Quote:
Originally posted by Davejoyce
What is the difference between XP home edition w/SP2 and XP home edition UPGRADE w/SP2?
I know one is an UPGRADE and the other is not, the UPGRADE is $89.99 and the other version is $179.99, but why buy the expensive version when the cheaper version can also allow you to do a clean install??? I'm confused someone please explain.
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The upgrade version is: a. Going to look for the existence of that qualified previous version as it starts to install. If it does not find it, your installation is going to fail. b. If it finds an OEM version [which it most likely is if you purchased your Computer with XP already installed] it will install the upgrade BUT continue the OEM license restrictions. The main limitation is that it is forever identified to that original Computer. If that one blows up, you cannot move the OS to another Computer UNLESS you buy another License.
The full Retail version of XP is only limited to One Computer at a time. In other words, the OS can be moved to another Computer so long as that fact is clear to Microsoft which will then block access for the original Computer since the original license is cancelled as it pertains to that hardware.
You can later do a full install with the upgrade version BUT ONLY on the original Computer. The extra money for the full retail version releases that restriction.
