XP upgrade question

Question

While reading other posts, this came to my attention. I currently have C, D and E partitions on my ME box. My thinking was to delete and recreate the C partition during the install and let the other 2 partitions alone.  But something occured to me. All of those partitions are Fat32. Don't they have to be NTFS partitions in XP?? Does the install give me the opportunity to recreate another partition, or should I reformat the hard drive prior to the install? Which would you think would be the best plan??

simpswr · Answer

You can leave the other partitions FAT32 . . XP will work fine with FAT32 partitions . . I would format C in NTFS however

JimmyMac43 · Answer

I am not sure about all involved on how to do it. But I know that you can convert a Fat32 file system to a NTFS file system later without loosing your existing files. Or with the operating system using NTFS file system, you can still work with drives that use the FAT 32 file system. Also you can do a WinXP upgrade to your ME system and continue using the FAT32 file system or convert it to NTFS after the upgrade.

GreyMack · Answer

NTFS for XP is recommended, at least for the system partition, but not required.

The beginning of the installation process after booting from the XP CD allows you to delete, create, and format partitions as desired. You may be able to simply format the system partition as NTFS without deleting it first, if that is your wish.

GM

jimtnc · Answer

Okay, thanks guys. I think I will reformat C into NTFS and leave the rest alone for now, but it was pointed out to me that I can't delete the primary partition (C) until I delete the others (logical partitions - I used Partition Magic). Can I format C without deleting and recreating?

However, another problem has arose and I'm not sure which way to go. I originally set up my home network with "NetBEUI protocol" because it locked out the hard drive files from outside access when I had "file sharing enabled". But now that I'll have both PC's on XP and Netbeui is not recommended for XP, which would be the best way to set up my little network? I still want to protect them from outside access, though.

Thanks.

Message Edited by jimtnc on 12-08-2005 09:34 AM

simpswr · Answer

Yes . . you can format the C: without deleting it . . the XP Firewall will protect you from the outside . . it works well and with minimal resources. . it you have a router between the pc's and the internet you are even further sheilded.

jimtnc · Answer

I should have explained from the outset what my network looks like. I have a Linksys 4-plug router and 2 PC's hooked up through cable. I did have the PC's talking to each other at one time until I got a newer PC with XP and that stopped all sharing. I understand ME and XP w/ netbeui just doesn't work right.

During the install, will XP setup TCP/IP for networking, or do I have to intervene after the install for file sharing, etc? I know there's a part in the install that does some networking things, but I'm concerned that my previous cable settings, masks, etc will be wiped and I'll have to remember how to set up all that stuff all over again. :( If I set my other XP PC up wrong for home networking, can I delete and redo with a wizard, etc??

I've been using Zonealarm along with the router firewall for a few years with great success. Will the XP firewall work as well or better as ZA? If something happens to the router will that leave my files wide open if I don't use ZA? I guess it's that comfort level thing. :)

I guess when I format C that'll be prompted during the install process, correct? Or will I have to do that prior of the install? Sorry if I'm being repetitious with these petty questions. Just trying not to set myself up for a major headache.

Thanks folks, especially simpswr for answering all these nitpicking quesitons. I guess I know a some of the answers already having installed other systems before, but just don't feel comfortable with this one for some reason.

Jim

simpswr · Answer

I have a Linksys 4-plug router and 2 PC's hooked up through cable. I did have the PC's talking to each other at one time until I got a newer PC with XP and that stopped all sharing. I understand ME and XP w/ netbeui just doesn't work right.

netbeui is not required if you have a router . . it did facilitate networking via a hub, but the router will let you network with TCP/IP much easier and more effeciently.

During the install, will XP setup TCP/IP for networking, or do I have to intervene after the install for file sharing, etc?

The installation will set up networking if it detects a NIC . . File sharing can be enabled after the installation. It will pause and allow you choose a standard or custom networking.

If I set my other XP PC up wrong for home networking, can I delete and redo with a wizard, etc??

Yes . . or you can bring up the properties of the network connection and change them manually

Will the XP firewall work as well or better as ZA? If something happens to the router will that leave my files wide open if I don't use ZA? I guess it's that comfort level thing.

If you are comfortable with ZA, I'd suggest you keep using it . . I use the XP Firewall . . combined with a NAT router, it is all the protection I feel I need, and makes file& printer sharing a bit easier. Be sure to install the newest ZA . . that is compatible with XP

I guess when I format C that'll be prompted during the install process, correct? Or will I have to do that prior of the install?

Its a part of the installation process. . When you choose the partition to install on, it will ask if you want to format ( I think . . I usually delete all partitions so that I have a clean slate to write on)

Good luck . .

jimtnc · Answer

Okay, thanks Rich for all the help. I guess all I need to do now is 'just do it!'

Windows General

XP upgrade question

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