XP Pro on multiple computers

[Terry Sullivan]

I want to upgrade my two desktops and laptop from 98SE to
XP Pro. Do I need to buy three copies of XP Pro, or can I
get one copy and two COA's? I'm not sure what a COA is but
I think it gives me a license and product key to install
on one machine for each COA purchased. Also would I be
better off with a full version or the upgrade version?
Thank you for your time and any information will be
greatly appreciated.
Terry Sullivan

 

[Kay Hangman]

You do need to buy three copies, or one copy and two extra licenses
(although the savings in doing so are minimal). You'd not need a full
version, as the upgrade is is the same except you are able to get it at a
lower price due the fact you are upgrading from a previous OS. Some people
find that buying three versions can be better than buying extra licenses
simply because you then get the extra CDs, but it's really up to you.

 

[Norm]

The most cost effective way for you is to purchase a single upgrade and 2
additional licenses. You save $15 on just purchasing the license, that's of
providing it's worth the $30 to you. There is no difference between the
upgrade or full version except for the need for a previous OS that qualifies
for the upgrade.
This site will explain what it costs:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/pricingretail.asp

 

[Terry Sullivan]

Kay,
Thank you for the reply. That's pretty much what I
thought. One other thing, I am constantly downloading
different programs and later deleting them. The point
being that I end up doing a hard drive format and
reloading Windows and my programs. Can the upgrade version
be loaded independently, or would I have to load 98SE
first then uprade it? If so I'd probably be better off, in
the long run, with the full version. Thanks again for the
help.
Terry

 

[Terry Sullivan]

Thanks Norm,
I think that answers my other question posted in reply to
Kay. If I reinstall the OS on a semi regular basis I'm
going to want the full version instead of the upgrade.
Thanks.
Terry

 

[Mike G]

You do not need to get a full version, unless you want to. An upgraded
version will ask you for your win 98 disk during install, once it recoginzes
your 'qualified disk' it will proceed with a normal install. You do not
have to install 98 to use Xp upgrade.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Can the upgrade version
be loaded independently, or would I have to load 98SE
first then uprade it?

You do *not* need to load 98 first. The requirement to use an
upgrade version is to *own* a previous qualifying version's
installation CD (not an OEM restore CD), not to have it
installed. When setup doesn't find a previous qualifying version
installed, it will prompt you to insert its CD as proof of
ownership. Just insert the the previous version's CD, and follow
the prompts. Everything proceeds quite normally and quite
legitimately.