I have WXP Pro which I am going to install on my machine, hopefully to have a more stable OS. This is a single comouter at my home, no network except DSL. I presently have: Wordperfect 8 Quattro Pro 8 Visual Foxpro 7 Textbridge Pro 9 Seagate Backup Exec 98 and a few more. What should I pay attenbtion to when I install to get the most stable system? Bill

Just make sure you get a good install of XP, then install the software as normal. Best if you make changes or delete information to defrag once everything is loaded. Also make sure prior to installing any other software you go to microsoft and download all critical updates done. I just did a clean install this weekend and transfered all my files it was a breeze.

It looks like your intention is to upgrade from Win98SE. Before you proceed go to this online site and run the XP Readiness Test It will list any incompatible software or hardware. Then it's best you remove/uninstall these before you install XP. Also check for BIOS and motherboard drivers updates from the manufacturer's website. But since changing OS is a risky operation you will have to backup all your data, emails, favorites, addressbook for your own protection why not do a clean install of XP which is the best way to install XP. See these sites for more info: Windows XP Installation How to use the Upgrade Version XP CD to Partition & Format a hard drive during Setup How to do a Clean Install of Windows XP

William, The above advice is excellent. But you want the most stable, then do not update. Do a comeplete new installation.This will save you lots of headaches in the future. Even if you have an updated xp pro disc, you can still do a clean install with it. You will need your old 98se cd as the updated version will prompt you for it. Also the best way is to do the install with as least amount of hardware as possible.That way if there are compatibility problems it is easier to deal with as you install hardware and programs 1 piece at a time and reboot after each time. This takes a little longer this way but the benifits way out do the extra time. Download all the MS updates right after the install and then install your hardware and look for updated drivers for each piece as you install them, before installing the software. After all hardware is installed go one more time and let windows update scan your mavine as they sometimes have patches and updated drivers that are not listed in the manufacturers sites.This will insure that you have the latest and then install your programs. Hope this helped, rc

Yes, yes, yes. Do as RC suggests and do a clean install...not an upgrade install. -=Bryan=-

I always planned to do a clean install. Thanks to everybody for your input. I will certainly look at all the sites suggested and create a procedure. Bill

Definitely a clean install. Better yet, back up your data and debug or fdisk your HDD before you install.