Upgrading to Windows xp

An upgrade version of Windows XP is quite a bit cheaper and every bit as functional as the stand alone version. In order to install the upgrade version you must own a previous copy of Windows (98, 98SE, ME, NT, 2000) and depending on the installation method you may be prompted to insert the disk of the previous version.

There are two methods of installing the upgrade version of XP; first there is the clean install, where all the files on the hard drive will be formatted (erased), and secondly there is the upgrade install where you can keep the files on your computer and the operating system will be rewritten.

* Before making any changes to your computer always back up your important files.

upgrade - clean install

Use the following steps to install Windows XP on a new hard drive or to erase and install over a previous version of Windows:

  1. Back up your important files.
  2. Start your computer using the Windows XP disk (you may have to enable booting with a CD in your motherboards BIOS. If you are unable to do this you can create an XP boot disk.)
  3. When prompted to insert a previous version do so.
  4. Reinsert XP and follow the on screen instructions.
  5. After the computer restarts select boot from CD.
  6. Press Enter to begin the install.
  7. Press F8 to accept the license agreement.
  8. Next you will have to Partition the hard drive (Warning after this step all the information on the drive will be erased, make sure you've backed up your important files). To do this press D to delete the old partition and then press L when asked. Press Enter to select "unpartitioned space". Select "Format the partition using the NTFS file system".
  9. Depending on the size of the hard drive the formatting process could take between 20 min and 2 hours. After the formatting completes the setup files will begin copying automatically and the rest of the process is filing in your personal settings.
  10. Even before connecting to the internet, install an antivirus program and make sure Windows firewall is turned on.
  11. Find all the essential download links to complete your install at InstallOS.com.

upgrading to XP

To upgrade XP from one of the supported Windows editions and retain the files already on your PC, follow this guide:

  1. Back up all important Data on you hard drive.
  2. Ensure the BIOS for your motherboard are current by visiting the manufacturers website. This is not essential but it may allow XP to take advantage of more advance features such as "Cool and quiet".
  3. Check compatibility for your hardware and software with the Microsoft upgrade advisor, if you are unsure your system will meet the requirements.
  4. Disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent malicious hackers from damaging your PC. Do not reconnect your computer until the setup completes and you have installed an antivirus program and turned on Windows firewall.
  5. Start your computer and wait until your current version of Windows fully loads.
  6. Insert the XP CD. If the CD is detected go to the next step. If the CD is not detected by Windows you will have to click the START menu, then click RUN and type the following into the space provided   (Your CD-ROM drive letter):\setup.exe
  7. Click Install Windows and select Upgrade for the installation type.
  8. Follow the on-screen directions to complete the setup.