Problems installing XP

[revrob]

I am trying to install XP pro over the top of Win98. The install begins and says it is checking my hardware. Then it reboots and gives me the following message.
Line 33 of the inf file
\$win_nt$.~BT\winnt.sif
is invalid

Does anyone know what this means and what I shd do?

Is it necessary to reformat my hard disc before trying to install XP. I do not ahve an upgrade version?

 

[bcastner]

There can be several reasons, including that the installation CD is OEM BIOS locked. The direct error message is involved in this issue:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q320678

The best advice I can give you is to plan on doing a clean installation instead of an upgrade. I strongly suspect that an upgrade path is not possible with your machine.

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

 

[bcastner]

The MS KB troubleshooter for upgrade problems from Win98 to XP is also a valuable resource:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310064

 

[linney]

See if there is a Bios Update available for your machine.

Use the check lists in "Bcastners" article to fully prepare your machine for XP (whether you are upgrading or doing a clean install [preferred]).

This article comes close to what you are seeing.

174264 - INVALID LINE ... IN INF FILE during Windows NT Setup

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;174264&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[bcastner]

My sense from a brief scan of newsgroup postings on this issue is that the underlying qualifying license is an OEM one, and upgrade is not a possible choice. The same error message exactly is reported on Sony, HP and Dell machines with pre-installed Win98SE OEM licenses.

As I suggested above, a clean install, not an upgrade, is likely the only real choice for this user.