According to the AT FAQs, you can install XP directly from an upgrade CD?

[Gaard]

Then why is the full version $100 more expensive than the upgrade?

 

[bozo1]

When you do a clean install with an upgrade version of XP, you have to prove you own a qualifying product to upgrade from - you'll be asked to insert your W2K CD, Win98 CD, etc. as proof. With the full version, you are not required to do this. Same way the 'upgrade' version of 98 worked, 95, etc.

 

[A-star]

I have an upgrade version, and installed it to a clean disk a couple of times,
It never asked me for proof if I've owned a previous version (which I do).
So my upgrade version is the same as the retail version, but only cheaper.

 

[Gaard]

So basically what your saying is that the upgrade is the exact same thing as the full version...just that with the upgrade I'll be asked to insert my WIN98 CD. That's the only difference? So I should save $100 and buy the upgrade, right?

 

[GrumpyMan]

The thing that surprised me is that it worked putting in a disk of Windows 95 as proof also. I thought that it had to be Win 98 or higher, but that is not the case, at least on my upgrade disk.

 

[A-star]

As I said, my upgrade disk did not ask for proof.
It just installed right away.