BleepingComputer.com: Upgrading To Windows Xp

I've recently decided to upgrade a computer whose Windows ME operating system is dysfunctional to Windows XP, as a way of "solving" the problem. My question is, does upgrading preserve files, or am I obligated to reformat? Also, since this computer is several years old, and was made to support Windows ME, might there be any technical limitations that would prevent XP from working once installed? Finally, whereas MS-DOS is currently accessible on the Windows ME computer (by using a boot disk) even in its current state, would that be the case if I went through the XP installation, and something went wrong (which raises another question: what could go wrong?)? I thank anyone in advance who can answer any of these questions.

im in the same boat as you, only my computer isn't 7 years old lol! im also wondering how hard it is to upgrade from ME to XP.

Hi. No, you will loose everything when you upgrade. They call it an upgrade but that only means you were given a break on the price because you had windows before. You will have to install, the entire XP system which means formatting your hard drive. The first thing you should do is back all your data up.
Your hard were should be P-III (IMO) 512mb of RAM and a 8.4 gb hard drive or larger.

You might find this article from PCWorld useful (especially section E):

http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,78043,00.asp

I opted for a clean install of XP over ME rather than doing the upgrade. While this was certainly more time comsuming, I think it resulted in a more stable operating system.

Regards,
John