which version?

[Randy Davis]

I need to install XP on an ME laptop. I don't want to do a clean install
because I can't back up some of the owner's files. I need to know if I can
use an XP OEM to do the update. I need to purchase some hardware and can get
the lady an OEM copy a lot cheaper than the upgrade version.

Randy Davis

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

An OEM version of Windows XP cannot upgrade over an
existing Windows installation. You need to purchase a
conventional "Retail Upgrade Version" of Windows XP.
OEM versions require a "clean install" which involves
reformatting the hard drive.

Windows XP Upgrade Advisor
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307726

HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or
Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;316639

HOW TO: Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316941&Product=winxp

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I need to install XP on an ME laptop. I don't want to do a clean install
| because I can't back up some of the owner's files. I need to know if I can
| use an XP OEM to do the update. I need to purchase some hardware and can get
| the lady an OEM copy a lot cheaper than the upgrade version.
|
| Randy Davis

 

[Randy Davis]

Thank you. I think the real issue for her is not just about files. I think
it has to do with specialized software settings and installations she does
not want to have to redo. She has a Compaq Presario and someone also told
her that after they installed a fresh Windows XP that the touchpad would not
work correctly. I think I'll try to discourage her from going the update
route, but I don't have much hope.

Randy Davis

 

[Len Segal]

What Carey was referring to (taking some liberties here <g>) was the
following:

- OEM will only do a "clean install". Yes, a "clean install" may lose your
touchpad and any other customizations inherent in a laptop. This is NOT a
desirable option in her case.

- Buying an XP Retail Upgrade will allow an "upgrade install" that should
NOT impact current settings, touchpad, etc. NOTE: Although some of these
things may need updated drivers for XP, and should be available from the
laptop mfr's website. This IS the recommended path to follow.

--

Regards,
Len Segal, MCP
Microsoft - MVP
--------------
My reply address is intentionally wrong to reduce SPAM Email.
NOTE: We do not respond to unsolicited Email support questions,
please post questions in newsgroup.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I need to install XP on an ME laptop. I don't want to do a clean install
because I can't back up some of the owner's files. I need to know if I can
use an XP OEM to do the update. I need to purchase some hardware and can get
the lady an OEM copy a lot cheaper than the upgrade version.

Randy Davis

An OEM CD cannot be used to perform an upgrade of an earlier
OS, as it was designed to be installed _only_ upon an empty hard
drive. It can still be used to perform a repair installation (a.k.a.
an in-place upgrade) of an existing WinXP installation.

More importantly, though:

Have you made sure that the computer's hardware components are
capable of supporting WinXP? This information will be found at the PC's
manufacturer's web site, and on Microsoft's Windows Catalog:
(http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/default.mspx) Additionally, run
Microsoft WinXP Upgrade Advisor to see if you have any incompatible
hardware components or applications.

You should, before proceeding, take a few minutes to ensure that
there are WinXP device drivers available for all of the machine's
components. There may not be, if the PC was specifically designed for
Win98/Me. Also bear in mind that PCs designed for, sold and run fine
with Win9x/Me very often do not meet WinXP's much more stringent
hardware quality requirements. _This is particularly true of many
models in Compaq's consumer-class Presario product line_ or HP's
consumer-class Pavilion product line. WinXP, like WinNT and Win2K
before it, is quite sensitive to borderline defective or substandard
hardware (particularly motherboards, RAM and hard drives) that will
still support Win9x.

HOW TO Prepare to Upgrade Win98 or WinMe
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q316639

Upgrading to Windows XP
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm


--

Bruce Chambers

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