Install XP over bad 98?

Can my friend install XP over his existing Win98 which sounds like it has a severely corrupted registry? I could talk him through uninstalling 98 but it would be easier if he could just fire in the XP disc and go. Or could he use the 98 boot disc and install XP from DOS?

 

Windows XP can't be installed from DOS mode.

I think it's possible to install Windows XP over a bad Windows 98, but I think it's not a good idea and I don't like it. Why don't just put Windows XP installation cd into CD rom and boot from the cd? Or your friend don't have the full version of Windows XP?

I am not sure but I always think that a fresh install is always better.

 

i would think its possible, but if you can, just do a clean install...


I did this situation with my windows 95/win98. I had a bad registry with win95, did a upgrade and fixed everything that I could tell. I needed to get some cricitical files so this was one way of doing it

 

In this situation, I grab a spare hard disc, pop it in as a slave, and copy the C drive to it. (or burn a CD) Then I format the C drive and do a fresh install. That way, I don't loose any files. Of course, all software must be reloaded, and it's a real pain, but I take these opportunities to do a cleanup.

In fact, hard discs are so big now, that I use 4 partitions, with one almost clear (about 1 gig), just for doing this.

I've found previously that this is worth the effort. It takes some time, but you will probably waste more time the other way with nasty things happening. (I normally put aside a weekend before I get everything going)

By the way, are you familiar with the problems of changing from 98 to XP - mainly compatibility of hardware, software and drivers?.

 

XP on Bad 98

Thanks to all of you. It turns out my friend was able to get onto Trendmicro.com and their virus scan turned up the PE Elken.D and the Klez.H! He says all appears good now and he has Norton Anti-V installed, which he was not able to do while the virus was running rampant.
Just out of curiosity I ran the trendmicro.com scan and it turned up 3 files with the VBS Seeker.A despite my having Norton Anti-V! I noticed that the list of viruses Norton 'protects' against doesn't list the VBS "A" strain but it does list a couple of others. It must be fairly benign as I haven't really noticed any problems other than the usual Win98 instability.
Thanks again to all of you.