walkshaw said:
I recd a OEM Windows XP Home Ed w/SP3 CD to upgrade my current ME to
XP. The CD is supposed to allow for "upgrade"; however, it only
shows "new instl". Is there anyway I can utilize this CD to install
XP on my computer without having to lose everything on it now running
in ME?
Yes. Whether it's an upgrade or not it'll install. If it's an upgrade
it might ask you to show it the CD from ME. The only caveat is to be
certain that it'll accept ME to upgrade from.
You can find out for sure by calling the MS toll free number if it
isn't listed on the CD or accompanying paperwork.
Actually, "upgrade" is simply cheaper than a full installation that's
not an upgrade. XP does not have to be an upgrade: The best case is to
install it anew if you have no real reason to go the upgrade route. In
other words, it's better if what you have is NOT an upgrade but is a
full install version. They're actually identical from an XP viewpoint;
one simply asks you to prove that you have a qualifying upgrade product
and the other doesn't. One will install only ify ou have ME and the
other will install without caring. So the non-upgrade version is
actually preferable. Either way, it should work out for you.
I was told that this NEW unopened CD would be good for
upgrading, so am at a complete loss. PLEASE HELP.
People often misuse the term "upgrade", so ... a call to MS can tell
you that fairly quickly.
Any OS install will destroy ALL data on that drive.
Back up all of your important data that you've created, including email
addresses, favorites, things like that. If you're lucky and followed
the suggestions, all your data in under My Documents so backing up that
folder will get the vast majority of your data.
Even if all your data is on a different drive (partition) on that
drive, backup anyway becuase it's easy to mess up and install the OS to
the wrong partition if you aren't careful.
Be sure your BIOS is set so you boot from the CD.
Put the CD in the drive and boot from it.
Delete the existing partitions and create new ones if you wish to.
Actually that's the best way to do it because you can set the sizes as
you wish then, but you don't have to do so.
Just follow the onscreen instructions. XP will install itself.
Then Restore all your personal data.
And in theory at least you're good to go<g>.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316941
http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm
http://www.google.com/search?q=xp+clean+install&rlz=1I7GGLD_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
I see you haven't posted back and that on top of that the thread has
devolved into an ego fest for a few of the resident egos here. They
often do this and end up ignoring the OP, which is really to the
detriment of the entire group.
Hopefully the links will give you what you need.
Here are a few more links about upgrade vs full:
http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.co...-windows-xp-home-full-version-vs-upgrade.html
http://www.duxcw.com/faq/win/xp/clean.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/clean_installation_of_windows_xp.htm
HTH,
Twayne`