ME to XP

Since I am having so many problems with ME and Microsoft ending support , I have decided to replace it with XP Home Edition. I haven't a clue on how to do it. I tried to find a tutorial here but couldn't. Could someone give me a step by step or point me to a tutorial ???

 

There really is not a True "Tutorial". Best thing is to save important documents, pictures, music to a CD-Rw, another computer on the network, or even a USB Keychain drive, Format the hard drive that ME was on, and run through the install process when you insert the Windows XP disc (make sure is not a "Upgrade" version).

Pretty easy and straight forward, the OS does all the hard work for you.

The straight forward is, make sure your machine is compatible, XP runs comfortable with 512mb, 256mb will get it by; you can run XP on a 4gb, but 40gb is better; people have been known to get XP to run on 350mhz machines with all the "Eye Candy" turned off, but you can run it with all the "Eye Candy" on on a 700mhz machine.

Microsoft actually has a document over at Microsoft.com on machine compatibility for XP, and this will help you in the Setup and Maintenance http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/default.mspx The first choice is for installing XP on your machine.

Once you get it said and done, it is wise to secure your machine via a "Layered" approach by following the FAQS over in the Malware forum in how to secure the machine. Avast, AVG are a couple of good Anti-Viral software (keyword is *Free*), with no cost to you. Zone Alarm is good if you want to protect from possible outbound attacks if you get infected, but if you are pretty secured, you can get by with the XP firewall that protects from inbound attacks, with no problem.

 

If all else fails check out some of the Knowledge Based articles on Microsoft.com
http://support.microsoft.com/

It could prove to be usefull... that is if you are not already frustrated with Microsoft with their support

 

First thing I would do is run the CD and let it check for hardware compatibility.

It that's OK, just follow MA's guide. It's pretty simple stuff.

 

Oh, Poo Poo!

There is nothing wrong with an Upgrade Version!
But the best Outcome is not to install XP on top of ME or any other OS, but to format & whipe the old OS then have a Complete Fresh install of XP, this can be done with an Upgrade Version!

 

An upgrade CD is the same as a "full retail" CD except that during the install it will ask you to insert the ME CD (or whatever) as proof of eligibility.

As long as you have that CD, it's not a problem.

 

How do you format & wipe out ME ??? I don't want to save anything thats on my computer , such as stuff on My Documents etc. I have already bought the full version of XP Home.

 

Read the link MA posted and authored.

It simply involves setting your Bios to boot from CD, rebooting with the disc in the drive and deleting the existing partition etc.

Again, read the link, but if you want step-by-step, HERE is a good guide.