UPGRADE OR FULL VERSION

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

You will need to by the FULL versions of either Pro or Home. You could a
repair reinstall of XP Pro over top of the "installed" version. As for
Home, you will need to do a clean install. This erases everything!


"MSS" wrote in message
news
I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Sounds like someone has been a very bad boy (or girl as the case may be) and
has installed an illegal copy of XP. So, you won't be able to do an upgrade
as that would be stupid of Microsoft to allow illegal copies of their
operating system to be upgraded. You are free to purchase any version of XP
you want and install it. Unless you are in a corporate or small business
environment you will be happy with XP Home Edition and save some money as
well.

"MSS" wrote in message
news
I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

"MSS" wrote in message
news
I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

If you have Win98, or WinME that you bought in the past, just get the
upgrade XP version, then it'll ask you for the previous copy before it
installs.

Morituri-|-Max wrote:
"MSS" wrote in message
news
I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP
disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered
copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO
as an upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if
I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

If you have Win98, or WinME that you bought in the past, just get the
upgrade XP version, then it'll ask you for the previous copy before it
installs.

This is the best answer of the group. You can also use Win95 to qualify
for the upgrade.

Also, go for XP Pro Upgrade. XP Pro can't be repair installed with a XP
Home CD. And you can't downgrade to XP Home without doing a clean
install.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

In ,
Morituri-|-Max typed:

"MSS" wrote in message
news

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the
original XP
disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as
with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an
unregistered
copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP
PRO
as an upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also,
what if
I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

If you have Win98, or WinME that you bought in the past, just
get the
upgrade XP version, then it'll ask you for the previous copy
before it
installs.


You're talking about doing a clean installation with an upgrade
version. What he clearly wants to to is an upgrade, preserving
his data and installed programs.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

Ken Blake wrote:
In ,
Morituri-|-Max typed:

"MSS" wrote in message
news

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the
original XP
disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as
with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an
unregistered
copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP
PRO
as an upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also,
what if
I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

If you have Win98, or WinME that you bought in the past, just
get the
upgrade XP version, then it'll ask you for the previous copy
before it
installs.


You're talking about doing a clean installation with an upgrade
version. What he clearly wants to to is an upgrade, preserving
his data and installed programs.

Yeah, that may be necessary one day. The illegimate XP should qualify
for doing an upgrade with a legit upgrade XP CD. There is no need to
buy the full version, is one has qualifying media for the upgrade
version.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

"MSS" wrote

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Buy an OEM. They're cheaper.
--
Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to email me.
Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.

However, no support will be given directly by Microsoft.


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"MSS" wrote

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Buy an OEM. They're cheaper.
--
Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to email me.
Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.

In ,
Yves Leclerc typed:

However, no support will be given directly by Microsoft.


Of the three disadvantages of an OEM version (no Microsoft
support, clean installation only, can never be moved to another
computer), you've picked the one that's in my view the least
significant by far.

There are lots of other ways to get good (and sometimes better)
support--for example, right here.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"MSS" wrote

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the
original XP
disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as
with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an
unregistered
copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install
XP PRO
as an upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also,
what
if I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Buy an OEM. They're cheaper.

In article ,
says...
However, no support will be given directly by Microsoft.


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"MSS" wrote

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original XP disk.
I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with a
service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered copy of
XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO as an
upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what if I want to
but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Buy an OEM. They're cheaper.
--
Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to email me.
Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.




Not only won't Microsoft support OEM copies of the OS, they have (as of
today) effectively disabled the ability to activate your OEM (whether it
is produced by a major system builder or purchased as a "FULL OEM") via
the Internet. This wil undoubtedly lead to millions of people having to
call over the phone to activate their OS, with the resulting feeling of
being some kind of criminal as they are forced to try to prove that they
have a legitimate copy of XP.

From my way of thinking, Microsoft has disavowed its EULA with its OEM
customers, effectively snatching away the hard-earned money its
customers have paid for their OS.

If I am wrong about this, I would really appreciate being set right,
since I really want to be able to continue activating my OS via the
Internet, and don't want to have to purchase it again. I live on a very
limited budget, and really don't have the money to put into Mr. Gates'
pocket again
--
Donald L McDaniel
Post all replies to the original
thread so that it may remain intact.
================================================== ==

Donald L McDaniel wrote:
In article ,
says...
However, no support will be given directly by Microsoft.


"Alias" wrote in message
...

"MSS" wrote

I have XP Pro Version 5.1 running but I do not have the original
XP disk. I
tried to install the various upgrades via download as well as with
a service
pack 2 disc. I get an error message that I have an unregistered
copy of XP &
therefore can't do the upgrades. Can I purchase & install XP PRO
as an upgrade or do I have to buy the full program? Also, what
if I want to but
a lower version of Windows rather than XP Pro.

Buy an OEM. They're cheaper.
--
Alias

Use the Reply to Sender feature of your news reader program to
email me. Utiliza Responder al Remitente para mandarme un mail.




Not only won't Microsoft support OEM copies of the OS, they have (as
of today) effectively disabled the ability to activate your OEM
(whether it is produced by a major system builder or purchased as a
"FULL OEM") via the Internet. This wil undoubtedly lead to millions
of people having to call over the phone to activate their OS, with
the resulting feeling of being some kind of criminal as they are
forced to try to prove that they have a legitimate copy of XP.

