Need Help Upgrading to Windows XP from ??

My computer no longer reboots, so for now, I am using an old laptop that I was able to get connected to the Internet thru dialup (it's so old the port won't take an ethernet cable, only a telephone wire, so dial-up it is). The pages load incredibly slowly. Anyhow, the IE version and ALL software on this thing is about 10 years old. I want to get the OS and all software brought up to date so it will be safer to use while I am troubleshooting the reboot failure on my other computer.

I THOUGHT this had a Windows ME OS, and I want to upgrade to Windows XP. I can't download Firefox and Chrome browsers on this OS (already tried) as they are not compatible. When I went to Microsoft to try to download an upgrade of Windows XP for Windows ME, Microsoft said it didn't recognize Windows ME as my OS and tried to redirect me to a Windows 98 area for the upgrade.

Can anyone tell from the above posted system info whether I have Windows ME or Windows 98? I need to make sure I am downloading the 'right' upgrade.

I realize Windows XP is only supported for another year, but this computer meets the minimum upgrade requirements for XP (I checked) but probably doesn't for an upgrade to Windows 7.

Here's what a system check tells me I have:
OS Name: Microsoft Windows (note it does not say ME, but the owner's manual says Windows ME.

(I know this computer came loaded with ME, but it's possible I went back to where I bought it and they gave me an upgrade to another Windows version. I seem to remember going back to them about that, but just am not clear.)

OS Name: Microsoft Windows
Version: 4.90.3000 Build 3000
OS Manufacturer: Microsoft
System Name: Vaio
System Manufacturer: Sony
System Type: X86-based PC
Processor: AMD Duron ™ Processor, Authentic AMD ~800 MHZ
BIOS Version: EPP revision 9.00
etc.

Can anyone tell what the OS is for sure based on this info? Do not want to do any upgrad until I know for sure. Thank you.

The OS version and build number suggests Windows ME, as per Wikipedia's article on Windows ME.

You can't download any free upgrades for Windows ME to Windows XP.

That's truly a tough one because you should technically purchase an upgrade version or a full XP version to do it right. Can probably buy it online. It would be tough for me to buy an old version of XP to put on a computer that is showing it's age as you describe.

I would recommend downloading the ISO image and burn a disk of Lubuntu or Xubuntu. They are versions of Ubuntu for older or underpowered computers. It is a much better option than trying to get Windows XP to run, as they are modern OSes that would extend the life of your older computer. To get wireless connection, simply buy a USB wireless dongle and plug it in, and you'll be able to connect to your wireless network.

Did I mention these OSes are free and include free software of all sorts?

Its better to get a new OS installed in your PC.You can use Windows XP professional or Windows 7.You just need to visit P2P sites like torrentz.eu .You will obtain an ISO image of the XP or Win 7.Download it by using Utorrent or Bitorrent software.Burn the ISO image in a blank CD or DVD and you will obtain a bootable disk.

The thing is if the system has been running Win98/ME then its an old computer. If you look at the Windows XP system spec its BS as they were trying to sell this OS. The biggest problem with WinXP is having enough RAM not 64MB as stated.

Its better to get a new OS installed in your PC.You can use Windows XP professional or Windows 7.You just need to visit P2P sites like torrentz.eu .You will obtain an ISO image of the XP or Win 7.Download it by using Utorrent or Bitorrent software.Burn the ISO image in a blank CD or DVD and you will obtain a bootable disk.

Good morning .

I recognize that you are a new member...and I strongly suggest that you read/comprehend the basic forum rules before responding to any other topics or creating new topics. A link to those rules are in my signature.

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Being aware of and complying with the basic forum rules...will go a long way with keeping your status as a member in good standing .

Thanks for understanding.

Louis