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Should you upgrade your computer's OS from Windows 95 to 98, or XP?
Maybe! -- Maybe Not!
I take a very conservative approach to computer upgrades.
Too many times, in my 25-plus years in the computer industry, I've seen upgrades turn out to be downgrades!
There are many variables that can raise their ugly heads, and make a well-intentioned upgrade turn out to be an unmitigated disaster. What works well on one computer may turn another machine into a boat anchor. Before you fall victim to the upgrade siren-song, a few minutes here may save you much money and grief.
A few things to consider
before you start your upgrade
If it Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!
After years of propaganda from the advertising industry, many of us have come to believe their hype. Just because someone's marketing department screams New & Improved doesn't mean you have to have it. If your computer is doing the job you want from it, and the new features of some upgraded program offer nothing you need, why run the risks of an upgrade? After all, the software company's primary goal is to SELL more software.
If it "IS" Broke, Don't Upgrade It!
If your computer is suffering from any problems DON'T UPGRADE IT! Contrary to popular belief, upgrading a poorly running computer seldom fixes any problems, and many times, worsens your woes. Fix the root problem before you try to do any upgrades. Even many of the so-called computer repair programs can cause more problems than they fix.
First, most computers work much better with the factory installed OS "Operating System" than after upgrading to a later OS. Upgrading from an older OS to a newer one usually leaves much of the older system in place, and can cause all sorts of subtle problems. For the best chance of producing a stable system we recommend cleaning everything off your old hard drive and doing a clean reload. See: Starting Over.
Why are you considering an upgrade?
Let's look over a few of the differences between the various versions of Windows, and how they may impact your system:
Windows 95 The original version.
In 1995 Microsoft released the first of four versions of Windows 95. (See What Version, to determine what version of Windows you are currently running.) That first version had several bugs. One bug would cause mischief when trying to connect to the Internet.
Windows 95A
Fixed many of the original bugs, but did not include support for USB.
Windows 95B
Support was added for the USB "Universal Serial Bus".
Windows 95C
Final version of Windows 95. This version is only sold to OEMs "Original Equipment Manufactures". There is no upgrade from previous versions to this one. Win 95C has to be installed on a NEW system. This version of Windows 95 is the best and most stable versions of 95.
Windows 98 The original version.
A mass of bugs.-- The first version, like most first releases of anything, was a real mess. Much less stable than Windows 95C on most computers. Upgrading from any version of 95 to the first version of 98 was problematic for most.
Windows 98SE (Second Edition)
Much more stable. This is an excellent version of Windows. But, before you rush right out and buy a copy of this version, you should keep a few things in mind:
If you need better USB support or your current OS is unstable, this might be the thing for you. If your current machine's instabilities are due to hardware or driver problems, an upgrade to this version will probably only make things worse. If the instabilities are due to the OS and not bad or out-dated drivers, Win-98SE may solve your problems.
Be sure you have the most current versions of ALL drivers for your video card, modem, sound, scanner, etc. before you attempt the OS upgrade.
The best results will be had by completely cleaning and reloading your hard drive from scratch.
See Starting Over.
Windows 98ME (Millennium Edition)
At this time, just after the second beta release of 98ME, it's way too early to say if this version is ready for prime time. If history is any indicator, (Every-other OS release is a problem child), and since the previous, Win 98SE, release is pretty darned good, this one may be troublesome. We already know some things about this new release, such as:
No More Real Mode This version will NOT run many old DOS programs. Microsoft is trying to wean us from the constraints of DOS. If you rely on any older DOS programs you may want to either forsake the OS upgrade or see if there is a Windows version of the DOS program you need to keep using.
Win 98ME was outperformed by Windows 98 in many benchmark application tests. Though it offered up slightly faster boot times than its predecessor, many tests showed that Millennium actually ran standard Windows programs slower than Win 98.
--On the Plus Side--
Windows 98ME attempts to protect you against your own mistakes. Its new System File Protection (SFP) tool prevents you (or a rogue setup program) from accidentally deleting almost 900 core Windows system files. If you accidentally erase a critical file, Win 98ME automatically restores it, in theory preventing Windows from coming to a crashing halt. It's important to understand, however, that SFP won't prevent accidental deletion or corruption of some files that are meant to be overwritten, including Registry and system INI files. To have the absolute best in an un-crash able computer see This Page.
