Missing Old Windows CD's And Trying To Reinstall XP

[Guest]

I have an computer that initially came with ME or 2000 installed I do not
recall which. A few years back I upgraded to XP. My problem is that I am now
reinstalling XP for a variety of reasons, and upon installation it asks for
proof of windows, and older copy, 95, 98, 2000, ME, etc.., the problem is
that I have absolutely no idea where the CD would be. Is there anyway to
avoid this? I have reinstalled windows many times on similar computers but
have never had the problem, any the were upgraded from 98, and such, any
ideas?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Q. Is there anyway to avoid this?

A. Yes, purchase a "Full Version" of Windows XP.
The Upgrade Version is of no value without an
older, qualifying Microsoft Windows installation CD.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

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:

| I have an computer that initially came with ME or 2000 installed I do not
| recall which. A few years back I upgraded to XP. My problem is that I am now
| reinstalling XP for a variety of reasons, and upon installation it asks for
| proof of windows, and older copy, 95, 98, 2000, ME, etc.., the problem is
| that I have absolutely no idea where the CD would be. Is there anyway to
| avoid this? I have reinstalled windows many times on similar computers but
| have never had the problem, any the were upgraded from 98, and such, any
| ideas?

 

[Chuck]

This can get really messy when the original CD was one of the OEM image
types, and possibly compressed to boot.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

You need one of the listed CDs, that is the way around this.
If you upgraded before, you also needed a CD unless you used a full instead
of upgrade version.

 

[Guest]

What type of a response is that? Purchase a new version? Why on earth would I
do that if I already have one that I have used before? It seems a little like
a bunch of bull to limit me from using a program I already paid for, and have
previously used succesfully before. Any more pearls of wisdom to share?

 

[Guest]

An Upgrade Version of Windows XP can only
be used if you possess a Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME
CD that can be inserted in the CD drive to provide
proof that you are entitled to use the Upgrade Version
of Windows XP. Without possessing any of those
older CDs, you cannot proceed any further....sorry.

 

[AJR]

Come on guys - Root - Evidently you reformatted the drive - you must know
someone who can lend you a CD - the old OS will not be installed and once
setup verifies it(in about 5 seconds) installation will continue.

 

[Richard Urban]

The upgrade version of Windows, or any quality program, assumes that you
either have the program already installed on your computer, or that you can
insert the original CD when it is requested that you do so. These programs
are less expensive "because" you already have an earlier version.

If you no longer have the earlier version, nor the CD used to install that
version, you can no longer use an upgrade version of Windows XP (or
PhotoShop, Microsoft Office, Corel Word Perfect etc). You now need the full
install version.

Your error is in not keeping the original operating system CD and I see no
way around the problem you now face.

--


Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Glen]

If the op is really stuck he could buy an old quallifying cd secondhand for
next to nothing.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have an computer that initially came with ME or 2000 installed I do not
recall which. A few years back I upgraded to XP. My problem is that I am now
reinstalling XP for a variety of reasons, and upon installation it asks for
proof of windows, and older copy, 95, 98, 2000, ME, etc.., the problem is
that I have absolutely no idea where the CD would be. Is there anyway to
avoid this?

Either find the installation CD for the original, earlier, qualifying
OS, go buy another one such, or go buy a full (either retail or OEM)
installation CD for WinXP. You are not entitled to (and cannot, from a
technical point of view) use an Upgrade license if you cannot prove
ownership of the qualifying product.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry

 

[Bruce Chambers]

What type of a response is that?

Blunt. But fairly accurate.

Purchase a new version? Why on earth would I
do that if I already have one that I have used before?

Because *you* either lost or discarded your proof of eligibility to use
an Upgrade license.

It seems a little like
a bunch of bull to limit me from using a program I already paid for, and have
previously used succesfully before. Any more pearls of wisdom to share?

Try growing up and accepting responsibility for the consequences of
your own actions.



--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? .... I know not what course others may take, but as
for me, give me liberty, or give me death! -Patrick Henry