Windows XP Home Full Version vs. Upgrade

[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.

Is it because if you don't have any previous microsoft operating system such as Windows 98, 98 2nd edition, NT, ME, 2000 then you need to buy the full version? But if you already have an existing microsoft operating system then all you need to buy is the upgrade? Is that the only difference? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Gene K]

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.

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.

[s7p9a2m4]

As Gene said, the upgrade version will look or ask for a previous windows operating system.

To do a clean install with an upgrade cd simply have another older windows version cd handy and put it into the cdrom when asked. You will be able to carry on with a fresh install.

http://www.md4pc.com/questions/13.htm

[cuteperv]

SP2 sucks why would any1 wants it.
the SP2 adds a popup blocker and web bug activator (it only activates web bug only when you tell it to) which all can be added when you download Zone Alarm personal version.
And why would you wanan pay extra money for a version wit SP2 on it even though you can download it for free with the XP Home version.

[Gene K]

Originally posted by cuteperv
SP2 sucks why would any1 wants it.
the SP2 adds a popup blocker and web bug activator (it only activates web bug only when you tell it to) which all can be added when you download Zone Alarm personal version.
And why would you wanan pay extra money for a version wit SP2 on it even though you can download it for free with the XP Home version.

1. XP SP2 adds more security than you mention. I installed it when it was released in final form and furnished copies to 8-10 friends/acquaintances who also installed it. None, to date, has mentioned any particular heartburn problem other than "it is new and, to my surprise, etc, . That is just the learning curve with anything new. None has removed it.
2. Microsoft does not charge anything for SP2. The XP CD's you see for sale now which contain SP2 were produced after it was determined that the service pack was approved for final release. Any full system CD's that are created for OEM/Retail sale are usually current as of the date of production. If not, you would have major impact on the update servers as well as hours and hours of downloading [not to mention digestive upset] time spent by folks who do not have broadband service.

[cuteperv]

I posted my comments above not because i know for a fact that SP2 don't add any extra stuff in XP. I said that because my friend is a software engineer. He tests the SP2 for Microsoft and tells them how does it go, stuff like that. And i asked him about SP2. He told me all they did is turn on the security and add some fixes to IE.
I dont belive him so i dl it. So it actually turned on all the stupid security setting. Firewall, antivirus reminder (extremely annoying), and IE fixes ( which i really like).
So there's the story. But if you want Sp2, go and dl it. BUt after all Sp2 really dont' worth the download, it worth the money may be sice you get the firewall for free., popup blocker 4 free too.

[Gene K]

First: I agree with you in the fact that SP2 is a choice to make.
Second: I do like the fact that the little orange [or Rust or what ever color] warning/option Bar which appears at the top of the window in Internet Explorer (and Outlook Express) when you initiate/reach risky actions/sites is there and involves me in the decision. I consider that to be a major operational/security improvement, and so apparently do you.
Third: With SP2, Microsoft turned on all the default things which can be irritating to those who like some opposite settings to suit theit own purposes. For instance, Outlook Express was reset to block all attachments and I had to reset to allow them since I do get many legitimate attachments. With that, I have to be careful on those I open but so be it.
Fourth: With SP2, Microsoft added a "Security Center" to the Control Panel, supposedly improved the Internet Connection Firewall and turned it on plus added Nag screens concerning both the Firewall and Anti-Virus programs. I suppose this was done because a considerable number of Windows users apparently do not have/use either. By the way, you can turn off the Nag screens if you wish to. If you still experience them, your Software Engineer friend can show you how to do it. If he/she is not available at present, respond to this and myself or another Forum member will answer.