OEM Nero on XP?

[Ryukumu]

I recently upgraded my computer to Windows XP and I'm kind of hesitant to reinstall Nero. Nero 5.5 came with my Lite-On 24x CDRW drive, but it's an OEM version and there is no serial number printed on the CD or the CD sleeve. I forgot the exact version, but I know that this revision of 5.5 is not compatible with Windows XP (it's a revision or two behind that).

Seeing how I'd naturally want to use my CDRW, I'm wondering what the best way to install Nero is. I've got the setup file for 5.5.8.2 (the newest version) handy, but seeing as there is no serial number... well, should I go ahead and run the OEM CD that isn't XP compatible, then run the update on top of that? I'm worried that installing a non-XP compatible version will mess up my system.

Note: I don't see something that plainly says 'serial number' or 'cd-key', but I DO see a number near the center of the OEM CD that reads 'p/n' then a 10-digit number. Is that the serial number?

 

[jmorrell]

My suggestion is to install the OEM version that came with your writer, then install the 5.5.8.2 version you have over it. The 5.5.8.2 version should see that you have an OEM version already installed and should update it without requiring a serial number. Just don't try to run the OEM version before you update it.

 

[stevewm]

The entire 5.5 series is compatible with XP (one the reasons Ahead software released 5.5).

Install the version you have, the 5.5.8.2 installer will simply upgrade your install, will not ask for a serial #.

 

[Ryukumu]

Ahead's website says that v5.5.5.1 is the 'official' Nero version for Windows XP. I think my OEM release is like... 5.5.2.3. It makes sense that you wouldn't RUN a version that you don't think is compatible but how should I go about installing the update? When installing the OEM, should I just hit 'no' when it asks if I want to reboot my computer now, then reboot after installing the update?

 

[Workin']

Just install the old OEM version, reboot, then install the new upgrade. Nothing magical to it. I just did it this morning.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Workin'
Just install the old OEM version, reboot, then install the new upgrade. Nothing magical to it. I just did it this morning.

I did this as well with no problems. I appreciate that Ahead is one of few companies that continues to permit OEM customers to install the latest and greatest.

 

[Buz2b]

Just to (hopefully) clear things up a bit more, the copy of Nero that you got with the Lite-On is "Bundled" software. You are fully entitled to use it as long as you use it with your Lite-On burner. It will NOT work on another system with a different burner. So, you are "officially" a legal user of Nero. Your software does not require a serial number or CD key. It already entitles you to the upgrades. So, as was mentioned, load your included CD copy of Nero, then reboot and load the upgrades. You will have no trouble.

 

[Ryukumu]

Finally got around to actually installing the thing. So far so good! Burned off about 4 gigs of stuff and it didn't even so much as whimper. Thanks!