Solved: re Win XP

[Money Pit]

Question: As you are well aware there is a considerable difference in the price of the stand alone version of XP and the add-on. Which do you feel is the best to purchase for best all round performance, not counting initial cost.
Also I understand that if you install XP and take it out, you can't put in again without some sort of unlock code? Please comment on this. Tnx Dave.

 

[Max19]

The two forms of Windows XP are the Full Version and the Upgrade. Both are completely identical and can be installed on formatted hard drives. With the Upgrade version, you would have to insert a CD containing an upgradable product to verify that you owned a previous Windows license. With the Full version, you would not have to do that. That one step, in my opinion, is not worth an extra $100.

That $100 is a license fee and nothing more. If you already own a previous version of Windows that can be upgraded to Windows XP (and you have the CD), purchase the upgrade.

You can reinstall XP on the same exact computer as many times as you want as long as you keep your registration code. If you make a certain number of hardware changes, you would have to call Microsoft to explain the changes and request another registration code.

 

[otterbob]

i just installed xp on a formatted drive from the upgrade disk . you need a full version of 98 or me to do it. you need a boot disk with smartdrv.exe on it otherwise it will take eons to install. it is different than installing 98 or me. you have to type I386 then return. then it gives you a I386 prompt then you type winnt. then the install goes from there.