Operating System

[Maxil223]

Alright, people say that to use the Windows XP upgrade that you need a serial number or something of the sort from the old operating system. Well I found my serial number on this computer, could I enter it when im installing XP on my new blank harddrive and would it work?? Do you understand what Im asking??

 

[n0cmonkey]

You use the cd key that came with XP. You will need a cdrom from a previous OS. XP will ask you to put in the old cd, you do so, click on something or whatever, and then it continues.

 

[Maxil223]

but thats the problem, i dont have an old operating system CD.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Then unless you obtain one, an Upgrade cd would be useless. Good luck.

EDIT: If you own a valid license, there should be nothing wrong with making a copy of a friend's disc and using that.

 

[Maxil223]

but i heard you dont need an old OS cd, that you only need the Serial Number or whatever it is from it

 

[n0cmonkey]

The last time I used an upgrade cd, I didn't need a serial, just a disc.

 

[190proof]

Bad info, don't listen to me...

 

[shortylickens]

I think we may be getting our lines crossed here. An UPGRADE version of an OS needs another OS already installed on a hard drive. And it has to be a previous version in the same line. E.g. Win 3.1->Win95->Win98->WinME->WinXP.
And most upgrades will only go back so many versions. You cant install Windows XP upgrade on a Windows 3.1 system. If you try to install the full version it will make you wipe the harddrive first.
Yes, the upgrade disc actually has the all the new OS files. But unless you know how to open, hack and recompile the setup program you cant use it by itself.
I think the activation program might work a little different on an upgrade version of XP. It may want an old code already in the registry to run properly. This tells microsoft what you were using and that you didnt try to get away with paying $100 less for a FULL OS install.

If you are just upgrading, you only need the serial for the new OS. The old one isnt really valid anymore, though you may be able to find it in your registry.

In the long run its better to have the full version. If you have any problems you wont have to reinstall two OS's. Though I dont think microsoft has any kind of a trade-in program.

 

[Maxil223]

they have the full version for 90.00 but its with Sp2, what are the advantages of SP2??

 

[Blazer]

word of advice = never use a upgrade option.

buy the cd and install it ,sp2 has many benifits,to many to list here.