windows xp

[owner2]

i'm thinking of upgrading for Windows ME to Windows XP.are there any problems i should look out for?

[Buenchico]

Some older programs are not compatible with XP so you might find that some of your software stops working. Theoretically, all you have to do is to instruct XP to mimic ME and everything should be hunky-dory but I've heard lots of tales of things not actually working out quite as easily.

I use ME at home and XP at work. The guy who provided me with my computer offered me a free upgrade to XP and I turned his offer down. There are plenty of ABers who love XP (and loathe ME) but I'm certainly not one of them! (it's definitely the other war round for me!). If you need to upgrade (e.g. because you want to buy the latest games which only run on XP) then do so but be prepared for some headaches. (Just mention 'Service Pack 2' to some XP users and you'll hear all sorts of horror stories!). But if you don't need to upgrade then don't be taken in by those people who tell you that your PC is about to become extinct - It isn't!

Chris

[owner2]

I was given a game recently which required XP but most of the new i-pods are asking for XP as well which is why I thought I'd upgrade.I take it you need to back-up anything you want to keep safe?

[Buenchico]

In theory, any upgrade of Windows works in a similar way to an 'on-top' re-installation. i.e. you shouldn't lose anything but, if in doubt, back everything up! (One thing I'm fairly sure you will have to do after upgrading to XP, is to re-install your antivirus software).

Chris

[j2buttonsw]

Does your system meet the minimum hardware requirement? See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/sysreqs.mspx I think you need at least 256 MB RAM for XP to run OK. You can upgrade ME to XP directly and also do the winnt32.exe /checkupgradeonly command line string to see what needs to be changed before you do the upgrade. I would do a clean install rather than upgrading but do you have all the software disks? I have done upgrades and lost the my documents folder so backup all your important data (files, folders, e-mails, favourites). XP has a great driver database but I have had problems with modem drivers in the past (if you still use a 56 k dialup modem) so check if there are XP drivers available on the internet or buy a new XP compatible modem. Install service pack 2 as soon as you can (new XP CDs come with SP2 already installed). Good luck, you won't regret it.

[vehelpfulguy]

I would suggest getting a new system unit with XP already installed.

You are problably going to pay �100 for XP anyway, and get loads of hassle upgrading, and your PC will probably not be powerful enough to run XP.

You already have a screen, keyboard, mouse and speakers so just buy a system unit for about �200 pounds or so and you will have a powerful PC AND Windows XP already installed.

If you buy the magazine Micro Mart there are loads of companies who can sell you an inexpensive system unit. See here:

http://www.micromart.co.uk/

[dotjhawkes]

Your screen going green for no apparent reason, for 2 or 3 days!