XP- new vs. upgrade

**arethereanyleft** · 05-23-04, 02:30 PM

Hello out there,

New to this forum, found you on a search. Seems to be a vast array of knowledgeable people here, so I'll get right to it.

I have a computer with 98SE installed. It was an upgrade from 95 way back when.

I've had about all I can stand of the corrupt, glitchy system and have been considering upgrading to XP. First of all, what OS is more reliable... home version or pro?

I'd love to wipe out this HD and reformat first. There's just too much wierd stuff going on in this thing. I did a search a while ago and found a thread on this site regarding the exact issue I'm considering, although I didn't save the page and ended up registering here instead.

My question.....

If I buy an XP Upgrade can I do a clean install of XP upgrade version, without having the 98 upgrade version actually installed on my computer... and just type in a code or install the 98 cd for verification purposes? That way I know I'm starting with a clean registry, and no unwanted garbage. Or do I have to spend the big bucks and get the full version?

What are your thoughts on this?

btw... handle is out of frustration... seemed like every one I wanted was already taken!

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

**mnosteele52** · 05-23-04, 03:23 PM

Welcome to Speedguide arethereanyleft

, if your pc is from the Windows 95 days then I wouldn't even try putting XP on it. XP requires MUCH highr specs to run than 95 & 98 and it will likely run like a pig. In any case you should always to a "clean" install not an upgrade.

**The Dude** · 05-23-04, 04:52 PM

Difference Between XP Upgrade And Full Version

Both versions are identical except for the fact the upgrade version requires a Windows 98/ME/2000 installation CD if you desire to perform a "clean install. A "full version" does not have this requirement. However, the cheaper "OEM full version" cannot upgrade over an existing Windows installation....only "retail full versions" can.

The software itself is identical. Only the rules for how it can be used are different.

The full version can be used for either an upgrade or clean installation. The upgrade can too, but for a clean installation it requires that you have a previous qualifying version's CD to insert as proof of of ownership when prompted to do so.

Also note that there is a third type--an OEM version. Many people confuse this with the full version. However an OEM version can not do an upgrade at all.

*** Of course there are exceptions where an OEM version can do an upgrade. Reason being, there are a few flavors of OEM versions around eg large PC makers sometimes sell/provide these type of "special OEM" disks with their PCs.

**The Dude** · 05-23-04, 04:59 PM

Oops, the answer to your question is yes you can do a clean install with an upgrade version. You just insert the other (Full Version) cd when prompted too. You only have to enter the one product code, the one for XP.