- 1). Check the system specifications of your computer to make sure it can handle the advanced requirements of Windows XP. Upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows XP is a substantial leap, and your computer will need at least a 233MHz processor, 64MB of RAM and 1.5GB of hard drive space to run Windows XP properly. If your computer does not meet these new specifications, do not install Windows XP.
- 2). Turn on your Windows 98 computer.
- 3). Place the installation disc for Windows XP into your Windows 98 computer's CD-ROM drive. Close the tray.
- 4). Click "Start" and then "Shut Down." Click the "Restart" button to reboot your computer.
- 5). Select the "Install" button from the Windows XP operating system (once it opens on your computer screen). You will be asked to confirm that you would like to format your hard drive, which will uninstall Windows 98 and delete all data from your drive. Confirm this, and click "Next" to proceed.
- 6). Enter your Microsoft 25 digit security code and click "Next." Enter into the boxes on screen the name and password you'd like to use for your primary Windows XP user account. Click "Next" to begin the official installation process. This will take 45 minutes to 1 full hour to finish. Once it does, Windows 98 will have been uninstalled from your computer and Windows XP will have taken its place.
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