Upgrade from W98 to XP Pro Beta.

Is this a simple process for a clean hd?

 

...

Why beta XP?!

 

I had W98 on my old computer and a friend at work's son is in the computer field (don't know what) and he said he can load XP Pro on my computer in a beta version and it's legal (I don't know much about software issues and he assured me it was legal). I'm atlooking a buying a newer computer (please see thread in Hardware "Is this a deal" and comment). Since I'm used to using XP Pro I would continue. It servces me well enough for what I do.

 

Well, in truth, betas aren't really legit anymore, as they have all been set to expire at this point. Last beta was in 2001, and that was a release candidate.

As for it serving its purpose, with all the releases of internet worms and vulerabilities, I don't think you are going to be happy at all with it.

 

Thanks for the input. I must now consider an upgrade. Is it simple to upgrade from W98 to XP Pro? Any idea on the cost? I use Word, Excell some.

 

89 for XP Home. But I would go OEM, and for the same price, get the full version and do a clean install.

Your comment confused me a bit though, you do understand that MS Office is not part of XP, right?

 

Sorry, but no I didn't. That explains why the beta disk I have is one XP Pro and one XP Office. I have had the beta version of XP Pro and office loaded on my computer for the last year or so.

How do I go about getting OEM?

What is the difference?

When you say clean install, do you mean to erase W98 and start from scratch?

What level of knowledge is needed to do this?

Sorry for so many questions. I just want to do it right. I've been down for three weeks now.

 

Lets see.

Question1 :
"How do I go about getting OEM?"

Answer: www.newegg.com. You must buy a piece of hardware with it (can be something small).

Question2:
"What is the difference?"

No warranty support, at all. May not include any box or manuals. May not support upgrades.

Question3:
"When you say clean install, do you mean to erase W98 and start from scratch? "

Yes

Question4:
"What level of knowledge is needed to do this?"

Not much. We can help you, or, you can print out this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941