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[Mrbob]

Ok, I lost my academic Windows XP disc which means I'm going to have to buy another one.

I stopped by Target and noticed they have the upgrade verison for sale. However when I looked at the side of the box it said I need windows 98 or Windows ME installed to upgrade. Do I have to buy the 200 dollar windows XP disc to be able to do a fresh install on a harddrive? That would be irritating if I would have to dig out my Windows '98 disc just to install XP. I thought the 99 dollar upgrade version could be used to do fresh installs on the hdd?? Thanks...

 

[btrboyev]

no you can do a fresh install with the upgrade disc. Just boot the cd up and format the drive then install

 

[Shogmaster]

Dude, why the hell are you buying OS at retail?

Order OEM CD/keycode/CoA combo off internet by buying some "hardware" with it. You know, like a case fan or something. You can easily get full version of Win XP Pro for around $150. XP Home is like $100. Fully legal too.

 

[Mrbob]

Do I really need the full version of XP Pro?

I'm buying a new HDD from newegg, and I noticed they had the OEM version of Windows XP with Service pack 1 for 91 bucks.

But for 10 dollars more I can walk into a store and grab the full version and just download the first service pack.

 

[impirius]

OEM version = comes in a sleeve instead of a cardboard box. Definitely go for a full OEM version over an upgrade retail version, especially if it's cheaper!