I am currently working with someone to upgrade their Compaq Presario
5009SR Desktop Computer from Windows ME to Windows XP Home Edition.  I
have heard horror stories about Windows XP upgrades on Presario
Computers, and just wanted some tips before going ahead with it.  The
machine has 128MB of RAM, a 60Gb Hard Drive, but has a lot of that RAM
shared with the Video RAM, which I've heard can cause some issues.  It
has a PIII 1 gHz Processor.  I believe I am going to attempt to format
the drive and install XP clean, but am paranoid about missing drivers,
potential conflicts, etc.  I've scoured Compaq's website and have
downloaded all updated drivers I could find ahead of time, just to be
on the safe side, but I would love some input/opinions on this
endeavour, and some tips on whether or not the move may be worthwhile.
 Also, some clues about driver compatibility/hardware compatibility
for this particular model would be most welcome.  Thank you very much!

Hello generalhawk, 

I think you are well on the right track. Make sure that you have
download all the appropriate drivers from here:
http://www29.compaq.com/falco/sp_result.asp?Model=2811&Os=117

Has the user changed or customized the machine with new hardware? You
should track down any such changes and make sure those drivers are
available as well.

Before you start this, you should DEFINATELY apply the BIOS updates
for the Compaq Presario model if you have not done so already:

http://www29.compaq.com/falco/sp_detail.asp?Model=2811&Div=4&Os=117&SoftwareVer=12954

http://www29.compaq.com/falco/sp_detail.asp?Model=2811&Div=4&Os=117&SoftwareVer=12449
"This SoftPaq is for specific Presario models. Please refer to text
file to see if this SoftPaq is for your model BEFORE installing."

Technically your computer does meet the minimum requirements, and
there are not any obvious problems. My parents have a Hewlett-Packard
computer running Windows XP with only 128MB RAM and it is not horribly
slow. Based on what I think of Windows ME, I would definately go ahead
with the upgrade if it was my computer. Really Windows ME is a bloated
operating system in itself, and performance will not be exponentially
worse by any stretch of the imagination.

I do not recommend that this be done if: 
A) The person plans on getting a new computer in the near future (next
6 months).
B) The person using this computer only wants to upgrade to have "the
newer version".

I would go ahead with this update if: 
A) The Windows ME computer has crashes and blue screens often.
B) The person finds Windows ME to be limiting in any way.
C) The person wants better security etc. etc.

Before you format the drive, make sure all documents are backed up!
Also make sure you can boot from the Windows XP Home CD-ROM before you
format the drive. If the CD-ROM is in the drive, the Windows XP Setup
process should start when the computer is turned on. If this does not
happen, you need to make the appropriate changes to the boot selection
in the BIOS, or you might need to create a set of floppy disks to
start the Windows installation process. (If all of this is confusing,
I do recommend that you upgrade to Windows XP home and not format,
because Compaq does have a cleanup utility available if this is done:
http://www29.compaq.com/falco/sp_detail.asp?Model=2811&Div=4&Os=117&SoftwareVer=12556
)

Also make sure you have the Windows ME CD-ROM handy and the old
drivers just in case something completely unexpected goes wrong or the
user is not happy with the performance or look of Windows XP on their
computer.

Please let me know if you require clarification regarding this answer
and I will do my best to further assist you. Good Luck generalhawk!

tisme-ga


Search Strategy: 

Searched through Compaq website (for driver/bios/info) and Microsoft
website (hardware compatibility list and system requirements for
Windows XP).

I have a Compaq presario 5080us,  800 mhz, 256k ram, 20 gig hard
drive.  I recently upgraded to windows xp, without a hitch.  I had
trouble with windows 2000.  I suggest the  clean install.

Before do this task I recommend you to add more RAM to your PC, at
least 128mb RAM more.
And I agree with jimmyjrosu, I suggest the  clean install.