Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

I want to remove windows me and install xp

Feb 13, 2006 12:39PM PST

I want to removed windows me and install xp, i was told to do a back up disc i have a burner can anyone help me on how to do a back up. Will i have to install msn and yahoo messenger again?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Depends...
Feb 13, 2006 12:56PM PST

The exact process of backing up your data depends on the software you are using. (Nero, Roxio, and Sonic are the top three.) You'll basically use the programs' wizard to browse for the files/folders you want to backup, then burn the data to CD. Once you've converted to Windows XP, you then copy and paste those files/folders to where you want them. Fore detailed instructions, let us know what software and version you have.

Things you'll want to make sure you backup: all your documents, your favorites/bookmarks, any files from Micosoft Money, Quicken, etc, any saved game files, etc. For information about where to find such things let us know what programs and games you have. For a general guide, click here.

Now, there are two ways you can upgrade...in-place or complete. With an in-place upgrade you won't have to remove Windows ME or lose any of your files, settings, or programs. However, there are some downsides to this option. You can read more about this by clicking here. The other way is a complete installation of Windows XP, where you completely wipe everything and start fresh. For instructions on this method, click here. In this case you'll have to reinstall all your programs and copy/paste all of your files back into place.

Hope this helps,
John

- Collapse -
I would
Feb 13, 2006 3:24PM PST

Great answer John. I would highly recommend doing the last choice. Its always best to start out fresh. If you can I would also recommend at least a usb flash drive, or Like me back up with a partition on your hddo drive and add a second drive hdd1 to your system if you can. Then you have backup. Always backup anything important. I'm actually on a network so I have 4 computers and they all have the same backup. starting with my pc I have 2 sata drives 1 300 gig with a partition 200gigs for backup and access to these files. Then I have a 200gig sata that is all for backing up the partition on the other drive. If you have a lot of stuff and you need lot of room an external hard drive is another option, and will be my next move. Then I can take that with me anywhere. working with this stuff is a lot easier with XP. Hope this helps.
Skip