Hello,

I'm looking at upgrading a machine which is mostly going to be used as
an Internet browsing machine with some printing and light
applications.

The specs are low and the already installed Win98 is buggy and needs
to be re-done and I thought why not move it to XP if possible.  I feel
that even if it will be slower, I find it more robust during my use of
it and is more user friendly.  I maybe wrong. :-)

What is recommended to look at before attempting an upgrade?  Are
there tools which scan your machine for XP driver compatibility?

All advice and comments are welcome. :-)

/Lizardnation

Hi Lizardnation,

A very common question that I'm sure we've all asked at one point :)

There are two things that you need to do to ensure that your system is
ready to take on Windows XP:

1. Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
This is a Microsoft "..tool that checks your system hardware and
software to see if it is ready for upgrade to Windows XP. If you run
Upgrade Advisor while you are connected to the Internet, and if your
system needs updates that are available on the Windows Update Web
site, Upgrade Advisor will find and install the updates for you."

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp

2. Confirm Windows XP Hardware Requirements
These are the minimum system requirements that are needed if you want
to install Windows XP. Personally, I don't think these are sufficient,
particularly because you want this system for Internet use. Where
there is a "required" and "recommended" level, just consider the
"recommended" otherwise you'll notice your system going into
overdrive!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/upgrading/sysreqs.asp

As far as the robustness factor that you mentioned...although XP is a
smoother OS in general, you have to remember:
1. When it was designed
2. What level of system for which it was designed

That said, don't be surprised to hear from support people that "your
hardware is too low" when you experience problems and contact someone
for help!

Search strategy:
"windows xp" "compatibility test"

Cheers!

answerguru-ga

Great answer! :-)

/Lizardnation