No win98se disk

[zoobie]

I've just searched 20 minutes here but my question wasn't answered.
I'm getting ready to buy XP Pro Upgrade from Win98se. First, I want to MS-DOS and fdisk while in Win98se and then boot to the XP cd. One problem I've been seeing is that that I bought this comp used with Win98se installed and have no disks. Every XP upgrade I've seen says it asks for the disks. All I have is the complete cabs on the HD.
Is this going to work?
What to do?
Thanks

[eXe]

Did you try to find out it from microsoft.com?
As i think there won't be any problem.
Also i recommend you to back up your system befero installing to windows xp.
There is one useful software

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...oad/trueimage/

[EzyStvy]

All I have is the complete cabs on the HD -> Are these on another partition since you said you ran fdisk?

Yes, on a blank drive you will need a cd for proof of purchase. (part of the reason why upgrade cd's are cheaper)

Had you not formatted the drive, the upgrade cd would have worked.

[zoobie]

I haven't done anything yet...fdisk or otherwise. My complete win98se is still installed with the cabs in c:\windows\cab. I've read that you must have a earlier copy of windows cd to upgrade.

[EzyStvy]

The upgrade will detect you currently have an operating system that meets the requirements.

[zoobie]

How about if I used a full version of XP Pro instead of the upgrade on a freshly formatted HD? It's not gonna ask for my drivers license is it?

[Confused]

You can upgrade your current version without the WIN98 CD with the upgrade version of XP.

If you want to do a clean install of XP (format and then install) using a upgrade version of XP you will need the WIN98 CD.

Or get a full version.

www.directdeals.com has full version of XP Pro OEM for $139.00, OEM Home for $89.99 or if you already have the upgrade version they have WIN98 for $47.00

No need to run Fdisk and format. XP will give option to format, create partitions and also give you to option of what file system (FAT32 or NTFS) to use during the install.
Chas

[zoobie]

I gather that since I could format my HD first then XP Upgrade asks for a disk, any old Windows OS will do since there's nothing anymore to look at on the HD.
Is it going to ask for a key?
What's all this bit about calling MS for activation?
Thanks

[Confused]

Windows 98, ME and 2000 qualify. I'm not sure about WIN95. To do a clean install with a XP upgrade version, boot with the XP CD. At some point it will ask for a qualifying OS. Pop in the qualifying OS CD (needs to be a full version, not a upgrade or a recovery CD).

XP needs to be activated with MS withing 30 days, else it quits working. This is true whether it is a upgrade, clean install using upgrade, or install using OEM or retail. You will be prompted to activate online when you get up and running or you have the option to call MS and do it over the phone.
Chas

[zoobie]

Ahh...I see.
Well, someone just contacted me off eBay with an offer of XP Pro Corporate for $39. But I'm still wondering if it's going to ask for an old version on a clean install.
Thanks

[trulad]

XP Corporate for $39??? Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for pirated discs. Thats why I buy XP Home OEM for about $85.
trulad

[zoobie]

Yes...its' pirated from an eBay seller with over 300 positive feedbacks. I think Corporate is the version that manufacturers put on the HD. But I'm still wondering if it's going to ask for an old version of Windows on a clean install.
Anyway, where do you get the consumer XP Pro for $85?
Thanks

[Panama Red]

Ok, first off let's not have any further discussion of pirated software or we'll have to close this thread. Just for clarification, businesses, colleges and organizations with a large quantity of computers often buy a Corporate version of XP Pro to service all their computers. Their licensing agreement does NOT allow use outside of their factility. Some unscrupulous IT people make copies for their own use at home and often sell these copies. Very illegal and a good way for the business and/or the IT guy to face big fines.

Now as for inexpensive versions of XP, if you aren't operating on a domain, chances are you don't need XP Pro. XP Home would do you just fine. I buy most of my XP software from here cuz they consistently have the best price.

http://store.viosoftware.biz/wixphoed.html

If you are a college student or have one in the family, you can qualify for the Academic version of XP Pro. You'll need a legal version of Windows 98 or later to use during the installation in order to prove previous ownership.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...116-192&depa=6

[zoobie]

I've been to VioSoftware before...seems pretty good. I guess I'll go back to the original plan of buying an upgrade version of XP Pro now that my neighbor has an old Win2000 disk I can use.
Thanks for the info.

[Confused]

Originally Posted by zoobie I've been to VioSoftware before...seems pretty good. I guess I'll go back to the original plan of buying an upgrade version of XP Pro now that my neighbor has an old Win2000 disk I can use. Thanks for the info.

Personally I would get a OEM version. Then you don't have to worry about finding a copy of a qualifying OS each time you want to reload. OEM is comparable in price to upgrade versions.

At both directdeals and Newegg OEM version is cheaper than upgrade version.
http://www.directdeals.com/category_windows_xp_pro.aspx
http://www.newegg.com/app/manufact.a...log=368&DEPA=6
Chas

[sdkfz]

Zoobie, using your neighbors CD for the upgrade is still a EULA violation unless I missed something about you permantly purchasing it from them. Remember - you will need the disk every time you install.

Your options are to create a partition and move the 98 cabs to the partition and keep it forever if you buy the upgrade, buy another CD to supply the 'upgrade from' qualification - or buy a full version either OEM or retail.

Personally I'd get an OEM copy which you can do a full install with , this is a cleaner install than an upgrade and does not require you to hold and not use an older license.

[zoobie]

Ahh...I see. Well, I purchased the box used from a private party and forgot to get the disks. It was my understanding I was buying the hardware and software already installed...including the OS.
Sounds like OEM is the way to go.
Thanks all.