OEM NT 4 to Windows XP Pro Upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bryan
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B

Bryan

Time to upgrade my computer and I would like to use XP
PRo. Am I allowed an upgrade path to XP Pro if I am a
licensed user of OEM Windows NT 4.0.

I would hate to pay for the software and find out later
it won't allow me to install because i am not authorized.
 
It depends. All OEM software is tied to the computer it was first installed
on. If by "upgrading your computer", you mean that you're just adding a few
new components but essentially it's the same computer then yes.

If you're replacing the computer, then it's really a new computer and you
wouldn't be entitled to do it. You may be able to purchase an OEM copy of
Windows XP Pro at the same time as you buy a motherboard, CPU, hard disk,
etc. You can't buy an OEM copy of Windows XP on its own (and if anyone
sells you one on its own let Microsoft know).

If you are just upgrading a few components, though, you would be entitled to
upgrade.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/matrix.asp

The page above says you can do an in-place upgrade. I wouldn't do that.
Assuming that you're getting a new hard disk (your old one must be quite
small by now), install by booting from the XP CD. It will ask you to insert
the CD of a qualifying product, at which time you should insert your NT4 CD.

Regards

Oli
 
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