xp pro vs 98se

I clicked on the 'shopping' tab here and discovered several places where I can get xp pro for $134 dollars OEM.

As I understand it, 98SE uses FAT32 and XP uses NFTS. If I do a 'dirty' install, how will XP read my files? I would really hate to do a clean install again so soon after just getting my computer back up and running again.

I have a 40 gig partitioned into 3 drives plus a 10 gig, all FAT32's.

 

No worries my darling...

...XP uses FAT, FAT32 and NTFS!!!

 

Great! That would certainly make one point easier. At least I don't have to worry all my files and programs getting lost. Now I just have to make up my mind and decide to get it or not. My sister really wants XP Pro too. She just hates that ME she got on her computer. Now I just have to find a cheap source for a second license so we can both save money and have the program since we're not rich.

 

Go ahead!!! Win2000 or Win XP are very good!...

...anything below Win2000 is crap!!!

And in the setup process of XP you can choose to convert your FAT32 partitions to NTFS...

...but if you're not thinking about using the advanced features of NTFS (mainly permission settings) u can still use FAT32 without any problems!...

 

So XP would convert the partitions itself if I asked it too and I still wouldn't lose any of my files or programs? Would I have to reinstall all of my programs?

 

I'd do a re-format first

Upgrading OS's can cause some grief especially from W98 to XP or W2k - You may inherit drivers that XP doesn't like.
I'd back up your system, FDISK (not critical- but I'm fussy), format and the re-load.

I have used Win2k for a couple of years and XP compares favourably. It is fussy, however. make sure that all your hardware is supported, it would be sad to have to replace a video card just because XP doen;t support it and the manufacturer has no XP Drivers.

My preference is Win2k - I am not keen on Microsoft's product activation approach with XP. As I tend to keep my machines for beyond their average service life (I pensioned off a W95 machine last month) I am concerned that Microsoft will not allow me to re-activate my XP licence in five years if I need to replace a major component.

Good luck whatever you decide

 

Run this test to see what's compatable or not to run XP
http://www.pcpitstop.com/xpready/apps.asp

 

I am suprised you could not find XP cheaper than $134. You should be able to obtain two OEM licences for that.

Why do you need XP pro if you are upgrading from 98/ME ?

There is nothing they have that XPhome can't handle.

You may have to reinstall some older programs in a special way to get them to run on XP but it can be quite easy.

Post some details of your and your sister's systems and we can advise if it is worth upgrading and how to optimise the installation.

 

You do realize this thread is from 2003, don't you?