From my way of thinking, Microsoft has disavowed its EULA with its OEM
customers, effectively snatching away the hard-earned money its
customers have paid for their OS.

If I am wrong about this, I would really appreciate being set right,
since I really want to be able to continue activating my OS via the
Internet, and don't want to have to purchase it again. I live on a
very limited budget, and really don't have the money to put into Mr.
Gates' pocket again

Only the OEM Copies from the major OEMs have been disabled from being
activated over the internet. However, you can still call, and make up a
story and get it activated by MS.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

Since the OEM provided by the major manufacturers do not need activation as
long as they are installed on the original computer, most will not see the
issue.
Those who have installed that OEM on a different computer using a generic
OEM CD with the Product Key on the side of the computer may have a problem,
but they should not be installing the OEM on that different computer.

Those who have upgraded to a motherboard from a different manufacturer or
discarded the original OEM CD for the generic OEM CD are more likely to get
hit by this.

This is the way I understand it works, I may or may not be correct on all
counts.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Donald L McDaniel" wrote in message
Not only won't Microsoft support OEM copies of the OS, they have (as of
today) effectively disabled the ability to activate your OEM (whether it
is produced by a major system builder or purchased as a "FULL OEM") via
the Internet. This wil undoubtedly lead to millions of people having to
call over the phone to activate their OS, with the resulting feeling of
being some kind of criminal as they are forced to try to prove that they
have a legitimate copy of XP.

From my way of thinking, Microsoft has disavowed its EULA with its OEM
customers, effectively snatching away the hard-earned money its
customers have paid for their OS.

If I am wrong about this, I would really appreciate being set right,
since I really want to be able to continue activating my OS via the
Internet, and don't want to have to purchase it again. I live on a very
limited budget, and really don't have the money to put into Mr. Gates'
pocket again
--
Donald L McDaniel
Post all replies to the original
thread so that it may remain intact.
================================================== ==

Jupiter Jones [MVP] wrote:
Since the OEM provided by the major manufacturers do not need
activation as long as they are installed on the original computer,
most will not see the issue.
Those who have installed that OEM on a different computer using a
generic OEM CD with the Product Key on the side of the computer may
have a problem, but they should not be installing the OEM on that
different computer.
Those who have upgraded to a motherboard from a different
manufacturer or discarded the original OEM CD for the generic OEM CD
are more likely to get hit by this.

This is the way I understand it works, I may or may not be correct on
all counts.


http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5589504.html

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

In article ,
says...

Since the OEM provided by the major manufacturers do not need activation as
long as they are installed on the original computer, most will not see the
issue.
Those who have installed that OEM on a different computer using a generic
OEM CD with the Product Key on the side of the computer may have a problem,
but they should not be installing the OEM on that different computer.

Those who have upgraded to a motherboard from a different manufacturer or
discarded the original OEM CD for the generic OEM CD are more likely to get
hit by this.

This is the way I understand it works, I may or may not be correct on all
counts.


Where did I say anything about attempting to install a generic OEM on a
different computer than it was originally installed on? I am speaking
of installs which meet the terms of the OEM EULA. You always seem to
put a spin on things which attempt to put Microsoft in the best light.

While this is your right, it is not completely honest. Microsoft would
not be in business at all if it were not for its customers. In fact,
Microsoft is in business for its customers, I hope. If not, they really
need to get a new mindset.

The fact is, I am persuaded that Microsoft is planning to disable ALL
attempts to activate OEM CDs via the Internet.

Maybe you can afford to purchase your OS at Microsoft's retail price.
Millions of others like me cannot. Up until now, purchasing a Generic
OEM which was manufactured by Microsoft was a good deal for those of us
on very limited budgets. I thought Microsoft had finally seen the light
when they liberalized their rules to allow purchase of an OEM with just
a power cord or mouse. I certainly couldn't afford to buy the OS PLUS a
hard drive. I only have a computer because my brother was kind enough
to hand his old one down to me when he purchased a new Mac. He can
afford to do this. I cannot.

Now I will be required to talk to some Indian named "Fred" who can
barely speak English if I want to activate my OS (again, according to
the OEM EULA). I've done my part, and kept the terms of the OEM EULA.
Now Microsoft is saying "Screw you! Your money is worthless!" to the
deal they made with me.

Now I will have to prove to this "Fred" that I have a legal OEM. (again,
NOT an OEM provided with a new machine, but one mass-produced by
Microsoft.) HE is going to ask me questions relating to an OEM
installed on a new machine by a huge system builder. I will have to try
to persuade him that my OEM is a legally purchased-and-installed copy.
I have no idea where I purchased the sucker from, even. He will go into
the conversation with the mindset that I am an evil pirate. I guarantee
you that Microsoft has instructed him to shoot first and ask questions
later.

Here in the United States, a man is supposed to be innocent until proved
quilty. "Fred" is going to have the attitude that I am guilty until I
can prove myself innocent.

Some how, I will have to find the money to purchase a retail copy of XP,
so that Microsoft can no longer disavow their EULA with me...or can they
still? Microsoft will find SOME way to trash their deal with me,
eventually, because they will want to get rid of XP, and turn every one
into Longhorn users. Ol' Bill is sitting in his expensive chair
laughing out loud, thinking to himself "This is easier than taking candy
from a baby -- all I have to do is change the OEM Eula after they agree
to it, and they will shell out more money for another copy of MY
software."

--
Donald L McDaniel
Post all replies to the original
thread so that it may remain intact.
================================================== ==