Installation Problems

Windows XP

from JoeUser Forums
I'm having troubles installing XP (or rather upgrading to XP from 98). When the setup begins it has to make some report about something, but while it's analyzing my computer, when it gets to about 60-65% done, it stops analyzing. My computer doesn't freeze -- I can exit setup and re-open it, but it stops at the exact some spot again.

Is there anything on my computer that would cause this? Maybe an application I can delete?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks a bunch,

~upichie
2,741 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Maybe an application I can delete?


Yeah...delete 98

Format your drive (NTFS) and install XP. If it's an XP upgrade disk, it will ask for your 98 disk during installation and after it verifies that you are entitled to the upgrade, it will install XP.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It doesn't say any of that.

It asks for the serial number or whatever (25 digit number) and after you type it in correctly it starts this report that's supposed to make sure your computer can support the upgrade to Windows XP. The problem is that it doesn't finish. It loads to about 60% and then just stops. It doesn't freeze my computer, but it doesn't load anymore -- it just stops.

So... I don't know. I guess I haven't got to the part where you're describing yet. I don't think I need to wipe out my computer and start from scratch because when I choose what to do with the program one of the options is "Upgrade" which specifically says that I keep my old files.

Thanks, though. Can anyone else give me some tips on how to do this?

~upichie
Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
yraq is the one to listen to.

If you upgrade '98 to XP, you will be stuck with the FAT32 file system, which is not as efficient and wastes a lot of disk space due to larger cluster sizes (which basically means that files are not neatly compacted for easy access by the read/write heads).

You can download the upgrade advisor here Link - just download it and run it.

You will get a report on any currently installed hardware or software that may have problems running under Windows XP, and in many cases suggestions for solving the issues. Don't be thrown by the references to Windows XP Pro - the upgrade advisor works on both home and pro versions.

This will at least give you an idea about what you are looking at for compatibility.

If you feel confident performing a clean install, the results would be far better, though you will need to take software, drivers, etc. into consideration.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
upichie...yrag is right, my first XP install was from an upgrade disk, and I had problems when retaining the original file format.
When you put in your upgrade disk, select the format option, not the leave option, and the NTFS file system will be automatically chosen for you. Once the format has completed, your XP upgrade should proceed as normal....just follow the prompts and enter the required data. However, should it stop analyzing again, try the link corky provided to see if there are issues preventing it from finalising the installation process

Best of luck with it
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you upgrade '98 to XP, you will be stuck with the FAT32 file system


Stated this wierd, you won't be stuck with it, but I believe you have to tell set-up to convert to NTFS.

Make sure your anti-virus and any other utilities are turned off when upgrading.

That's all I currently have to offer.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
So, basically, instead of selecting the upgrade option at the beginning of Setup, select the New Installation? The one that whipes my whole computer and starts from scratch?

Okay. I'll try that. ::says good-bye to all his files::

~upichie
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Back-up what files you can, and verify you have the software discs, or installer files.

A big plus to have would be the following from the manufacturers website:

1 - Chipset drivers
2 - Video drivers
3 - Audio drivers
4 - USB drivers

These may or may not be needed in your situation, but are nice to have just in case.

After formating the drive with the NTFS file system, installing XP, and completing any Activation and updating via Windows Update - Right-click My Computer > Properties > Hardware tab > Device manager button > look for any yellow question marks to make sure all your devices are recognized and that the drivers are installed.

If all is well there, start installing your software.

If you see some yellow question marks, do not panic, just right-click the device and select update driver. If you have a disc that came with the hardware, insert it in the CD drive, and let Windows search for the best match. This will install the drivers only, and you will then have the option of whether or not to install the extra software that comes with the hardware.

I like things simple, so I tend to just install the drivers, and use the hardware for a while to see if I really want the extra stuff that may be included on the disc. In some cases, such as wireless devices, the extra software offers more control over the device, so I install.

Note - it is recommended that you install any firewall and anti-virus programs before other software, and certainly before surfing for drivers, etc. on the net.

The only proviso to this would be during the final steps in the XP installation process, you will be asked how you are connected to the internet, and if you want to activate Windows now. I always select Yes to activating now over the net, which takes a few seconds and you are done.

Posting back here if you have questions after install will probably put yraq back to work, and he is definitely a valuable resource for computer issues.

Good luck.