Upgrade from Windows 2000 SP4 to Windows XP Pro OEM

[Svnla]

Client has some computers with Windows 2000 SP4 (incorrect) on it. He wants to change/upgrade to XP Pro OEM (correct). I tried to do it but it would not give me the option of upgrade, clean install only ..."Windows don't support upgrade from Windows 2000 SP4 to Windows XP Pro".

Is there a quick and painless way to do it? I don't want to do a clean install because we want to keep everything <programs/settings/etc. on those computers>. TIA.

Edit: Background....the computers originally have OEM Windows XP Pro stickers on them, but somehow, someway, they were installed with Windows 2000 SP4. Now we have to fix them to Windows XP OEM so they can be in compliant.

 

[Nothinman]

I would guess that it doesn't work because it's an OEM disc.

 

[RebateMonger]

You can't upgrade ANY version of Windows to XP Pro OEM. OEM versions only support clean installs, not upgrades.

If you need to do an upgrade, you need the "Upgrade Version" of XP Pro. Different disk. Different Keycode series.

 

[VirtualLarry]

There's a way to hack the setup file so it performs an upgrade installation, but by default, OEM versions only support a full install.

 

[Svnla]

RebateMonger....so if I can find a upgrade XP Pro cd, it will work? Where can I get one, order from MS? Keep this in mind, this is fully legit. We just don't want to reformat the hard drive and start from beginning.

VirtualLarry...how do you do the hack? If it is not too hard, I will try it.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Svnla
RebateMonger....so if I can find a upgrade XP Pro cd, it will work?

ymmv on the success of an upgrade and as you stated "some computers" I suggest http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/default.mspx

Where can I get one, order from MS? Keep this in mind, this is fully legit. We just don't want to reformat the hard drive and start from beginning.

VirtualLarry...how do you do the hack? If it is not too hard, I will try it.

hacking oem to upgrade isn't a good idea as you still will have your upgrading from 2000 to xppro issues/headaches to deal with
even with an upgrade some software/programs can be broken/unstable/etc. and possible uninstall/reinstall of software might/might not be necessary..gl and always backup all data before attempting

Originally posted by: Svnla
Client has some computers with Windows 2000 SP4 on it. He wants to upgrade to XP Pro OEM. I tried to do it but it would not give me the option of upgrade, clean install only ..."Windows don't support upgrade from Windows 2000 SP4 to Windows XP Pro".

Is there a quick and painless way to do it? I don't want to do a clean install because we want to keep everything <programs/settings/etc. on those computers>. TIA.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/matrix.mspx

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Svnla
RebateMonger....so if I can find a upgrade XP Pro cd, it will work?

I've upgraded Windows 2000 to XP Pro successfully on several PCs without major issues. You need either the "Upgrade Version" or "Full Version" of Retail-box XP Professional.