Using XP Upgrade Over 98

[DarkReaver13]

Hello.

My current PC uses an OEM version of Windows XP (Home).

I have just ordered a new processor, motherboard, RAM, graphics card, and 2 new hard drives (so essentially a new PC). I have read that I won't be able to use my OEM version of Windows because it's binded to the old hardware.

So, my idea is to use my old copy of Windows 98 I have lying around, and then use a Windows XP Professional Upgrade to make a clean install - then I won't have to spend loads on a full version of Windows XP Pro or Home. Is this a good idea?

Will it effectively ignore the Win 98 Key and just use the key I get with the upgrade?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[g-paw]

First depending on how you feel about such things, you could call Microsoft with a story and ask them to activate your OEM version of XP on the new computer. If it's a restore disk, you probably can't do this.

If you're getting a new version of XP, I'd got with OEM rather than the Upgrade. It's about $90, not a lot more than the Upgrade. The advantage is you don't have to waist time installing 98 and you can do an absolutely clean install, i.e., you can format the drive before installation, the Upgrade would have to be over 98.

 

[DarkReaver13]

I have a full Home XP CD, but that license is used by another PC. The license for this PC is an OEM one (and the disc is a restore CD) so I don't think it can be reactivated at all on a new PC, only on an eMachines one (who distributed this PC).

I did consider going with the OEM for that reason, but I read on these forums somewhere that you can do a clean install with the upgrade, you just have to put the Win 98 CD in for the XP installer to find, and then continue as normal as if it were a full install.

 

[g-paw]

Not sure how it works with 98 and XP but on my upgrade version of Office 2000, I acutally have to install at least one function, e.g., Word, in order to install Office 2000.