Windows? XP or not to be?

[AndyUK]

I have aquired a licensed version of windows XP beta 2462. I am currently running windows ME and am eager to try the new technology. Will I notice the 'step up' to XP, or will it just cause problems since it is beta? Also, if I do install it, what drivers should I use? I need a reliable OS since I use my PC daily, and I am a bit wary to upgrade just in case windows XP causes problems. Any Advice?

[Mntsnow]

I need a reliable OS since I use my PC daily

Then Dont do it...It is BETA that means there will be KNOWN and UNKNOWN issues to deal with. Thats one of the biggest reasons to have Beta testing is to FIND those issues to help lessen the problems encountered in the final version hopefully.

[Comtech]

Just run the XP installer, and when asked, choose NOT to upgrade. You will then be prompted for which partiton/drive you want to install it on, and you end up with a dual boot system. This is providing you have more than one partition/drive in your system.
You can also choose to leave the partition as FAT32, so your windows ME/95/98 will be able to "see" it.
If you ever want to get rid of it, just boot to a DOS prompt (use your ME startup disk), and type: fdisk /mbr then you can delete XP.
For drivers, check the Win2000 ones, most of them work fine.
For a really slick operation, clone your current OS on another drive, then boot to THAT drive, and run the install, and then choose "Upgrade". You don't get the dual-boot option at startup, but you can switch boot drives via BIOS, or any decent boot manager. You end up with all (most) of your current applications and settings intact.