Question on Windows XP Media Center operating system

[Jim]

Several years ago I purchased a new HP laptop with Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 as the operating system.

I've downloaded the latest security files and service packs but my system
always indicates "Media Center Edition 2002 SP3". However, the Microsoft
Windows web site talks about a version called XP Media Center Edition 2005.
Is this a newer version that must be purchased since I can't seem to upgrade
to this edition.

TIA

 

[ColTom2]

You had a limited time back then to purchase from HP for a minimal fee ($10)
the upgrade to 2005. Each computer manufacturer had this update for their
MCE computers and they were the source of this update. Why they imposed a
limited time to acquire I am not sure that a lot of us ever understood, but
so was the case.

You might try contacting HP, but I doubt that you will now be able to
obtain.


Several years ago I purchased a new HP laptop with Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 as the operating system.

I've downloaded the latest security files and service packs but my system
always indicates "Media Center Edition 2002 SP3". However, the Microsoft
Windows web site talks about a version called XP Media Center Edition 2005.
Is this a newer version that must be purchased since I can't seem to upgrade
to this edition.

TIA

 

[Jim]

Many thanks ColTom2.

 

[Jim]

Never got a disk with this computer, is it possible to view the product key?

 

[Malke]

Never got a disk with this computer, is it possible to view the product
key?

With OEM computers (HP, Dell, etc.) the Product Key is on a Certificate of
Authority sticker on the machine. This is what you need to use. There are
various free programs that will show you the Windows Product Key but with
OEM machines the key that you see is the volume license key used by the OEM
for their master image and not the one you use to reinstall Windows.

With HPs, it is best to get a Restore Disk from HP. I just ordered two of
them for clients and they're really inexpensive. It was $22.62 each and
that included expedited shipping charges.

Malke

 

[ColTom2]

You never got a Windows disk, but I am sure that you got a Recovery Disk or
Restore Disk from HP. If you wish to see the Product key and much much more
about both your computer's software and hardware that is installed download
and install free Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html.

It will tell you just about all you wish to know about your computer.



Never got a disk with this computer, is it possible to view the product key?

 

[Jim]

Many thanks to all for the info.

I was thinking I had to do an upgrade because My Computer says "Windows XP
Media Center Edition 2002 SP3".
I then found the product key on the underside of the laptop and it said
"Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005"
To make matters more confusing a keyfinder program reported "Windows XP
Professional"

I'm thinking I don't need to upgrade after all.

Jim

 

[Malke]

Many thanks to all for the info.

I was thinking I had to do an upgrade because My Computer says "Windows XP
Media Center Edition 2002 SP3".
I then found the product key on the underside of the laptop and it said
"Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005"
To make matters more confusing a keyfinder program reported "Windows XP
Professional"

I'm thinking I don't need to upgrade after all.

The reason the key finders say "XP Pro" is that Media Center Edition is a
superset of Pro. If everything is working well, the best policy is "if it
ain't broke, don't fix it". ;-)

Malke