OEM XP Home upgrade XP Pro retail problem

[Guest]

I need good advice. Just 4 weeks ago I unpacked and started a new Compaq
Presario SR 1520 NX with pre-installed Windows XP. Everything was super
dandy, until I tried to upgrade Windows XP to Windows XP Pro bought from
Staples, Ceres, CA.

The grey box started upgrading, but then it began running in circles: shut
down with restart -> blue screen (to short to read) -> shut down with restart
etc.

I tried to finish the installation with F8, but this also didn't work. I
finally had to reset the computer to factory status by using the recovery
disks. Two days (and some data) lost for reinstalling SW!

Does anybody know about incompatibilities (what a word!) between retail
upgrade versions and OEM versions?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Foxhole

 

[dummy]

I need good advice. Just 4 weeks ago I unpacked and started a new Compaq
Presario SR 1520 NX with pre-installed Windows XP. Everything was super
dandy, until I tried to upgrade Windows XP to Windows XP Pro bought from
Staples, Ceres, CA.

The grey box started upgrading, but then it began running in circles: shut
down with restart -> blue screen (to short to read) -> shut down with restart
etc.

I tried to finish the installation with F8, but this also didn't work. I
finally had to reset the computer to factory status by using the recovery
disks. Two days (and some data) lost for reinstalling SW!

Does anybody know about incompatibilities (what a word!) between retail
upgrade versions and OEM versions?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Foxhole

All retail version bought from store outlets, you entitle direct form
Microsoft assistant, FREE. I remember new owner has certain free hours
of support before charging you by the hr.

Cheeer

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

The problem isn't compatibility between retail and OEM editions, it's a
problem with retail versions and the proprietary hardware used by some
system manufacturers. Your compaq needs an OEM version with proper support,
it may not find needed drivers in the retail version. Check with HP/Compaq
for upgrade options.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Ron Martell]

Hi,

The problem isn't compatibility between retail and OEM editions, it's a
problem with retail versions and the proprietary hardware used by some
system manufacturers. Your compaq needs an OEM version with proper support,
it may not find needed drivers in the retail version. Check with HP/Compaq
for upgrade options.

If the o.p. was doing an upgrade install then all of the specialized
drivers should have been there as part of the installed XP Home.

I am at a loss to understand why this would have happened, unless it
was application software such as antivirus.

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada

 

[Ron Martell]

I need good advice. Just 4 weeks ago I unpacked and started a new Compaq
Presario SR 1520 NX with pre-installed Windows XP. Everything was super
dandy, until I tried to upgrade Windows XP to Windows XP Pro bought from
Staples, Ceres, CA.

The grey box started upgrading, but then it began running in circles: shut
down with restart -> blue screen (to short to read) -> shut down with restart
etc.

I tried to finish the installation with F8, but this also didn't work. I
finally had to reset the computer to factory status by using the recovery
disks. Two days (and some data) lost for reinstalling SW!

Does anybody know about incompatibilities (what a word!) between retail
upgrade versions and OEM versions?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Foxhole

Did you at least shut down and preferably uninstall any antivirus and
firewall software before starting the upgrade? Compaq systems come
with a ton of preloaded software, much of it crap, and it is probably
some of this that caused the problems.

Read the article on upgrading to Windows XP by MVP Gary Woodruff at
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm for some advice on preparing for
the upgrade. It was written for upgrading from older versions of
Windows but the suggestions, especially about shutting off antivirus
and other applications that load at startup are quite relevant to your
situation.

Good luck.
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada