XP upgrade from OEM 98?

[goosemold]

At some point in the near future, I plan to build a new rig, and use XP (Pro or Home - haven't decided yet) as my OS. I'm trying to figure out the most cost-effective, legal options for purchasing XP. I'm inclined to go with the retail Home upgrade, which is sometimes on sale at Comp USA for as little as 70 bucks. As cheap as XP OEM, and comes with Microsoft support (for what that's worth.)

Here's my question: I've been told that the Win 98 CD that came with my Dell Dimension XPS R400 will work just fine with the retail upgrade version of XP. But I've searched many forums and can't seem to get a clear cut answer to this, and I don't want to get stuck with non-working, non-returnable software. I also would prefer not to violate any Microsoft licensing provisions.

Have any of you successfully done a clean install of XP on a home-built machine using the retail XP Home upgrade, while using a Windows 98 CD marked "for distribution with a new PC only - part no. X03-36182" when prompted by the upgrade install?

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

 

[fredtam]

You can probably do it. I don't think the Dell OS cds were bios locked back then but I'm not sure. If I were you I would just by the OEM XP Home rather than go through the trouble. Free tech support is everywhere. I also don't think the upgrade will do a clean install (never used it) so if you need to reformat for some reason you will have to reinstall 98. I'm not sure you may want to check on that.

 

[DaTT]

Upgrades will do a clean install, it will just ask at some point to see the Win98 CD. I don't forsee any problems....

 

[fredtam]

Still seems pointless just to get "tech support".

 

[goosemold]

I appreciate your feedback. I guess it may just come down to what's cheapest. Any suggested sources of cheap, legal copies of Microsoft software (disregard if against forum rules to discuss)?

 

[DaTT]

I would suggest just buying the XP upgrade. Re-format your HD and boot off the XP CD. It will ask you at some point to insert the win98 CD just to verify that you have one. Easy as pie.

 

[fredtam]

You can get ann OEM copy just about anywhere for $85 - 95$
$87

 

[imported_Phil]

Wait a minute. If you have 98SE already installed then Home Upgrade will work. If you do a clean install, and it asks for your Win98 (or similar) disc, then that Dell disc, 99% sure, will not work. It's not a standard Windows CD, it's a custom Dell job and won't be valid for an upgrade. Trust me on this one

Dopefiend

 

[goosemold]

OK, now I'm confused. Here's the deal: the reason I have 98SE on my machine is because I did a clean install to 98 using the Dell CD, then bought a $20 update (yes, they do exist; not an upgrade) to bring it to 98SE. I wouldn't expect the SE update CD to work for the an XP upgrade, but I figured the original Dell OEM 98 might. Many have told me the OEM 98 CD will work for a clean install of XP using a retail upgrade. But now Mr. dopefiend cautions that it won't work. I don't know what to believe. I guess going with XP OEM is the safest road?

 

[cleverhandle]

Well, to confuse you further, I just started an XP Pro upgrade on my stepdad's Optiplex from the Dell 98SE disc.. Worked fine - but I had other copies of Windows on hand in case it didn't. I have a feeling that this one is going to be hit-or-miss.

 

[DaTT]

I say go for it, if it doesn't work (which I think it will just fine), I'm sure you know someone with a 98SE disc.

 

[John]

Many have told me the OEM 98 CD will work for a clean install of XP using a retail upgrade.

Yes, that is correct.

 

[imported_Phil]

Well, it may, most likely it may not. I mean, if you go ahead and get the Upgrade then find it doesn't work and you can't find anyone with a 98 CD, what are you going to do?

Personally, I'd get the OEM XP version, that way you can at least do a totally fresh install and not run the risk of having a CD you can't do anything with.

Mrs Dopefiend

 

[shimsham]

i just installed a dell xp home oem disk on a box built with left over parts. went off without a hitch, but the guy who gave them to me said he had no such luck. i agree, i think its pretty hit and miss.