Currently I'm using Win98SE but this weekend I'm getting WinXP Pro. I'm planning on doing a 'clean' install rather than an upgrade, but I want to know whether I should format my hard-drive beforehand and wipe all trace of Win98SE? I've heard that XP automatically formats the drive if it detects another OS on the same partition - is that true? And if so, is this an 'idiot-proof' way of going about a clean install? Or will I get issues with old files later on? While I'm here, can someone tell me what the optimum method for formatting my single-partition 20GB UDMA drive is, should I need to? Lots of questions, I know. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience!

I just upgraded to XP Pro from 98 and I tried the format c: and I couldnt get Xp to install from DOS. I had to change my bios to boot from CD Rom and then it began to install. I think the easier way is to run it from Win98 and select New Install(Advanced) and that will reformat and Fdisk it for you. I am no expert and would get a second opinion. Good Luck

Hi, You should definitely go for a clean installation. You can wipe the hardrive before you attempt to install Windows XP Pro, but you do not have to. WinXP Pro should be able to boot from CD, and from here you can also partition the drive. So if you don't want to go through the process off formatting using a boot disk and DOS, you can simply perform the same tasks using a CD. You should try and locate all drivers for your computer and save them to disk/CD before any installation. The main drivers you will want to get hold of are your Monitor, Graphics Card and Modem. Windows XP does have large support on drivers, so it's unlikely you will need to install anything after the setup is complete. However it's always handy to have just in case. As for "idiot-proof" - basically a screen will appear (providing you boot from CD) and it will display your C drive partition. You will want to DELETE this, and then create a new partition. (simply process, it tells you on screen what to do. Eg Press "L" to delete this partition, etc) Hope this helps. WinXP Pro rocks! :)

I would NOT start the install from within 98. Check your BIOS and boot from the CD. Durring the install it will give you the OPTION to format your drive. Format it at that time, and I recomend that you use NTFS on the drive.

You can install from dos by going into the i386 folder on your XP disc and then run WINNT.exe...before you do this make sure you have smartdrv running, just copy smartdrv to your startup disk then run it after the startup disk has finihed its stuff. Fallen Angel