Upgrade to XP Pro

[Jerry Kontur]

I have 5 systems that I am going to upgrade to WinXP Pro. I have built 5
new towers, but want to use the existing drives. Can I use an OEM version
to upgrade from Win98 SE since all other hardware is new? Does an OEM copy
allow for an upgrade or just a clean install?

Thank You,
Jerry Kontur

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

An "OEM version" of Windows XP does not permit upgrading
over an existing Windows installation. It must be installed "clean".
Only "Retail Versions" can perform upgrades. With five installations,
you should look into Volume Licensing which will permit upgrades.
Visit: http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/Default.asp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I have 5 systems that I am going to upgrade to WinXP Pro. I have built 5
| new towers, but want to use the existing drives. Can I use an OEM version
| to upgrade from Win98 SE since all other hardware is new? Does an OEM copy
| allow for an upgrade or just a clean install?
|
| Thank You,
| Jerry Kontur

 

[Guest]

Of course your OEM version isn't going to work if you try to upgrade a working 98 disk in the new tower. I presume you are doing a heart lung and liver job

If you have 5 valid OEM licences, then you might just make sure that with each of the 5 systems, you run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard before pulling out the HDD

Save each one and burn it to a CD or create a partition on each of the drives if you have enough space

If you have identical new hardware for each system, install Xp and only other application software that is common to each on one HDD. Do not configure for the user yet.

Then use Norton Ghost or similar to image that onto the other HDDs. It will save a lot of time

After you have cloned the HDDs, then use the File and Settings Wizard to reestablish the individual users 'personalitiies', all their documents, internet favourites, passwords etc

Please read more about this Files and Settings Wizard
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/columns/crawford/november12.as

As for Ghosting, go to www.symantec.com and look for Norton Ghost