How to Upgrade Windows 98
If you want to upgrade your Windows 98 system, you have numerous upgrade options. Newer versions of Windows include Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. Upgrading your Windows operating system is very similar to an initial installation. The only differences are in the prep work on your computer and the number of components that your system must install to get the new operating system up and running on your system.
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Instructions
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Backup the data on your system. In case the Windows upgrade goes awry, you will want to have your files and folders stored on removable hardware, such as CD or a flash drive.
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Run a scan on your system. Viruses and spyware may have a negative impact on the upgrade process. You can use the antivirus software that is already on your computer to scan for viruses and spyware.
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Disable all of the program running on your system. This includes the programs that you have actively open on your desktop, as well as the programs that are open in the system tray at the bottom right side of the screen. To close the programs in the system tray, right-click on the program icon and choose "Exit" from the menu.
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Turn off any power management settings. If you don't turn off these settings, they may engage during the upgrade and abort the process. Go to "Start," "Settings" and "Control Panel." Choose the "Power Management" option. Next to "Turn off monitor," "Turn off hard disks and "System standby," choose "Never" and click "OK" for the changes to take effect.
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Install the software upgrade. Insert the CD of your chosen operating system. The CD should launch automatically and a bring up a list of options. Click "Install Windows XP/2000/Vista" and then "Upgrade." If the CD fails to launch, go to the "Start" menu, select "My Computer" and double-click "setup.exe" in the CD drive. Follow the screens through the setup. Read the license agreement and press "F8" to go to the next screen. Enter the product key. This will likely be listed on a sticker on the CD case. Choose "No" when the setup asks you if you would like to change to NTFS partition. Type in an administrator account password when prompted, click "Next" and then "Install" and Windows will upgrade from 98 to the new version of Windows.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are connected to a network, you should write down the network settings in case you get disconnected from the network during the upgrade. To do this, click on the "Network Neighborhood" icon on the desktop or access it from the "Start" menu. Find "TCP/IP" followed by the network name and choose properties. Note the IP address, subnet mask and gateway settings so you can reconnect to the network when upgrade is complete.
Make sure your system meets all of the necessary requirements before attempting an upgrade. For example, to install Vista you need an 800+ MHz processor and at least 512MB of RAM. Your current Windows 98 system may not meet these minimum requirements.
