Which one? WinXP Upgrade or Full Professional version?

[schuang74]

I currently own a full copy of WIN98, if I buy the XP Pro upgrade, can I still perform a new clean OS install, or do I have to upgrade an existing 98 install? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AndyHui]

You should be able to perform a clean install, and only need to insert your Win98 CD for verification when prompted with the WinXP upgrade.

 

[jaywallen]

Hi. I might be mistaken, but I don't think the XP Pro Upgrade will accept Win98, either installed or on CD, as the upgrade basis. I think only the Home Edition will. WinXP Pro requires NT4 or Win2K as the basis, doesn't it? I hope I'm wrong. That would save me some money on my wife's PC at home.

Regards,
Jim

 

[TegSkywalker]

I think the WinXP Pro edition supports an upgrade if you insert a Win98/ME/2k CD.

Well.. thats what my "IT friend" told me.

 

[gunf1ghter]

How many people will REALLY use Pro's features? I think the majority of people who are hungry for pro don't even know what the differences are.

1) Will you run multi processor?

2) Will you need to login to a Windows NT Domain?

If the answer is no then you DO NOT NEED PRO.

 

[jaywallen]

Well, maybe, but pro has some other distinguishing features, too. File-and-folder-level security and encryption are fully implemented in pro, but I don't think they are in home edition. I think MS intelligently differentiated the two in trying to eliminate features that might catch neophytes unawares. I'd suggest those interested in the differences might want to check out the the XP Comparison Site. That's where I'm going next!

Regards,
Jim

 

[bozo1]

You can upgrade 98 and Me to Home OR Pro. You can only upgrade NT 4 or W2K to Pro.

Linky

 

[schuang74]

First off, yes the Pro Upgrade version will upgrade a windows 98 system.

Strait from the horses mouth.

Do I know the difference between the Pro and Home versions? Yes. I will indeed be looking into running multiple processors (Dual Athlon MP's).

There is such a huge price difference between the Pro and Home versions, only an idot would buy the Pro if they didn't need the features. You would think that after seeing that there are two versions, a lesser informed person would ask: "What's the difference?". So I would have to disagree about with gunf1ghter statement that: "majority of people who are hungry for pro don't even know what the differences are." I have a feeling that most people especially Anandtech forum goers would know the differences. Anyhow not to be on the defense, but I don't think that's a valid claim.

Thanks for clearing up my question.

 

[jaywallen]

Hi, schuang74.

That's good news! Means I can save a few bucks on upgrading my wife's system.

BTW, I'm not the one who said that

<< I think the majority of people who are hungry for pro don't even know what the differences are. >>

thing. That was gunf1ghter. I'm mild-mannered, and try not to make any assumptions about what other people do, or do not know.

Heck, I'm lucky if I can figure out what I know at any one point in time!!!

Regards,
Jim

 

[schuang74]

Doah! Sorry Jay, I must have copied the wrong name. I changed the name to the proper one in my post. My apologies.

 

[jaywallen]

Tee-hee! Don't apologize. No need. Besides, you brought me good news with that link that shows Win98 will work as the basis for an upgrade to Pro. (I wonder where I got the idea that Pro Upgrade would only accept an NT-style OS as the upgrade basis? I'm usually a bit more reliable when dealing with that type of information.)

Anway, sounds like we're all golden here. All the naysaying to the contrary, I'm really enjoying the new OS. And I'm an old guy, so I don't mind the time it takes to deal with WPA on occasion.

Regards,
Jim