Installing xp Home Edition-computer currently running Windows 98

yes, it's upgrade

http://michaelstevenstech.com/xpupgdissues.html










>-----Original Message-----
>I have just been given a NEW unopened box containing
Windows xp Home Edition - version 2002. The box
says "for PCs without Windows, or PCs with Windows 95 or
earlier versions."
>
>My computer currently has Windows 98. Can I install
this version of Windows xp? Any reason why I would NOT
want to install it?
>
>TIA
>
>d
>.
>

[Tom Porterfield]

Deanna wrote:
> Well, the question is, shouldn't I have the xp version for Windows 98?

It doesn't matter. The version you will have install fine as an upgrade
for Windows 98.

> It's still OKAY to install the xp version for Windows 95 and earlier,
> even though I currently have 98?

Yes, that's fine.

> I'm trying to figure out why they made two versions of xp

Cost. The version you have is considered a full version. It can be
installed on a completely clean hard drive that has never had Windows or
any operating system installed. This is the more expensive product type.
You can get a version that is designed to install as an upgrade over
Windows 98 and higher. That option is cheaper as it requires you to own a
license of a qualifying previous version of Windows.

Both the full (what you have) and upgrade versions can be installed either
on a clean drive or as an upgrade. The difference is that the upgrade
version requires that you provide proof of a qualifying previous version
in order to install. This makes the upgrade version cheaper to purchase
since it implies you have already purchased a previous version of Windows.
Since yours was given to you that part of the discussion is moot.

--
Tom Porterfield
MS-MVP Smart Display
http://support.telop.org

Please post all follow-ups to the newsgroup only.

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Yes, you can use it. You've described the full retail CD, which
can perform an upgrade, or a clean installation.

Bruce Chambers

--
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"Deanna" > wrote in message
...
> I have just been given a NEW unopened box containing Windows xp Home
Edition - version 2002. The box says "for PCs without Windows, or PCs
with Windows 95 or earlier versions."
>
> My computer currently has Windows 98. Can I install this version of
Windows xp? Any reason why I would NOT want to install it?
>
> TIA
>
> d

[Gary Tait]

On Wed, 31 Dec 2003 13:46:06 -0800, Deanna
> wrote:

>Well, the question is, shouldn't I have the xp version for Windows 98?
>
>It's still OKAY to install the xp version for Windows 95 and earlier, even though I currently have 98?
>
>I'm trying to figure out why they made two versions of xp
>
>thanks for your response.

There is actually more (versions, namely OEM and volume license), but
generally, the upgrade is reduced price for those that have previously
purchased what MS considers a recent OS,

As far as running, the one will run and install the same as the other,
and have the same features. The upgrade will requre proof of a
qualifying OS, thats all.

[Alex Nichol]

Deanna wrote:

>I have just been given a NEW unopened box containing Windows xp Home Edition - version 2002. The box says "for PCs without Windows, or PCs with Windows 95 or earlier versions."
>
>My computer currently has Windows 98. Can I install this version of Windows xp? Any reason why I would NOT want to install it?

That is a 'full retail' version, and will do upgrades as well. The
reason it does not mention 98 is that for that one would normally buy a
cheaper Upgrade CD. Run it from the 98 system. from its autorun take
Install, continue with Upgrade.

First check that your hardware is adequate - especially that you have
*more* than the recommended 128 MB RAM - say 256MB, and Read Gary
Woodruff's article on upgrading to XP at
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/xpupgrad.htm


--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (remove the D8 bit)