I bought the wrong xp :( help please

[simba1621]

hello,
i recently attempted to order the xp home sp2 oem version and accidentally ordered the xp upgrade. I have an xp home sp2 oem dvd that i used to install xp on this computer. i was curious to know if i could use that cd, and the serial number on this xp box to install on my brothers new build. i dont really want to send this box all the way back to Carel Stream, IL.

even if i cant newegg has offered to rma the unopened box for an oem version of the os.

just would like to save a few bucks on shipping. any help would be greatly appreciated. and please tell how sure you are of it working/not working. if i open the box and it doesnt work i'm out 110 bucks.

thanks,
swim

 

[bchur83]

As long as you have a disc from a previous OS, it will install fine. During the install, it will ask for a disc from a previous OS.

 

[simba1621]

hmm... so i wouldnt be able to use my xp oem full install dvd from a previous build. and this new serial key

 

[johnz]

I'm sure you could come up with a Win98 disc somewhere...

 

[pik4chu]

hmm... so i wouldnt be able to use my xp oem full install dvd from a previous build. and this new serial key

no since xp pro -> xp home is not a valid upgrade path you would need a full install disk from 9x/ME/2k in order to install the xp home upgrade copy you have.

Also serial numbers are tied to build levels as well. for example an XP Pro SP1 CD-key will not work with an SP2 CD. or a retail key and an oem disc, etc etc even though it is all "xp pro"

If you happen to have a full install disc of an older version you are in luck cause you got xp for cheaper than usual, if not you must return it and by the full install version.

 

[simba1621]

would i need the serial of the 98 disk i just found to use the upgrade?

 

[jivetrky]

would i need the serial of the 98 disk i just found to use the upgrade?

nope, should just be able to put in the CD when it asks and that's all it'll need. (IIRC)

 

[pik4chu]

nope, should just be able to put in the CD when it asks and that's all it'll need. (IIRC)

Correct; all it cares about is the media of a version of windows that supports upgrading to xp home.

 

[simba1621]

i assume you guys know what you're talking about. i'll try it. thanks

btw good luck with that surgery jivetrky. my dad had a similar procedure and is up and around again. i've seen the kind of pain that a spinal injury can dish out. it takes a strong person to deal with it.

 

[simba1621]

ugh it just popped it in and it's sooooo scratched. anyway i could download 98 and put it to a cd so it would work correctly?

 

[Nebulous]

ugh it just popped it in and it's sooooo scratched. anyway i could download 98 and put it to a cd so it would work correctly?

Yup, should work fine, as long as it's win98. Then after you have 98 installed go for the XP Upgrade

 

[simba1621]

great! i'll try that install on an old hd. if it works. i'm on my way to xp. if not i'll return it to newegg and get the right copy lol

 

[jivetrky]

Yup, should work fine, as long as it's win98. Then after you have 98 installed go for the XP Upgrade

I don't think you have to install 98, I think you can just put the XP CD in and then it will ask you for the win98 CD during the XP install. Been a while, but I think I remember it happening that way.

 

[johnz]

I don't think you have to install 98, I think you can just put the XP CD in and then it will ask you for the win98 CD during the XP install. Been a while, but I think I remember it happening that way.

Exactly...The scratched cd may work for that purpose also, assuming the bits Windows installer's looking for are intact.

 

[simba1621]

hmm this makes me nervous for some reason. i found a 98 update for the 2000 changeover lol. doubt that would work. go figure xp wont use the mint condition 95 cd i found

 

[johnz]

Certainly one of your peers has a copy of 98 they can give you.

 

[Femto]

Certainly one of your peers has a copy of 98 they can give you.

Hehehe. Yes, tons of peers probably have a copy of 98 they'd love to share with you...

 

[pik4chu]

Hehehe. Yes, tons of peers probably have a copy of 98 they'd love to share with you...

Talk of piracy is against forum rules and hinting at it is neither clever, nor funny.

 

[schnikies79]

If you don't pass along the key for 98, it's not piracy is it?

For instance, I made a clean XP Home disc for my uncle recently to replace his emachines OEM reinstall disc. It was full of crap, so when I upgraded the hard drive and reinstalled, I used the disc I made and his key. Worked fine and I'm pretty sure it's legal.

 

[pik4chu]

If you don't pass along the key for 98, it's not piracy is it?

For instance, I made a clean XP Home disc for my uncle recently to replace his emachines OEM reinstall disc. It was full of crap, so when I upgraded the hard drive and reinstalled, I used the disc I made and his key. Worked fine and I'm pretty sure it's legal.

Oh yes it is. Microsoft has it stated on all their software that illegal reproduction or distribution is prohibited.

Now microsoft isnt going to come busting down your door because you used your cd to help your uncle, but it is still illegal. So lets try to keep this thread on track please.