ( even nimbly)
Try do anything - word processor , antivirus and it runs worse than a slug
Windows 2000 is the precursor to xp
It is much less demanding
The key thing is not so much the OS but are the device drivers ( the programs made to run the peripheals - sound , video , network card available)
You are in luck with the compaq - If you model is supported HP will have them online.
Go to the HP site to the drivers area and hunt
They have an auto detect feature but now it seems it only works in 2000/xp
See if you cannot download the drivers first before action
Download and save the windows 2000 sp4
You can get it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp4/default.mspx


If you do not have the sp4 and are not behind a router the blaster virus and tons of spyware will get you within minutes ( the blaster 20 seconds)
If you do the update you will be fine


Just out of note-
Windows ME has more than a reputation of freezing
Windows 2000 and XP can run in a different file format called ntsf. Windows 98 and ME cannot see or use it
You may be better to install windows 2000 or xp fresh - wipe out the drive
format c:
If you do the update - it is never as good as a fresh install
The streams are so different 98 and 2000 / xp
It will update . It will take some time but its better to do it fresh

For boot disks you can go to
222.bootdisk.com
the 2000 disk will have a boot disk creator on it as well