Windows Upgrade

[kain1384]

I currently have Windows 98 installed, which I've been using since I got my laptop. Which version would you recommend I upgrade too?
I've thought about getting a new version for a while, but I heard that if you install a new version of windows, you have to reformat the computer and that would cause you to lose all your files, is that true?

[x3ss]

hi,
if you have a decent amount of ram and any T** laptop you can easly upgrade to windows XP sp2 wich is pretty good in speed and performance.
To upgrade you don't have to format the pc the windows setup program can install over your current installation and even let you go back if you don't like the new OS.

good luck!

[jdhurst]

It depends on the laptop. Most IBM laptops since 1998 were certified for Windows 2000 (not well known), and I converted a few to Windows 2000 (back to a 2611-410 "i" model) which is about as slow as you can go and still run Windows 2000.

That said, I don't think Windows 2000 is available any more, and hopefully (as the other poster noted) your machine may be fast enough to run XP Pro. If so, that is where you should go.

Should you upgrade a Windows 98 installation. No. In my experience, there has been too many problems and I only recommend reformating before installing a new OS. YMMV.
... JDH

[RealBlackStuff]

An OEM version of XP-Pro/SP2 can be had for around $100.-
If you have a T20/T21/T22 you can install a max. of 512MB (PC100), a
T23 can even take up to 1GB (PC133).
512MB is enough to run XP comfortably.
Save your personal data on a memory key or burn a CD, then wipe and install from scratch as jdhurst recommends.
Read up on how to best install XP in the Windows forum.

[kain1384]

What exactly is ram, and how do I check to see if I have enough?

I have a T22 Thinkpad, would that be able to handle Windows XP?

So installing a new version is safe? I just want to be sure I won't lose my files, otherwise I don't even want to risk it.

And is Windows 2000 or XP available to download somewhere, or is it something I could buy on ebay?

[pianowizard]

What exactly is ram, and how do I check to see if I have enough?

Right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select "Properties". For Win XP, you want at least 256MB, though 512MB would be much better. Actually, even 128MB would work, but your T22 would be very slow.

So installing a new version is safe? I just want to be sure I won't lose my files, otherwise I don't even want to risk it.

Like JD said, you should install Win XP from scratch instead of upgrading. You will lose EVERYTHING currently on the hard drive in this process, so make sure you back up all documents before installing XP. Also make sure that you can reinstall all other programs after installing XP, i.e. you'll need the setup discs for these programs.

And is Windows 2000 or XP available to download somewhere, or is it something I could buy on ebay?

You need to buy the installation disc. They cost around $100 each. I think a cheaper alternative would be to buy a T23 with a Windows XP Professional Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker already on it, to allow you to legally use IBM's Win XP Pro recovery discs (which you can get from other forum members for several bucks or even free). Then sell the T22.

[kain1384]

I've only got 128 :(

[pianowizard]

I've only got 128

It's easy to upgrade. The safest way to upgrade is to go to crucial.com or 18004memory.com and search for modules for "Thinkpad T22".

But like I said, it might be cheaper and simpler to just get a T23 with a Windows XP Pro COA sticker on the bottom. Many forum members can make a copy of the WinXP Pro recovery discs for you for a nominal fee. I have a set of the discs but I think they've been damaged.

Another advantage of the T23 is it can have up to 1GB of RAM, versus the T22's 512MB. With 1GB RAM and a faster processor, the T23 runs Win XP very well. You also get two USB ports.