XP Upgrade? Will I lose all my info?

[Denvers Dawgs]

I am currently running WinMe on an older computer. It has plenty of power to run xp, but my question is:
Will I lose all my info, docs, or mp3s if I buy an xp upgrade and install it?

[canadateck]

You might find this Info helpful.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_9xupgrade.asp

[redwudz]

Upgrading shouldn't effect anything but the system files. But with that said, I would back up any important files.

BTW, If you are moving to XP, you are much better off doing a clean install by reformatting the boot drive and starting over fresh. In that case, you would definitely have to backup all files you want to save.

[bazooka]

I agree with redwudz.

Back up your data, then it is better to format and do a clean install.

[Conquest10]

I know from experience that upgrading will not wipe out any of your personal files. I went from ME to XP with just an upgrade and the files stayed. The best way is a format and install, though.

Short answer: backup your files just in case.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I only have the upgrade version, I don't have the full version so I can't do a complete reformat...

[budz]

here's a guide you could use:
http://duxcw.com/faq/win/xp/clean.htm
you can reformat but back up your files before you do. you would need to wipe the hard drive clean and create new partitions and then install XP. anyway take a look at that guide.

[handyguy]

Better to get a new HD.

If you put XP over ME you could wind up with a non bootable hd.

[Denvers Dawgs]

Ok here is the deal. My friend actually doesn't care about anything on this comuter. So it doesn't matter if anything is lost. He didn't want to spend $$ so he just bought the upgrade version of XP from BB. I told him that it would be cheaper to buyone online but he said this is fine. So I have full authority to do whatever to get xp on his computer. How would the drive be non bootable? Why would MS make an upgrade version that wouldn't work with the 2nd newest Windows verson (ME was just before XP right?)

[bazooka]

If you put XP over ME you could wind up with a non bootable hd.

I have upgraded many ME computers to XP before and they booted up perfectly.

I think you did something wrong.

[glockjs]

Ok here is the deal. My friend actually doesn't care about anything on this comuter. So it doesn't matter if anything is lost. He didn't want to spend $$ so he just bought the upgrade version of XP from BB. I told him that it would be cheaper to buyone online but he said this is fine. So I have full authority to do whatever to get xp on his computer. How would the drive be non bootable? Why would MS make an upgrade version that wouldn't work with the 2nd newest Windows verson (ME was just before XP right?)

i've never used this website. dunno if anybody has..but here's the cheapest price out there lol

http://microcity4less.com/item.asp?PID=717

[Conquest10]

How would the drive be non bootable? Why would MS make an upgrade version that wouldn't work with the 2nd newest Windows verson (ME was just before XP right?)

IME, I had no trouble with the upgrade. Booted up just fine. Even with only 64MB or RAM.

[glockjs]

How would the drive be non bootable? Why would MS make an upgrade version that wouldn't work with the 2nd newest Windows verson (ME was just before XP right?)

IME, I had no trouble with the upgrade. Booted up just fine. Even with only 64MB or RAM.

64mb of ram so how fast was that bad boy

[Faustus]

Back it up. If your worried about losing something that means its not backed up. Back it up. Then erase the drive and install XP. Its for the best.

[Conquest10]

64mb of ram so how fast was that bad boy

Actually ran pretty smooth. Faster than a G4 in OSX with 256MB.

[guns1inger]

I have also done quite a few upgrades and never lost one yet. That said, when I have done my own machines, I usually start with a clean install. M$ have done a pretty good job with XP, and the upgrade process is pretty stable. But upgrades never run as fast or as smooth as clean installs. Too much history, too much crap in the registry.

If you must upgrade, make sure you have scanned for spyware, malware, virii etc first. Defrag before you upgrade, then defrag after you upgrade. Convert all your drives to NTFS. If you intend to stay FAT32, don't bother upgrading. Backup everything you need, twice for the really important stuff.

Good luck. You should not have any problems if you are sensible.

[Denvers Dawgs]

If I have only have the XP Upgrade version is it possible to do a clean in stall? If so How?

[Prot]

The upgrade version just means you have to have a previous verison of Windows. When doing a clean install, it will prompt you to insert the disk for verification.

[budz]

If I have only have the XP Upgrade version is it possible to do a clean in stall? If so How?

your questions have already been answered. did you take a look at the link i posted??? reformat the hard drive and create new partitions. by wiping the hard drive clean you can then do a clean install of xp. then use your winme cd for verification then use the xp upgrade.

[Denvers Dawgs]

I actualy forgot to check that link now