I have a computer running Windows 98. I want to install some software that that is not supported by this operating system. I have a copy of XP- Home eddition that came with my brothers new Dell computer. My computer is not a Dell. Can I put this on there? Will it mess up any of the files/programs that i already have on my computer?
You will have to uninstall 98 off your PC while backing up your info. Then you can install XP, but it also depends on the specs of your PC.
I remember I tried to do this on an older computer. I took an XP Home Edition from Dell and tried to install it on a Gateway PC. I reformatted the hard drive and when I put the CD in and it loaded up it said something like this is for use only on Dell computers and it wouldn't install.
If you have a local university nearby then you might be able to find XP cheap if you know a faculty member or student. At Arkansas State University they have 40 academic Xp pro versions available for checkout and they are ALWAYS checked out. I was lucky enough to get one and burn it so I have XP pro for good now. When you check out XP Pro though you get XP Office with it so I have that too.
If the XP disc didnt specify Dell on it, most likely you can install it. But you can't activate it because you are only allowed to install it in one computer. In other words, it will stop working after 30 days, and you can't download any patches over the internet, like sp2. You can try to call in to activate, but then your brother can't use his copy legally. As far as retaining your current data and applications, just choose the upgrade option, rather a new installation from scratch. Beware though, some of your old applications might not be compatible with XP. Check their websites for any free version or driver updates, and it's usually better to make those changes before you switch over to XP.
Have you tried downloading a copy of XP Pro off the internet. SupNova should have a torrent on it, plus included with that copy there will usually be the serial number or serial crack for it as well. As for wINDOWS 98 I am pretty sure but not 100% that once you downloaded the copy it will automatically overwrite windows 98 because 98 shares many of the same drivers as XP Pro. (of course you must meet the min system requirements for XP) I have exprience of doing this over windows Millenuim with no problems but unfortunately some XP clones or more specifically some XP serial numbers clones have been marked by Microsoft so u won't be able to install SP1 or SP2 but NOT all serial numbers are effected. Even though there are illegal copies of XP out there Microsoft has evidently allowed the installtion of SP1 and 2 on these cloned OS to allay fears of vunerabilities. The downloaded copy of XP pro should do the trick becus of the serial crack. if you can't get from SuprNova try Bearshare program .
It won't work on your machine unless it is a Dell. Your best bet is to bite the bullet and go buy a copy of WinXP. I wouldn't recommend an upgrade over your current OS...back up your data and do a fresh install. This way you don't port over any of your current problems with your new OS. You don't have to buy the full version...just get the upgrade version for $99.
If you have a machine that is still running Win98, then I think you should worry about upgrading your hardware before thinking about upgrading the OS. You machine is most likely outdated, and no matter what OS you throw on there it will be slow. Chances are XP could slow you down even more, because it is more resource intensive and is designed for at least somewhat recent hardware.
Thanks...maybe i just need a new computer. This one locks up a lot anyways. Just hate to spend the bucks.