Windows 98 Upgrade

[DZP]

Can I upgrade from Windows 98 using an OEM version of
Windows XP.

If not, what is the best way to install XP to replace my
existing operating system.

 

[Edward]

You cannot use an OEM disc on anything but a completely new installation.
You will need to buy the WindowsXP upgrade.

Ed

 

[Joseph Conway [MSFT]]

You cannot use OEM media to upgrade, you will need retail media.

 

[James Parsons]

Can I reformat the hard drive and then use my OEM disk to change to XP?

Jim

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Can I upgrade from Windows 98 using an OEM version of
Windows XP.

No. OEM veriosns can only do clean installations, not upgrades.

If not, what is the best way to install XP to replace my
existing operating system.

Using an OEM version, you'll have to format and install. But if
you haven't already bought the OEM CD, buy an upgrade CD instead;
they are around the same price. The upgrade version is more
flexible, since it can do both an upgrade and a clean
installation (if you have a Windows installation 98 CD to show
it).

 

[cimex]

Yes, of course you can do a reformat and clean install. That is the intended
use of an OEM disk. Also, you are able to do a "repair install," over your
existing installation of XP, should that ever become necessary.

What is more, it has been said here that it is, in fact, possible to do an
upgrade install using the OEM disk, but that it is "not supported" by
Microsoft. So, make your own decision, and proceed at your own risk. I have
no experience with the upgrade install option myself.