then what do you call it, upgrading

Upgrading is when you go from a previous version to a newer version. When you upgrade Windows 98 to Windows XP it's called upgrading and that could cause the problems you've mentioned. On the other hand, if you do a clean install you eliminate some room for error. By doing a clean install, you choose to format the hard drive partition currently running Windows 98 and replace it with Windows XP. No remnants of your old system will exist and you'll lose all saved data.

oh i c so do i want to restart the upgrading process and start form the begining

what partiton should i pick

im getting the Isass.ses- system error object Name not found

Start the Windows XP installation from scratch. Delete all existing partitions on your hard drive. Then, create one brand new partition that is completely new and clean. Install Windows XP there. You will lose all existing stuff on your computer but you will have a brand new, fresh installation of Windows XP. This is the best option unless you have very important files you absolutely cannot lose on your PC. (If that was the case, you should have backed them up even before you started the WindowsXP installation).

doing that, but what do you think the problem is if it does what it did in the past like stays on the installing windows part for ever

i did a quick NTFS

Maybe I can help.

So you picked a Quick NTFS format. The result of which was?

A. Did Windows XP finally install?
B. It did that same thing you have already stated?
C. You got another error or problem and XP is still not installed?

After answering A, B, or C, I would ask that you state the situation clearly. We can help, if we can either replicate you situation or at least be able to know what you are working with.

Downloading is as Dani stated, you would be taking it from a web site or FTP site. Upgrading is really only when you have an existing Windows Operating System already installed and you then install another operation system overtop of that one. i.e. Windows XP over top of Windows 98.

In your case you seem to be doing a fresh install. Meaning you are installing onto a presumably clean harddrive with a single partition. Correct?

Are you install XP Home or XP Pro Edition ?

Ask and you shall receive and Answer and you will find.!!!!

A. Did Windows XP finally install?
B. It did that same thing you have already stated?
C. You got another error or problem and XP is still not installed?


a: NO
B:
c: YES

it's been on 39 mins remaining for 12 hrs, what do i do

it's the XP HOME EDITION