Create a "Download" folder on your HD, and save the Netscape *.exe file to that folder.
You can, and many users do, install over previous versions. My personal opinion is that a clean install will benefit you in the long run.
STEP ONE:
Back up your Users Folder.
Uninstall 4.x (your current version) using Add/Remove.
Delete the nsreg.dat, and netscape.ini files. You can either do a "Find" for them, or locate them in C:\Windows. If you feel insecure with deleting these files, then make a back up first.
If you are currently experiencing no problems, and your goal is to upgrade your browser, delete the C:\Program Files\Netscape\Communicator folder. It is not necessary to delete the C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users Folder.
REBOOT
If you're overdue for ScanDisk and Defrag, now is a good time.
Install the updated version, using the "Custom" install, in order to deselect unwanted components, i.e., RealPlayer, WinAmp, Beatnik Stub plug-in, etc. It's much better to install the Players separately, if you want them.
NOTE:
This is a user's choice, and no set rules to follow. My personal preferences, when deselecting, are:
RealPlayer
WinAmp
Address Book Palm Sync
Beatnik Stub Plug-in
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Start Communicator
The Profile Manager will open and prompt you to create a new Users Profile.
Use the SAME USER NAME that you are currently using. . .
***unless you are experiencing problems. If that is the case, then follow the instructions in STEP TWO.
You will see that everything is in place in your Preferences (Mail, Newsgroups, Address Book, Bookmarks) etc. You will NOT be creating a new User Profile. You are using the SAME User Profile, but by deleting the nsreg.dat file, Netscape will rebuild the file, giving you a clean Netscape Registry.
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***If you are upgrading because you are having problems with your current version of Netscape Communicator, follow these additional steps:
STEP TWO:
Delete the entire C:\Program Files\Netscape folder
For experienced users:
Delete these Registry Keys:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Netscape.Network.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Netscape.Registry.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Netscape.TalkNav.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\NetscapeMarkup
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Netscape
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Netscape
HKEY_USERS\.Default\Software\Netscape
When the Profile Manager opens and prompts to create a new Users Profile, enter a NEW USER NAME.
Then fill in the appropriate information
Close Netscape
In the NEW User Profile Folder:
(NOTE: If it asks to overwrite the files say YES.)
Copy all the files from the OLD user profile News folder to the NEW News folder.
Copy all the files from the OLD user profile Mail folder to the NEW Mail folder.
Copy your old bookmarks.htm to the NEW one.
Copy cookies.txt to the NEW one.
Copy all files with an extension of .NA2 to the NEW user profile directory. (This is your address book.)
Copy custom.dic to the NEW user profile directory. (This is your dictionary.)
In the NEW user profile directory, add the following line to both of these files, LIPREFS.JS AND PREFS.JS. This will prevent the Netscape advertisement from coming up when you click on Get Msg:
user_pref("mailnews.start_page.enabled", false);
I also delete the FullSoft/Talkback Agent files:
fullsoft.dll . . Or . . rename to: fullsoft.bad
talkback.exe
talkback.hlp
talkback.cnt
These files are used to report your errors to Netscape. However, they seem to create more havoc than the intended cure!
If you have further questions, I'm a Moderator on the WindowsBBS, Netscape Navigator Forum
I post as "Ramona".
Good luck, and happy browsing!
NOTE: advanced/experienced users may wish to try editing the Netscape *.exe file for a component free, "silent" install.