windows xp upgrade

[noxiousCaitSith]

i have the windows xp upgrade, however, i do not have a previous version of windows. this is a new computer that i'm putting together. are there any places that sell the older OS's for cheap? like windows ME perhaps so i can then upgrade to xp? cause i'd rather not pay $200...that seems like a bit much considering how long it's been out. and will my xp definitely work since i'm pretty sure it's been used already?
anything i should know about buying used copies of operating systems?

 

[RebateMonger]

I'll say one thing about Microsoft Windows software. It generally holds its value amazingly well. If you have a decent retail-boxed version of Windows 98, you can STILL sell it on eBay for at least 50% of what you paid for it way back in '98. Same is true of 2000 and XP and, in fact, many Microsoft business and server applications.

 

[C1]

http://www.agreatserver.com

 

[kylef]

If you have the XP Pro upgrade, then the license is good if you have a license for any of the following products: Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows NT 4 Workstation, or Windows 2000 Professional.

The upgrade DVD itself will allow you to boot and perform a clean install, just like the full retail (non-upgrade) version. But IIRC the installer will prompt you to insert a CD or DVD of one of the above products to confirm eligibility before setup will proceed. Most OEM media (i.e., "restore CDs") will work for this stage, just like retail media.

In other words, to use the upgrade, you do not need to install the older version of Windows first. But you still have to have the older installation media available.