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Installing Windows XP Home Upgrade

E

eflat

Platinum Member
I have a couple of old Windows 98 disks but I'm not sure what the CD keys are. I read that to use an upgrade version of Windows XP you need the original disks. Do you need the CD key too?
 
If you want your WinXP Upgrade license to be legit, then you need a valid license for a qualifying previous version of Windows. The actual physical process is to show it your Win98 CD during installation, which does not really equate to verifying that you have a valid license, but that was the way things were back in the day.
 
I just reinstalled windows XP on my brother in-laws computer after a hard drive failure. As all he had was a windows XP SP2 upgrade disk and key that he had purchased retail several years ago still in the packaging.(he also had his original 98se disc and key) I fully expected to need the 98 key to complete the clean install. However at no time during the install process did it ask for the previous version key or disc. I was able to validate on line and install all 80 or so updates including IE7 and WMP11 with no problem. This was on a new HD that I did the full format on during Install and there were no other drives connected during the install. Is there any chance that MS no longer is requiring the previous version now that XP has been replaced (more or less) by Vista?

Amos
 
Originally posted by: MadAmos
I just reinstalled windows XP on my brother in-laws computer after a hard drive failure. As all he had was a windows XP SP2 upgrade disk and key that he had purchased retail several years ago still in the packaging.(he also had his original 98se disc and key) I fully expected to need the 98 key to complete the clean install. However at no time during the install process did it ask for the previous version key or disc. I was able to validate on line and install all 80 or so updates including IE7 and WMP11 with no problem. This was on a new HD that I did the full format on during Install and there were no other drives connected during the install. Is there any chance that MS no longer is requiring the previous version now that XP has been replaced (more or less) by Vista?

Amos
Click to expand...

Anyone else want to chime in?
 
During a clean XP upgrade installation your drive is blank, therefore it's not possible for MS to modify the installation requirements hard coded into the cd. MadAmos either has a "special" disc, or he used a full version disc and product key.
 
I checked again today and the disc is printed on it Upgrade and the box it came it is also marked upgrade and the key is on the hologram label. This is the first and only :laugh: computer that he has owned. I helped him buy the upgrade a couple years ago he had it and all the other software he purchased stored in one box. If I had not actually installed the new drive and OS myself I would not have believed it either! :Q I guess there is a chance it was miss-packaged by MS as an upgrade version when it was in fact a full version??? 😕 doesn't matter I guess as long as it worked and it has passed validation several times already. His next time he will end up with a new computer and probably Vista

Amos
 
Ok so just to make sure: As long as I have the Windows 98 CD (even without the CD Key) it should install fine. Right?
 
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