I don’t understand all I know about upgrading XP….

[captmix]

When I build my first computer the intent was to install XP Pro upgrade.

I presently have XP Home upgraded from Win98.

While searching different sites I ran across info on upgrading from Home to Pro and it said to go that route Home had to be a Full Version before installing XP Pro upgrade.

Is this so? If I am installing Pro on the new, clean hard disk and it asks for confirmation for the upgrade and I stick in the Home upgrade will it cut me off at the pass?

My intent is to give my old ‘puter with XP Home to the grand kids.

If I bought an OEM version of XP Pro what exactly does OEM mean in this case? No support from Microsoft? Does that also mean no updates? And down the road if the new Longhorn OS comes out would an upgrade or OEM version of XP preclude the ability to upgrade to the new OS?

I could just buy XP Pro Full I suppose but I would rather spend the extra bucks on components for that new build.

Would sure appreciate some guidance here!

captmix

[DragonNOA1]

I've found these two sites but I can't for the life of me find if you can use a upgrade CD to upgrade from an upgrade (lol). Right now I would say yes but I don't know for sure.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...ing/matrix.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/h...ing/matrix.asp


As far as OEM goes, you will get support from M$, you will be able to upgrade and update just fine. OEM just means you get the license and CD, nothing else.

[RayH]

For installation purposes, OEM is the full version of XP Pro. What it means down the road? Who knows?

If you found your way to this board, you don't need any help from Microsoft!

[DragonNOA1]

Found this:

http://pub156.ezboard.com/fsimplesup...icID=167.topic

Some things to consider before reinstalling or formating your hard drive:

1. Back-up all data!
2. Make sure you have an original copy of Windows 98, ME, or NT. Thes MUST be an OEM Version of Windows, not an upgrade copy.

[Confused]

You can do a clean install of either XP Home or Pro upgrade versions if you have a qualifying OS (ie. a WIN98 CD).

Just pop in the upgrade CD and choose install. At some point it will ask for a qualifying OS. Put in the WIN98 CD. It will read it and ask for the XP CD and continue the install.

You can buy WIN98 used much cheaper than you can a OEM version of either XP Home or Pro.
Chas

PS
OEM is all you need. As has been said previously, you found this place. It's all the support you need.

[captmix]

Many thanks for your replies. I did have a Win 98se disk and that’s what I used to install XP Home upgrade. But now that disk is gone. The question though still is …can I install XP Pro upgrade using Home upgrade as proof of an earlier version? The site I used for this question had a screen shot of the Pro installation and the proof of an earlier version list said the upgrade from Home had to be a full version.

Also I am not sure if an OEM issue would qualify for an upgrade to a future OS.

Of course I could call Microsoft for a new key and install my copy of Home but then the grandkids might let the air out of my tires because they didn’t get my old computer.

I have seen the XP Pro full version (not OEM) selling for $191 on one site and $201 on another. So I may just bite the bullet and get the Full version.

[Confused]

I don't know if a upgrade XP HomeCD would qualify for a XP Pro upgrade clean install or not. Maybe George will see this and clarify. But WIN98 is a qualifying OS and it is cheap on the used market now.

XP Pro full version OEM can be had at Newegg for $136.00 and Home for $89.00 if you wind up buying a new copy.
Chas