Since you do not need any information on your HD, it is preferable to 
reformat the HD and do a 'clean' install. If you use an XP upgrade, 
during installation there will be a prompt to insert your ME disk so 
that an 'upgrade' can be verified. If you are using a non-upgrade 
version, then it will not ask for a disk. Remember to change your BIOS 
boot order to temporarily have your CD first.

Although XP contains almost all the drivers you will need and, if you 
have driver disks that came with your computer or components, you may 
want to install them.

After installation, go to the MS XP update site, and install all 
critical updates. Also, seriously consider installing any hardware 
updates. The non-critical updates are up to you.

I have found that the 'full' version of XP is usually only a few dollars 
more than the upgrade version and I do not need to keep the old OS 
disks. Whatever you buy, purchase from a reputable retailer so you can 
have some assurance that it is a 'valid' copy as MS will check it during 
the the update process. Good news is that prices seem to be coming down 
on XP as the issue date for VISTA nears.

Tom Mayer

Bill Miller wrote:
> Which method would  be better. I don't care about saving any
> programs. I have the ones that I want in setup files on a
> external HD. I've read that upgrading WinMe is a hassle, compared
> to a full install. If I do a full install, which would be best,
> Full Version or OEM? I understand that full version is about
> double in price. Is it worth the difference? Would I have to do a
> reformat of the HD?
>
> Thanks for any help or ideas you can give me!
>
>       
>
>   

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