From ME to XP

[happy_in_hell]

I am going to be upgrading my o/s from Windows ME to XP next month and i have a few queries about it.

1. Am i able to network to a comp with Windows 2000 and 98 (there is no way in hell they will be upgraded )?

2. Are there any bugs, tips anyone has discovered when they have upgraded from 98, 2000, Me to XP?

3. Is it worthwhile? (i already know the answer to this, but just though i might put it in )

The reasons for the questions is that i am a little apprehensive about the upgrade (i really don't want to kill my laptop!) but i believe it is necessary as a) i like to be up with technology and b) if it helps the laptop's current trend of running programs in the background (which i have heard it does, like Defrag, etc) then it'd be worth it.

I thank you in advance

hih

 

[Fred]

Ive got XP Pro and Win98SE. Sticking with 98SE as it does everything I want and I understand it. One day , maybe.
Guess it's a case of the devil you know or old dogs and new tricks.

 

[carn_the_nmfc]

My folks have got Win98 and their computer is slow when the internet is on.

I have a couple of classmates who have got copies of XP which they will personally burn copies for anyone. I am thinking about getting one burnt for mum and dad for xmas.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Originally posted by goaldrush
I have a couple of classmates who have got copies of XP which they will personally burn copies for anyone. I am thinking about getting one burnt for mum and dad for xmas.

Hahaha
The ultimate cheapo X-mas present.


Try Win2k, IMO best OS there is. Its very stable, fast and easy to use while at the same time offering lots of capabilities for those who know what they're doing.

XP on the otherhand seems to me to be full of unnecessary junk which slows it down. It also isn't compatible with all software (particularly older games). Its really good for beginners for networking though, as it pretty much does everything for you.



NOTE: These are my observations based on my experiences with both OS's, and so may not necessarily be accurate.

 

[happy_in_hell]

thanks daddy_4_eyes but i was told (have always believed) that it is better to upgrade an o/s rather than downgrade (as ME was released after Win2000 i'd rather upgrade to XP).

 

[Zeke]

Originally posted by goaldrush
My folks have got Win98 and their computer is slow when the internet is on.

I have a couple of classmates who have got copies of XP which they will personally burn copies for anyone. I am thinking about getting one burnt for mum and dad for xmas.

Surely you wouldn't implicate yourself in such illegal activities Suzi?

 

[Piebot 3k]

Originally posted by goaldrush
My folks have got Win98 and their computer is slow when the internet is on.

I have a couple of classmates who have got copies of XP which they will personally burn copies for anyone. I am thinking about getting one burnt for mum and dad for xmas.

I propose this member be removed from the board, for advocating and advertising the use and distribution of illegal software!!!

Wheres Bill Gates big electric eye when you need it! BILL! BILL!

I am SO gonna nail yo ass, Suzi!

 

[slyolddog]

Originally posted by goaldrush
I have a couple of classmates who have got copies of XP which they will personally burn copies for anyone. I am thinking about getting one burnt for mum and dad for xmas.

Activation codes won't work on more than one copy (only decent anti-piracy thing Microsoft have come up with, can still be cracked but isn't the easiest thing to do and n00bs have no knowledge of stuff like that)

 

[M29]

Originally posted by happy_in_hell
I am going to be upgrading my o/s from Windows ME to XP next month and i have a few queries about it.

Do a full clean install, if you can.

1. Am i able to network to a comp with Windows 2000 and 98 (there is no way in hell they will be upgraded )?

Yes.
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/

2. Are there any bugs, tips anyone has discovered when they have upgraded from 98, 2000, Me to XP?

Install the service pack 1 and visit Windows Update frequently.

3. Is it worthwhile? (i already know the answer to this, but just though i might put it in )

If you have a newer maching, yes.

The reasons for the questions is that i am a little apprehensive about the upgrade (i really don't want to kill my laptop!) but i believe it is necessary as a) i like to be up with technology and b) if it helps the laptop's current trend of running programs in the background (which i have heard it does, like Defrag, etc) then it'd be worth it.

It shouldn't kill your laptop (in theory).

You may have a few headaches unibstalling it if you don't like it.

 

[M29]

Originally posted by slyolddog
Activation codes won't work on more than one copy (only decent anti-piracy thing Microsoft have come up with, can still be cracked but isn't the easiest thing to do and n00bs have no knowledge of stuff like that)

The cracked number I have worked well. It also let me install SP1. I've installed it on a few machines now. Anyone needs the # PM me.

 

[slyolddog]

Originally posted by M29
The cracked number I have worked well. It also let me install SP1. I've installed it on a few machines now. Anyone needs the # PM me.

Will you be game enough to install XP SP2?

