advice on clean install of XP

Currently I'm on win98se and about to upgrade to xp. Mostly this is because of the recent security issue which I seemed to have been caught up in (my system is showing clean of malware but certain OS tools aren't working, and I have had some problems downloading AV and anti-spyware updates).

Can you please advise me how best to go about this?

Drive C is OS and drivers plus internet stuff
Drive D is programmes
Drive E is my data

I would like to keep my data, and also save email messages and address book. Someone did import/export the latter all for me once before, so I know it can be done but don't remember how. Saving favourites (Firefox) would also be useful.

If there is a lingering but undetectable malware, would writing them to CD and scanning the CD before reinstalling get it, likewise scanning a backup CD?

Other than Add/Remove Programmes tool, I don't know how to clean everything off! Or if anything needs doing before reloading.

Any advice really appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

 

First question is, is the current machine you have Win98 on compatible with WinXP?

 

Best way is to NOT upgrade and do a fresh install (regardless of whether you have malware). Upgrading can cause problems.

You can use the XP upgrade CD to do a fresh install. It will just ask you during the process to insert the Win98SE CD to confirm your eligible.

You can also use the XP CD to see if your system is compatible.

 

Thanks brownisz and insomniac

I will stick the XP CD in now and see what it says regarding compatability.

I've also discovered http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=25831 which I think I follow. Except it doesn't explain how to re-format to 3 separate drives - unless that's obvious when that stage happens.

I have a Win98 re-boot CD which presumably would also be OK for XP?

 

Yes, during the setup phase XP will see your partitions and ask you to select which one you wish to install XP to. You can select your C drive and leave the others intact. However its always a good idea to back your important stuff up before attempting this.

 

It seems it's going to be an expensive time for me... time for new scanner and printer. Eight years is really *old* I suppose in computer/modern day terms. The rest of the set up is only a few years old, so am hoping it will be OK.

I have attached the report in case you can advise before I finish check all the other hardware items on the windowsmarketplace website.

Display adapter - Matrox Millenium 550 - seems it will be OK.

Thanks in advance...

 

Now I see I need even more stuff... and need someone to set them up for me as well as know the right ones to get. So... many thanks to all for your speedy advice and to save taking up any more of your time I will disappear... until all that's sorted.

Thanks again.