XP Installation

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Jimmy - 25 Nov 2003 22:53 GMT

I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
XP-Professional Edition. I've never installed a new OS
before. I know that the main pain in the neck is having to
re-install the programs that you want to maintain after
the change is complete. My question is this. I have an
external drive that I can copy my current c:\program files
to fora back-up. After the XP installation is complete,
can I then take those old program files from my external
hard drive and copy them into the XP program files and not
have to reinstall those programs? Would they work by doing
this? It seems too simple to actually work, but I thought
I would at least inquire about it. Also, any other advice
or guidance about installing a new OS would be appreciated.

Thanks
Jimmy

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peter - 26 Nov 2003 01:40 GMT

Unfotunately it would not work because this does not put any information
into the registry which is where XP will look for these programs.
Take a look at this site which pretty well covers XP installation
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
peter

> I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
> XP-Professional Edition. I've never installed a new OS
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Thanks
> Jimmy

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sdmeier@aol.com - 26 Nov 2003 04:36 GMT

Your right. That would be to simple. The answer to your
Question is NO, it would not work. Most if not all
Windows Programs copy to more than Just the Program Files
Directory. They add registry entries, Update INI Files...
It's endless.
I would recommend exactly what it sounds like you are
going to do. A CLEAN install of XP. Meaning....
Backup all your data and then Go for it.
Boot with the XP CD and Format the Drive using NTFS (I
like the Security of NTFS) and let it roll. Very easy to
install.
Good Luck,
Steve

>-----Original Message-----
>I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>Jimmy
>.

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jmg - 26 Nov 2003 05:19 GMT

Absolutely not is the answer. You must reinstall all
programs so that they properly work with the windows
registry. Just copying them over is not going to work as
the registry tells them what system files they need.
A re-install is a horrible and lengthy pain but after you
get everything up and running get a disk imaging program
like Powerquest's Drive Image 7. If your system ever
crashes you can get it back by simply overwriting your
Windows partition with every setting, file and preference
from a disk image made earlier. This in 15 minutes or
less.
JMG

>-----Original Message-----
>I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>Jimmy
>.

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Ron Rector - 26 Nov 2003 10:52 GMT

Sorry, the answer is no to the program files question. The
reason being is because when you install XP it writes a
new registry and your original program entries do not get
transferred.

Fortunatly you can perform an upgrade of XP and this will
migrate your programs and settings not to mention your
data.

>-----Original Message-----
>I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>Jimmy
>.

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Michael Stevens - 30 Nov 2003 11:17 GMT

> I currently have Windows 98 SE and want to install Windows
> XP-Professional Edition. I've never installed a new OS
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Thanks
> Jimmy

Click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into the address box
if using the web based newsgroup.
For upgrading to XP Home or Pro, see the links below.
http://aumha.org/a/xpupgrad.htm
XP Upgrade
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_2kupgrade.asp
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_9xupgrade.asp
See the link below for steps on performing a Clean Install.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html
Known problems with XP upgrades.
http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html
Known Problems with Clean installs.
http://www.labmice.net/WindowsXP/Install/installbugs.htm
Top 10 Reasons for Moving to Windows XP Professional
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/top10.asp
Why Windows XP Professional?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/default.asp
Windows XP Professional Features
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/features.asp

Signature

Michael Stevens MS-MVP XP
xpnews@michaelstevenstech.com
http://michaelstevenstech.com
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