XP upgrade or Full version

[Cayman]

I have WIN98 but I want to reformat the drive before I upgrade. Do I have to buy the full grade or can I just type in my WIN98 Product key and use the upgraded version of XP Pro? Should I get PRO or will HOME work?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR><BR>Cayman

[Colin]

Hey Cayman...<BR><BR>If you want to get the XP Upgrade you'll need to install Win98 <b>first</b>, then XP on top... If the price difference between upgrade and full is not too much, spend the extra $$$ for the full edition.<BR><BR>As for Home VS Pro, Pro is definitely the way to go. Home is basically a stripped down version of Pro, but M$ took a bit too much away. For instance, networking with Home is very difficult. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif" border="0">

[Cayman]

Thanks again. I'm going with the XP PRO full version. Look up video cards for my last question...<BR><BR>Cayman

[Hansaman]

I think that you can install the full version from the upgrade disk on a clean hard drive. During the installation process, WinXP will display a message saying it cannot find Windows (meaning an older version) and then ask your to insert the installation disk from a version you have. After it verifies that you have a genuine copy, it will continue with the install. As far as I know, it is installing the full version. <BR><BR>Also, I initially upgraded from Win98 and during that process, I was given a choice of upgrading or installing a full version over the existing OS. <BR>

[Avid6eek]

I'd buy the full version. The added pain of having to keep that Win98 disk around isn't worth the trouble.

[Iceman]

Yeah you can do a fresh install from an upgrade disk, it just asks you to put the 98 disk in when you install. I reckon you should get the Pro upgrade as it is much cheaper than the real thing.

[Hansaman]

Iceman is correct. The upgrade is about $100 USD less than the full version (retail boxed). You can get full OEM (with SP1 updates) for about $150 USD via several companies on the internet. The only requirement with the OEM version is that it has to be purchased with "hardware". Some companies include it with the purchase, with others, you have to buy something. One company "PCProgress.com" does this and you can buy only a mouse or even a shim to qualify. This is even cheaper than the upgrade version. <BR>

[Iceman]

only a mouse?? cool