How to Uninstall Windows 98 & Upgrade to XP

by Joshua Benjamin

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

While Windows XP often offers the ability to simply do a straight upgrade from Windows 98, some computer users prefer to do a "clean" installation of Windows XP rather than upgrade. Unfortunately, because of the way Windows is set-up, there is no "uninstall" process for Windows 98. In order to remove Windows 98 from a hard drive prior to installing XP, you will have to format the hard drive containing Windows 98, which essentially erases everything on the hard drive. Fortunately, this is not a difficult task and can be done directly from the Windows XP setup program.

Step 1

Turn on your computer and insert the Windows XP installation disc into the computer's optical drive.

Step 2

Press a key to enter the Windows XP setup program when prompted.

Step 3

Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the screen asking you to choose a partition on which to install Windows XP. Instead of selecting a partition, highlight the partition containing your Windows 98 installation and press the "D" key. This will delete the partition--erasing all the data the partition had contained.

Step 4

Confirm that you wish to delete the partition. Once the partition has been deleted, highlight the "unallocated space" and press "C." This will create a new partition. Once the new partition has been created, highlight it and press "Enter." This will be the partition onto which you will install Windows XP

Step 5

Select the "NTFS File System" option when asked how you wish to format the drive. Windows XP will now format the drive and continue with the Windows XP installation.

Step 6

Follow the on-screen directions as prompted by the installation process. At some point in the installation, you must type in your 25-digit Windows XP Serial key, as well as specify a name for the computer and whether it will be located in a workgroup. Once this process has finished, Windows XP will be installed on your computer.

Tip

  • Make sure that you have all the drivers for your computer's hardware on a CD somewhere, otherwise you will be unable to use the hardware once Windows XP is installed.

Warning

  • Make sure all your important data is backed up before you follow the steps outlined in this guide as formatting a hard drive will erase all the data that hard drive contains.

About the Author

Joshua Benjamin began as a professional freelance writer in 2009. He has successfully published numerous articles spanning a broad range of topics. Benjamin's areas of expertise include auto repair, computer hardware and software, firearms operation and maintenance, and home repair and maintenance. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration from California State University, Fresno.

Photo Credits

  • Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images