It would help to know the specific system model you're referring to, but offhand, I'd suggest considering an upgrade to Windows XP, which will more than likely run anything Win2k will, and much better, I might add, and which allows much more flexibility, and which is much better supported for mainstream use.

Backing up your present data is going to depend on whether you have a CDRW or ZIP drive installed.  In the absence of those devices, you're going to be limited to either what you can fit on floppy diskettes (not much, at 1.44 MB per whack), or whether you have access to another PC that you could do file transfers to, either through a direct connection, or through some other means.  You might want to consider just bringing the system in to a place like CompUSA, where they have reasonably qualified personnel to back up your present data and clean install the operating system of your choice.  This is a more expensive option (starting at around $65 for the labor), but it may be more practical, if you're not used to reinstalling/upgrading operating systems.

Hi Flooby,

Thank you very much for your reply. Again, since I am not great with things like this, I am not even sure if I have as you mentioned, CDRW or Zip drive installed...I might but again unsure ehere to even check. I mean I do have CD access but not sure if RW..I guess it does but again not sure...

Outside of my own created files, pics, etc...Will I still have access to the software programs I have now (i.e. the addt'l that was installed afterwards as well)?

As per your 1st question, I think you were asking the System which is Microsoft Windows 98  4.10.1998 (if that means anything to you) (DELL Dimension XPS R400) Pentium II.

 

Ouch...thats ugly! I do in fact have, as you mentioned just the A:Drive, C: Drive and the D: Drive (CDROM Disc). Do you feel would be best to bring to as you say a CompUSA to sort out and if so how much would something like that cost for a full maintenance and OS upgrade? or do you think I can just remain using Win98...?

Basically, this all came about as my wife is in process of starting a home web based biz with a friend and thats how this whole thing came up...they are in the process of trying to design a web page (i.e. just starting out so going to use Microsoft Frontpage but don't know a thing about it).

If you think we can maintain the Win98, so be it...Just wondering how much added feautures we would in fact utilize if we were to upgrade...I mean, at the end of the day, the PC is used more for home use than biz use although would be used a bit more once/if things get up and going for the biz. I know tough for you to answer not really knowing much but I certainly appreciate the input.

Thanks again LMO

You more than likely have "vanilla" Windows 98, rather than 98SE, which, while serviceable for the era of release left something to be desired, in terms of overall functionality.  In any event, XP would probably work fairly well (read: every bit as well as 2000, with a number of advantages), although I think I'd configure it to work for best performance, rather than letting Windows decide what's best, on a PII system.  If you decide to go that route, give a holler, and I'll offer instructions on how to do this.

Regarding your backup options, are you able to write (i.e., create) your own CDs, or are you limted to reading CDs?  If you double click My Computer, how many drives are listed, and what are they called?  If you just have a C: drive, a D: drive that reads "CD-ROM" and an A: drive, chances are you have neither a CDRW drive or a ZIP drive, so you're back to saving everything to floppies, if you don't get some help from more knowledgeable first hand (local) parties.  If you install your new operating system the safest and most efficient way (format the drive and clean install the new OS), you'll have to reinstall everything, and anything you don't have backed up to external media (or that for which you don't have original installation CDs) will be completely gone, including any and all applications that you installed after you got the PC.

I was responding to your original issue - you have software that requires at least Windows 2000 to run properly.  If this is still true, then you're probably not going to be able to "remain using Win98."  That being the case, WinXP would most likely be a more practical alternative, since the cost is roughly the same as Win2k, and since it's a better supported, and a lot more user friendly OS, particularly if it's used more for home use than for business use. 

As for what CompUSA, etc., is going to charge for a specific task, you're going to have to take that up with them, but even if they charge $200, if you combine that with the cost of WinXP/2000, you probably couldn't buy much of a new PC for that kind of money, but if you'd rather investigate that option, that's certainly your choice.  Truth to tell, if the difference was within $200, I'd probably go with a new PC, since that route would probably make everything else a lot easier, too, and you'd have a new hardware warranty to work with.  Here's one example of what you can get for $579, in the basic configuration:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_dimen1?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

As a secondary or backup system, the one you have now is probably OK, as long as you don't have to put a lot of money into it.  If it's going to start costing you more to keep up to date and compatible with your current needs, it may be time to start thinking about a new one, particularly if you have professional requirements that are outside of the capabilities of the current system.

LMO23,

As far as Web site design goes, FrontPage 2003 requires Windows 2000 or XP. However, FP 2002 (available here among other sources)will run under Windows 98 or higher. Full system requirements are here.

Wouldn't an upgrade to XP basically handcuff an older machine like his (or mine)? Or can it be set up to work better than the win 98 version?

Thanks,

Steve

Message Edited by SteveCH on 11-17-2003 11:48 AM