Windows 98ME will automatically update some drivers, and other system related software. Whenever your Win-ME machine is connected to the Internet, Windows automatically checks for critical OS updates and fixes and downloads them in the background, but only after giving you the option of not installing them (Win 98ME's Control Panel lets you turn the feature off, as well). Automatic updates may not be a good idea. Historically, updates don't necessarily make Windows more stable. We prefer to control what we update and when--something that the Critical Update warnings in Windows 98 and Windows ME do just fine.
Easy Digital Photo Tools. I predict that the most popular new feature of Windows 98ME will be the Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) tool. Whenever you plug the camera into the computer, all of the pictures show up right off the bat--no firing up a separate program to extract them from the camera. WIA lets you choose the pictures you want to keep while they're still in the camera (shown as thumbnails), so you don't waste time downloading duds. Plus, Windows provides a new My Pictures folder that previews your photos in thumbnails and runs a full-screen slide show of the images in that folder or of any other pictures you select.
Windows 98ME has proven to be unstable on too many older computers for our liking. We DO NOT recommend an upgrade to this version of Windows. If your new computer came with Windows 98ME it is probably OK, but don't upgrade an older computer to this version.
If your Windows 98ME computer has never worked right, and it is not hardware related, you may want to consider changing your OS to Windows 98SE, or XP-Pro. (See: Starting Over.)
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 is somewhat of a crossbreed between Windows 98ME & Windows NT. Much like Windows 98ME, we DO NOT recommend upgrading to this version of Windows. If your new computer came with Windows 2000 it is probably OK, but don't upgrade an older computer to this version.
If your Windows 2000 computer has never worked right, and it is not hardware related, you may want to consider changing your OS to Windows 98SE, or upgrading to XP-Pro. (See: Starting Over.
Windows XP
Windows XP is the latest offering from Microsoft. Microsoft, and some of its proponents are touting this new operating system as the best thing to come along in years. Many will be enticed by all the flashy TV ads and other promotions to try Windows XP. If your new computer did not come with XP already installed, upgrading to it may cause you more problems than it supposedly fixes.
If you just can't resist,
please do the following
Some folks are of the persuasion that they just must have the latest and greatest, regardless of any advice I could offer. If you can't resist the serine song emanating from Microsoft, the following hints may save you much time and money:
Backup all your important data and settings.
Have the drivers for all your peripherals such as; Modem, Video card, Sound card, CD-ROM, Printer, Scanner, Etc.
Have at least a 600MHz. Pentium III, 256Megs of memory, & 10Gigs of free space on your hard drive.
If you can't afford to have your computer down for several days, DON'T DO THIS UPGRADE!
Not everyone will have a disaster when trying to upgrade to XP, in fact most, if they start with a relatively new trouble free machine, should have little problem with this new OS. Many will have little or no problems upgrading to this new system, and will be some of its loudest proponents. Like the evangelists of a new diet or some other fad, the folks who have a reasonably good experience with this OS, may try to convince you to jump on the bandwagon. I recommend you print this page and reread it from time to time.
If you still can't resist trying to jump on the moving bandwagon, and end up in the ditch all battered and bruised, bring your ailing computer and checkbook to my laboratory.
I will get you back up and running!
XP-Pro is The Best
For a factory installed operating system, the professional version of Windows XP is our recommended version. If you are considering upgrading your computer to XP, we highly recommend the professional version. But please remember, unless you start with a relatively new and properly running computer, upgrading the OS may cause you more grief than you really want.
Microsoft offers XP in two versions, the Home edition and the Professional version. From the user's point of view the two versions look and operate almost exactly the same, but under the hood where the computer does all of it's hard work, the professional version of XP offers more features and does a better job.
Windows XP-Pro is the version we install on our new machines. We build the best computers on earth, and in order to do so, we use the best components and require the best software. All the computers we build, for home or business use, are built around Windows XP Professional.
Use the above procedure(s)
at your own risk!
J.R. has been building and repairing computers for over 25 years, and has personally used the above procedure(s) on thousands of computers. Each computer is different and the competence of the user can vary. J.R. Whipple, in no way warrants the above procedure(s), nor can he be held responsible for any problems, loss of data, loss of business, or any other damages caused by the application of the above procedure(s). If you are not comfortable with the above procedure(s), DON'T DO THEM. If you need help please
Contact Us
before attempting the above procedure(s).
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