Re-installing OS via Upgrade

I am planning to re-install Windows. I have Windows 98SE and just purchased Windows XP Pro Upgrade (I was not able to afford to regular version ). I don't have an original install disc for the XP Pro I am running, hence the need to go to 98SE first then upgrade it to the XP Pro Upgrade I just bought. I basically need some advice in this process as I don't know what to expect in downgrading then re-upgrading. These are some specific concerns:

1) My C: is partitioned into two 30 gig parts and formatted as FAT32. When I upgrade I want to remove the partition and switch to NTFS. Will XP Pro allow me to do this when I install the upgrade?

2) Do I need to take special steps to remove the partition?, or will it be part of the installation process? I want to re-format the C:.

My system is:

AMD Athlon xp 1400+
1 gig ddr ram (2100)
Windows XP Pro
60gb 7200rpm Western Digital HDD
TDK CDRW 12x
ndvidia geforce 128mb ddr


PS- I am doing this because I cannot run windows update on my system because the site says my copy of windows isn't registered (that's why I bought a new one). My system is completely overrun with spyware, adware, etc. that will not go away. I run all the best removal programs and the garbage re-appears the instant I restart. The cleaning process has even damaged my system to where I cannot type in URLs without the "http://" prefix and programs such as notepad won't start. I get constant DLL errors as well. I figure a clean sweep and prevention of viruses is the way to go.

 

Hello Hawkwind,

I don't think you have to go thru all that torture

You can clean install XP with the upgrade disc. No need to downgrade. As long as you understand that any user data (should be backed up)/settings from the current installation will be gone.

Yes - you can format the C partition as NTFS and leave the other as FAT32.

A quide to clean installs of XP http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp

Regards - Charles

 

I agree with charlesvar...

I recently upgraded my mothers PC from Win98se to WinXP Home edition. I did a clean install with WinXP and the only thing I had to do was put in her Win98se CD when the install asked. Very simple...very easy.

She is now a happy camper...

Clean install of WinXP Pro Upgrade guide...http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_pro_install_-_graphic.htm

 

Kent, thanks for the reminder, forgot to add that.

Regards - Charles