Upg from ME to Windows XP Home

[walkshaw]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to XP. The
CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only shows "new instl".
Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install XP on my computer without
having to lose everything on it now running in ME? I was told that this NEW
unopened CD would be good for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE
HELP.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME
to XP. The CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only
shows "new instl". Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install
XP on my computer without having to lose everything on it now
running in ME? I was told that this NEW unopened CD would be good
for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE HELP.

Whom did you receive this CD and advice from?

Do you know if it is a Retail/Upgrade CD or an OEM CD?

What does the label look like?

In what way did the Product Key come?

 

[Leonard Grey]

OEM CDs can only be used for a clean install.

 

[David B.]

No it is not, OEM media will not perform an upgrade, who ever told you that
had no clue what they were talking about.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to XP. The
CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade";

No, that's not correct. OEM CDs do clean installations only, not
upgrades.

however, it only shows "new instl".

Correct.


Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install XP on my computer without
having to lose everything on it now running in ME?

No.


I was told that this NEW
unopened CD would be good for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE
HELP.

Who told you that? Whoever it was is wrong.

 

[Tom Willett]

Shenan: He said it was OEM.

Tom
: walkshaw wrote:
: > I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME
: > to XP. The CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only
: > shows "new instl". Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install
: > XP on my computer without having to lose everything on it now
: > running in ME? I was told that this NEW unopened CD would be good
: > for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE HELP.
:
: Whom did you receive this CD and advice from?
:
: Do you know if it is a Retail/Upgrade CD or an OEM CD?
:
: What does the label look like?
:
: In what way did the Product Key come?
:
: --
: Shenan Stanley
: MS-MVP
: --
: How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
:
:
:

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to XP.
The
CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only shows "new instl".
Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install XP on my computer without
having to lose everything on it now running in ME? I was told that this
NEW
unopened CD would be good for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE
HELP.

You can upgrade with your XP CD, but only in the sense that when done, you
will have a better operating system installed..

Unfortunately, an OEM CD can't be used to upgrade while preserving what is
there already..

Other considerations:

If you have a PIII 1ghz machine or equivalent and 512mb RAM or less, you
will have to run Windows in classic look or performance will not be good.
You might also want to run the XP advisor to see what XP will not like in
terms of hardware or software which you have and use..

Sometimes, it is just a case of getting the appropriate device drivers, but
not always.. you may find that some of your hardware and software will need
replacing if you intend to install XP..

XP is not tolerant of 'sloppy' hardware, so don't be surprised if you find
the floppy and CD drive become casualties of using XP..

One more point:

If you decide to make the move, you will have to back up your documents,
e-mail, pictures, music etc..

Do NOT use Windows ME Backup or a packet writer utility like Nero InCD. Just
use the regular data CD burning process to get your files to a safe place..

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Shenan: He said it was OEM.

While that is what was said - I've learned it's sometimes wise to verify the
facts.

 

[Leonard Grey]

President Reagan would have agreed with you.

 

[Tom Willett]

That's why Nancy had to verify the last four years of his idiocracy, err,
presidency.

: President Reagan would have agreed with you.
: ---
: Leonard Grey
: Errare humanum est
:
: Shenan Stanley wrote:
: > Tom Willett wrote:
: >> Shenan: He said it was OEM.
: >
: > While that is what was said - I've learned it's sometimes wise to verify
the
: > facts.
: >

 

[Twayne]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to
XP. The CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only
shows "new instl". Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install
XP on my computer without having to lose everything on it now running
in ME?

Yes. Whether it's an upgrade or not it'll install. If it's an upgrade
it might ask you to show it the CD from ME. The only caveat is to be
certain that it'll accept ME to upgrade from.
You can find out for sure by calling the MS toll free number if it
isn't listed on the CD or accompanying paperwork.
Actually, "upgrade" is simply cheaper than a full installation that's
not an upgrade. XP does not have to be an upgrade: The best case is to
install it anew if you have no real reason to go the upgrade route. In
other words, it's better if what you have is NOT an upgrade but is a
full install version. They're actually identical from an XP viewpoint;
one simply asks you to prove that you have a qualifying upgrade product
and the other doesn't. One will install only ify ou have ME and the
other will install without caring. So the non-upgrade version is
actually preferable. Either way, it should work out for you.


