Help and Advice please (Windows 98 - XP HOME)

[Mark P]

HI

I have had all sorts of problems recently with pc crashing, virus's attacking my email outlook express etc.....

i have been advised to insert my computer set up disk and start from fresh again, effecting cleaning my hard drive.

i have been thinking of maybe upgrading my windows 98 to the XP Home. Maybe this is an ideal opportunity?
basically.........1) is it worth it?
2) is it easy and stress free (computer has been driving me up the wall lately)
3) will i have to re-install all my web cam, printer and scanner etc.
and 4) any futher steps i should be aware of that i havn't already mentioned?

many thanks for any help and time would be greatly appreciated.
mark.Advice please

 

[bh]

Reinstallation of Windows 98 is fairly easy (it is more a matter of organisation and bravado that is needed rather than technique). You'll need to make sure you have copies of all hardware drivers especially those for your CD ROM (which must be on a floppy disc) .

Also, make two back-ups of your work/important files and test them before you reinstall Windows. You'll need to make sure that these are virus free otherwise (post reinstallation) you'll be back to square 1.

Make sure that you back up your mail messages and address book.

Outlook Express is not recommended for mail(due to its vulnerability to viruses). Use Eudora or Netscape.

Now may not be the best time to change operating system since the problems that led to the crash may not necessarily be solved by this route.

See:

http://www.netpathway.com/~kramer/reinstall.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q250928&LN=EN-US

Good luck.

 

[Mark P]

many thanks for your help mate, it was very helpful. Should keep me busy over the weekend. Thanks for your time.
mark

 

[rhinoman]

Also dont upgrade to XP unless you have 256mb or ram as it will be so sloooooooooowwww......