Ok, I am sick and tired of ME, it locks up, it freezes, it doesn't shutdown right. So I want to get WINXP. But I dunno what to do first, should I install XP first on my Computer then Format my computer, or should I Format First then install XP. And what are the commands to Format, this may sound a little dumb but can some on go step by step for me if you could that would be nice.

T-Bone

You can boot from the XP CD. Go in your BIOS change the boot sequence so it boots from the cdrom instead of A: or C: Once it boots you will be given the option to format from there either using the FAT 32 file system or the NTFS. Choose NTFS, it is a bit more performant then install XP.

My guess is your problems with windows me are really with the OEM computer and the watered down OS you have.

Formatting the recovery disk nonsense and installing a real copy of windows will solve most of your problems.

Heres a link to making windows me run well http://computing.net/windowsme/wwwboard/forum/18106.html.

File system clean up is also important. Defrag/scandisk/virus scan/spyware removal and cleaning up internet junk with delindex.

See below if your not interested in fixing windows me and you have "given up!" You just want to experiment with XP etc. etc........

XP works well for me but moves like a snail compared to windows me. P3 733mhz with 512MB sdram. If your system specs are better than this you may experience better results with Xp than i have.

If you install xp then format you end up with a clean drive (no OS).

You want to format first then install XP.

You want to verify your software and hardware are compatible with windows xp. This can be done by searching the manufacturers websites or the microsoft HCL for compatibility issues, patches, drivers, suggestions.

Upgrading/installing a new OS can be easy to very difficult depending on what you have to work with and your skill level.

I read the format/fdisk instructions at microsoft and went thru the step by steps at windowsreinstall.com before i ever attempted it. After reading the information and diving in i am now comfortable with installing/upgrading/dual booting any windows or linux operating system.

Ok Shutdown I read all the stuff in installing and everything. Now the only thing that it didn't tell me is how to format just my (C:) drive. Can you explian it please if you can thanks alot.

T-Bone

How to Use the Fdisk Tool and the Format Tool to Partition or Repartition a Hard Disk (Q255867)

Can you explain this to me cause I do not understand one bit if you can do that THANKS ALOT.

T-Bone

When i want to remove windows me to install xp i use fdisk from a windows me startup disk to delete the primary partition. Then i partition/format ntfs using the XP setup cd. Its possible to skip the winme startup/fdisk part and just use the XP cd.

I found this process confusing and occasionally receive an error after attempting to format ntfs thats solved after fdisking first. I personally feel that using fdisk first, removes some of the guessing during xp setup. If you wish to learn how to get it done with just the xp cd try the xp forum for advice.

Creating a Windows ME Startup Disk:

1. Insert a blank 3.5 disk into your floppy drive.

2. Open Add/Remove Programs properties in Control Panel.

3. Click the Startup Disk tab, and then click Create Disk.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Use Fdisk to remove the winme partition:

Leave the startup disk you created inserted and restart the computer.

The computer will boot from the startup floppy.

Choose option 4. minimal boot when prompted.

At the A:\ prompt type in fdisk and hit enter.

You will be asked to enable large disk support..?

Put a Y in for yes and hit enter.

Choose option 3. delete partition or logical dos drive. and hit enter.

Choose option 1. delete primary dos partition. and hit enter.

A flashing WARNING!! appears.

data in the deleted primary dos partition will be lost! What primary partition do you want to delete?

Type in number 1 (C:\) and press enter.

Now your partition is deleted. Hit esc to exit fdisk.

An A:\ prompt will appear.. ctrl/alt/dlt to save settings.

Install XP:

1. Insert the XP CD, remove the winme startup floppy, ctrl/alt/dlt to restart.

2. Hit any key to boot from XP CD.

3. Review the Xp install instructions at windows reinstall.com for installing xp on a clean drive.

You want to install xp on the unpartitioned space. The unpartitioned space is C;\ where windows me was before you deleted it using fdisk. Your going to be given the option to format ntfs or fat32. Choose ntfs and follow the onscreen instructions.

NTFS -vs- FAT32.. I use ntfs but you may want to pick fat32.. XP forum is the best place to ask this question.

When changing operating systems its possible to lose data and software even in the case of an upgrade. Format/FDISK will definately delete (lost forever) your data and software. Please be sure to back up to removable disk anything you wish to keep. I strongly suggest printing out the pages at windows reinstall.com for reference during installation. Its best to have access to another computer & the internet for drivers and instructions incase an error occurs.

Good Luck.

Well thanks I am going to try and hope I don't screw up

T-Bone

One more question...
1. I play games alot and which is better with them FAT32 or NTFS?

T-bone

Question 2. In response Nuber 5:

Will that Format my c Drive and only my C drive? Because I have 2 drives but 1 harddrive split in to

NTFS -vs- FAT32..? I dunno. All my games work on ntfs.. I choose ntfs because you cant lock my documents when xp is installed on fat32. XP allows you to secure files from other users when its installed NTFS. Probably a million other reasons to go with ntfs but the secure folders thing is the only one i noticed. No noticable difference with speed or stability in my opinion. Some people advise FAT32 because its easier.. XP forum is the best place for asking this question..

Those instructions were given assuming you had a single HD with one partition.

Which HD is split in two? the master or the slave?

If the master is not split in two (partitioned) my instructions will work. I would unplug the slave till you get windows installed. Dont ask me why.. I just would :).

If the master is split in two...
You may need to give more information.

Whats on each partition? Any 3rd party software? Partition magic or one of those other "uh-oh" apps? I cant help you sort out a partition magic scenario. Im not very familiar with it. You might repost your question in the xp forum explaining exactly what you have hardware wise and what you have done with software and what your goals are etc..

If you just partitioned the master with fdisk and had windows me installed on c:\..
I would unplug the slave for the same reason i gave above... And the instructions i left should still work. The only thing that might be different is during xp's installation. When choosing where to install XP make sure you choose the unpartitioned space where you removed me from and not the other partition. I cant give step by steps because ive never been in that situation.

Im not a tech. I can only offer advice about things ive done and list step by steps of how i got it done after ive verified it works. The information i posted in response 5 was gathered after i sat here last night and went thru the whole process myself on a spare HD. From creating a startup floppy, removing windows me to reinstalling xp.

If you have access to the internet from another computer...have windows messenger... You can add me to your list using my email address. Once i appear online give me a ring and i can help walk you thru the process. You can go thru the steps and ask questions along the way.

Im good at partitioning/reinstalling.. Ive done it so many times with so many oeprating systems i cant remember all the steps well enough to list them. If a problem presents itself and you tell me what it is i can offer advice on getting past it.