 

[Fred]

Originally posted by slyolddog
Activation codes won't work on more than one copy (only decent anti-piracy thing Microsoft have come up with, can still be cracked but isn't the easiest thing to do and n00bs have no knowledge of stuff like that)

Tell my copy that. It is a copy of a copy anyway. I did make sure I stayed away from the update site though.

 

[M29]

Originally posted by slyolddog
Will you be game enough to install XP SP2?

I normally wait a few about 2 or 3 weeks after they've released it, as like the last SP there is bound to be stuff ups in it that will be ironed out. But yes, I will install it.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

Originally posted by M29
The cracked number I have worked well. It also let me install SP1. I've installed it on a few machines now. Anyone needs the # PM me.

The problem lies in that you have to register XP online, unless its been cracked. And cracking an OS system as complex as XP requires a fair degree of knowledge and skill.

Happy_in_hell, I guarantee you that Win2k is not a downgrade from ME. Win2k may not be the latest in terms of when it was released, but it certainly is the most stable, secure and fast Microsoft OS out there.

 

[sgPanther]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
Happy_in_hell, I guarantee you that Win2k is not a downgrade from ME. Win2k may not be the latest in terms of when it was released, but it certainly is the most stable, secure and fast Microsoft OS out there. [/B]

Fully agree with this comment. ME was the worst OS M$ made in a long time.. whilst Win2K was one of their best.

 

[mighty mick]

two major tips for me to xp or 200 upgrading.

1. get rid of ME as it was the official stolen operating system when hackers got into the microsoft fortress.

2. if upgrading to any new operating system please download all drivers that are required for any hardware you may have especially for xp, if its unavilable stick with 98second edition.

 

[Mr Q]

Originally posted by happy_in_hell
thanks daddy_4_eyes but i was told (have always believed) that it is better to upgrade an o/s rather than downgrade (as ME was released after Win2000 i'd rather upgrade to XP).

Its not a downgrade. Microsoft had two Windows OS trees if you like, the NT OS tree and the 9x OS tree. Windows ME was one of the 9x releases (probably the last one), and is a direct upgrade from Windows 98. Windows 2000 is part of the NT tree and is an upgrade from Windows NT 4.0.

Because they were all "Windows" there were upgrade options allowing you to upgrade 9x versions of Windows to NT versions, however I don't think the ability to go from ME to XP (as an upgrade) was ever created (could be wrong).

Windows 9x tree: (Windows on MS-DOS)
Windows 2,3,3.1,3.11, Windows for Workgroups etc
Windows 95 (this was a huge update)
Windows 98, 98SE
Windows ME

Windows NT tree
Windows NT 3, 3.5
Windows NT 4
Windows 2000
Windows XP.

Either way, I wouldn't run an upgrade ever - you are 100% much better off reinstalling the whole operating system from scratch as the upgrade process is not perfect and could create a very unstable computer at the end.

If you had to describe ME->2000 as an upgrade or downrade, I'd tend to say its an upgrade to the more stable Windows OS tree or at the minimum a crossgrade. Then again from everything I've heard and seen about ME, it sounds like installing Windows for Workgroups in its place would be an upgrade...

Hope that makes some sense....

 

[M29]

Originally posted by daddy_4_eyes
The problem lies in that you have to register XP online, unless its been cracked. And cracking an OS system as complex as XP requires a fair degree of knowledge and skill.

Mine wasn't cracked as such, more a universal serial# that it accepted without having to register online.

 

[happy_in_hell]

Thanks for your comments. They are greatly appreciated.

It looks like i will have to spend a bit more money and buy the full version of XP Pro (as i am able to buy the academic version it will be a bit more than i anticipated but still affordable) or buy Win2000.

hmmmm decisions

Am still leaning towards XP (there are two machines in the house with Win2000 and it reminds me too much of 98se!) I like huge font and pastel colours

 

[jim boy]

Originally posted by M29
The cracked number I have worked well. It also let me install SP1. I've installed it on a few machines now. Anyone needs the # PM me.

Originally posted by slyolddog
Will you be game enough to install XP SP2?

Will be interesting to see how the serial number, that I have, goes. Is it one of the lucky 20?

Should XP pirates get SP2?

 

[feher]

Originally posted by Jim Boy
Will be interesting to see how the serial number, that I have, goes. Is it one of the lucky 20?

Should XP pirates get SP2?

not that i know anything about this topic but their will be more then likely a whole bunch of new serials/keygen released that will work with sp2 or a crack once it is finally released.

 

[nonchalance]

Originally posted by Mr Q
I don't think the ability to go from ME to XP (as an upgrade) was ever created (could be wrong).

You're not wrong.

ME -> XP as an upgrade is a very very bad idea.

As Mr Q said, format and reinstall, DO NOT PRESS THE UPGRADE BUTTON.

 

[Mr Eagle]

XP and non-XP computers can network, but iirc you need to install a small XP component in the nons to bring the older OSs up to scratch.