I was told that this NEW unopened CD would be good for

upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE HELP.

People often misuse the term "upgrade", so ... a call to MS can tell
you that fairly quickly.
Any OS install will destroy ALL data on that drive.

Back up all of your important data that you've created, including email
addresses, favorites, things like that. If you're lucky and followed
the suggestions, all your data in under My Documents so backing up that
folder will get the vast majority of your data.
Even if all your data is on a different drive (partition) on that
drive, backup anyway becuase it's easy to mess up and install the OS to
the wrong partition if you aren't careful.

Be sure your BIOS is set so you boot from the CD.

Put the CD in the drive and boot from it.
Delete the existing partitions and create new ones if you wish to.
Actually that's the best way to do it because you can set the sizes as
you wish then, but you don't have to do so.
Just follow the onscreen instructions. XP will install itself.
Then Restore all your personal data.
And in theory at least you're good to go<g>.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

http://www.google.com/search?q=xp+clean+install&rlz=1I7GGLD_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7

I see you haven't posted back and that on top of that the thread has
devolved into an ego fest for a few of the resident egos here. They
often do this and end up ignoring the OP, which is really to the
detriment of the entire group.

Hopefully the links will give you what you need.

Here are a few more links about upgrade vs full:

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.co...-windows-xp-home-full-version-vs-upgrade.html

http://www.duxcw.com/faq/win/xp/clean.htm

http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to XP. The
CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only shows "new instl".
Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install XP on my computer without
having to lose everything on it now running in ME? I was told that this NEW
unopened CD would be good for upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE
HELP.

OEM CDs *Cannot* perform upgrades. They are specifically designed to
perform clean installations, only.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

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

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Leonard Grey]

By way of explanation: OEM CDs are intended for system builders, who
install the OS on new systems. Nothing to upgrade.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

By way of explanation: OEM CDs are intended for system builders, who
install the OS on new systems. Nothing to upgrade.

I agree with what you say, but I'd also like to point out another
factor in the explanation: OEM CDs are less expensive than retail
ones. It's unreasonable to expect the less expensive version to be
identical to the more expensive one.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Ken: I believe the reason OEM CDs are less expensive is that Microsoft
sells them to system builders with the understanding that there is no
support from Microsoft forthcoming.

 

[Daave]

Ken: I believe the reason OEM CDs are less expensive is that Microsoft
sells them to system builders with the understanding that there is no
support from Microsoft forthcoming.

That is *one* reason (not *the* reason).

Another reason is an OEM license is more limited in that it is
permanently tied to one PC.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Daave:

You are correct that OEM installs are tied to a single computer. I'm not
sure why this would make them less expensive, though. Microsoft doesn't
get any extra money when you transfer a retail copy to a new computer.

I'm not arguing with you, just wondering.

 

[Daave]

Say you decide to build a PC. You have a choice. You may purchase an OEM
version of Windows or a Retail version. If you purchase the Retail
version, you may later transfer it to another PC. That would mean the
Retail version is more valuable because the OEM license does not permit
the same kind of transfer. So if you decide to build a second PC and
don't have plans to use the older one anymore, you may legally transfer
the Retail version of XP from one PC to the other. This way you don't
need to purchase another XP license/CD.

So, since the Retail version is more valuable, the price is higher.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Point well made.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Ken: I believe the reason OEM CDs are less expensive is that Microsoft
sells them to system builders with the understanding that there is no
support from Microsoft forthcoming.

That's certainly *one* of the reasons they are cheaper. Others are the
one I mentioned, and that their license permanently ties them to the
first computer they are installed on.