Should I upgrade from Win98 to XP??

[Lisa L from MI]

My computer has been really terrible lately. I have been having problems restarting....it won't restart normal...only in safe. And then when I shut down for an hour or so, it will start normal.

Someone said I should upgrade to XP...I went and bought it but didn't open it yet (so I can return it)......\

People who have XP....do you like it better than 98?? And why???

Thanks

Lisa

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hi,

Sounds like it may be a computer problem, and not just a Win98 problem??? What errors are you getting? You will probably have to be more specific here!

Okay, we liked Win98 better in some ways.... XP is supposed to be better, more automated, streamlined, etc... But seems like it makes it harder, less access, to getting in the system and doing things yourself... if you are one to do such things. If you only know how to turn the computer on, and then just go online or use the certain programs that you are familiar with, then you would not notice this at all.

Also, seems like when XP came out, there were some compatibility glitches between XP and some things like certain printers, scanners, etc... I would think that most of these have been ironed out. But, do be aware of that as well.

Hope his helps! Maybe a real computer expert will answer.

 

[coqui]

Is XP better than Windows 98? Short answer = Yes.

Here's the long answer:

If you have a fairly up to date computer (i.e. Gigahertz or faster processing speed) then Windows XP would be a good idea due to what Wishing said (streamlined, etc.) If your computer is slower than this, there's a good shot that your computer will crash a lot more than with Windows 98 (Windows XP uses a lot more resources)

Now will this solve your problem?

Not necessarily. I will need your system specs. (Hard Drive, Processor, Memory, etc.)

This may be something as simple as you are just running out of Hard Drive Space and that's why it's doing this (not enough virtual memory)

Why it goes into safe mode, you could have corrupt drivers or a corrupt install of Windows 98. That isn't the only reason but I will need to know more information. Have you installed anything recently? Have you upgraded anything recently hardware wise?

Let me know.

 

[Horizons16]

XP is the greatest change i have ever made in my life! If your computer can handle this baby get it!

Mine is a Behemoth so it can take anything...

180 Gig drive 2.4 pross


~Steve

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Hi Coqui...

Hopefully I can answer the questions about my system:

Pentium II 350
256 RAM
80 Gig hard drive (with approx 74 G remaining) (just recently installed this since my last one crashed)

Every once in a while my system resourses will go really low...like around 40% or so. I always check when I notice my system slowing up.

My problem has been restarting and it will only go into safe mode...unless I totally shut down and leave it for an hour or 2 then it will start in normal mode.

I am also running IE 6....and some people have told me that 98 isn't really compatible with 98???

Thanks for your help...let me know if you need more info...

 

[coqui]

If you install Windows XP your computer will die. Pentium II 350 is nowhere near what you need.

Usually you need twice the speed of what Microsoft says and this is what they say

PC with 300 megahertz (MHz) or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233-MHz minimum required;* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
1.5 gigabyte (GB) of available hard disk space.*
Super VGA (800 × 600) or higher resolution video adapter and monitor
CD-ROM or DVD drive
Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device.

Your computer will run it but it won't run it well.

But it's your call.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

coqui

So, do you really think I shouldn't attempt to load it?? I don't know really anyone that knows about computers...but I didn't open the box yet...so I can still return it.

What about a new processor??...or is that more or less like getting the whole "shot".......I am asking because I just recently installed the new hard drive and a new cd burner.....

So, what are the different speeds of processors...and what do you recommend???

DH was talking about checking out Gateway if I couldn't get this up and running again...as long as I don't shut it down, I think I am ok though....I don't feel like going into debt at this time of year...you know what I mean??

Thanks again

 

[Wishing on a star]

Boy, for the price of buying XP, having your computer upgraded or repaired, etc..... You ought to check out the awesome deals on new computers right now.... Check out Gateway, Dell, and there are incredible deals sometimes at places like Tigerdirect.com. Happy shopping!

 

[coqui]

Originally posted by Lisa L from MI


What about a new processor??...or is that more or less like getting the whole "shot".......I am asking because I just recently installed the new hard drive and a new cd burner.....

Unfortunately with where your processor is, that would be very involved. If you upgraded it, more than likely your current form factor is AT. The newer processors require ATX. An upgraded processor will require, new motherboard, new power supple, new case. With those will require new memory.

It would be easier to just get a new computer with XP already pre-loaded. I'm assuming you paid around 120-150 for your copy of Windows XP. If that is the case, you are already more than 1/4 the cost of a great computer. I'd weigh your options with a budget and you make the decision.