Hi,

I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
kids.

What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
Any ideas / help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dirk

You need 3 copies/licences, the cheapest is OEM but not necessarily the
best, as it doesn't support "upgrades". You are probably looking at XP
Home "upgrade" version as the next cheapest, provided you have a Windows
ME install CD.

dirk.devos RemoveThis @usa.net wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dirk

dirk.devos DeleteThis @usa.net wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.

Purchase three XP Pro upgrade CDs. But why Pro? Why not Home?

I believe that all 3 the computers should be able to run XP from a
hardware standpoint. If I need to I can upgrade them to meet the
requirements. The reason for wanting Pro is that I can not find out
what the differances are between Home and Pro. If I do use the OEM
version, do I need to have reciepts for all the hardware or not and if
I later change some of the hardware, do I need to get new copies
again. The main reason for the upgrade for my kids is that their iPod
and phones need some functionality provided in XP. I do have the
Windows ME disc if that helps.

You first need to determine if any of the WinME machines can run WinXP.

See http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316639 and
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/upgrading/advisor.asp
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


dirk.devos.TakeThisOut-AT-usa.net wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dirk

On Dec 27, 12:13 pm, Alias <al....TakeThisOut@aliasmail.com> wrote:
> dirk.de....TakeThisOut-AT-usa.net wrote:
> > I believe that all 3 the computers should be able to run XP from a
> > hardware standpoint. If I need to I can upgrade them to meet the
> > requirements. The reason for wanting Pro is that I can not find out
> > what the differances are between Home and Pro. If I do use the OEM
> > version, do I need to have reciepts for all the hardware or not and if
> > I later change some of the hardware, do I need to get new copies
> > again. The main reason for the upgrade for my kids is that their iPod
> > and phones need some functionality provided in XP. I do have the
> > Windows ME disc if that helps.
>
> You can update a computer's hardware with a generic OEM XP installed as
> much as you want. Pro can join a domain. Home can't. Pro can support ten
> computers on a network, Home can only support five. Pro comes with a
> very lame back up program, Home doesn't. I suspect you only need Home.
>
> Minimum specs for XP would be at least 512MB RAM and at least a Pentium
> III with 800Mhz of processor speed or more. XP will run with less but
> very, very slowly.
>
> Alias

One big differance is

Multi-processor support - Windows XP Pro supports up to two
microprocessors, while Home Edition supports only one.

My new motherboard has a dual core processor. Seems like the best
would be to get 3 OEM versions of XP Pro.

Thanks for all the advice.

Both my kids got an Ipod and Pantech Duo and both devices state that
they require XP to communicate with a PC. The Pantech Duo needs the
active sync function and I am not sure why the iPod needs XP. One
thing that I do not want to do is have them use my PC to connect their
stuff to. They always seem to get addware, spyware and virusses on
their computers and I normally end up doing a clean install on their
PCs once every couple of months as their systems get corrupted.

If XP Home will recocgnize my dual code CPU, then I do not see any
reason to get the Pro version. I will shop around for a retail Upgrade
version prices.

Thanks again for all the helpfull information.

On Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:40:40 -0800 (PST), "dirk.devos@usa.net"
<dirk.devos RemoveThis @usa.net> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.


Several points here:

1. Although there are volume licenses available, for only three
computers, the best deal is simply buying three copies.

2. What is the program that won't run under Me? Does it have to run on
all three computers, or can you keep Me on two of them? Have you
considered the possibility that it might be both cheaper and easier to
use some other program than to change three operating systems?

3. The cheapest kind of copy to buy is an OEM one. But it's not the
best way and I strongly recommend against it. An OEM copy comes with
several disadvantages, the most severe of which is that its license
ties it permanently to the first computer it's installed on. It can
never legally be moved to another computer, sold, or given away
without that computer.

4. OEM versions can also only do clean installations, not upgrades.

5. I recommend retail Upgrade copies instead of OEM ones. They usually
cost only slightly more than OEM versions, and come without the OEM
version's restrictions. Moreover, despite what many people think,
Upgrade versions *can* do clean installations as long as you own a CD
of a previous qualifying version to show it when prompted. Most people
have such CDs, but worst case, if you don't, they can be bought used
inexpensively someplace like eBay.

6. Why do you want XP Professional as opposed to Home? XP Professional
and XP Home are exactly the same in all respects, except that
Professional has a few features (mostly related to networking and
security) missing from Home. For most (but not all) home users, even
those with a home network, these features aren't needed, would never
be used, and buying Professional instead of Home is a waste of money.

For details go to
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp

Also note one other point not mentioned on any of those sites:
Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only
five.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

dirk.devos DeleteThis @usa.net wrote:

> On Dec 27, 12:13 pm, Alias <al... DeleteThis @aliasmail.com> wrote:
>
>>dirk.de...@usa.net wrote:
>>
>>>I believe that all 3 the computers should be able to run XP from a
>>>hardware standpoint. If I need to I can upgrade them to meet the
>>>requirements. The reason for wanting Pro is that I can not find out
>>>what the differances are between Home and Pro. If I do use the OEM
>>>version, do I need to have reciepts for all the hardware or not and if
>>>I later change some of the hardware, do I need to get new copies
>>>again. The main reason for the upgrade for my kids is that their iPod
>>>and phones need some functionality provided in XP. I do have the
>>>Windows ME disc if that helps.
>>
>>You can update a computer's hardware with a generic OEM XP installed as
>>much as you want. Pro can join a domain. Home can't. Pro can support ten
>>computers on a network, Home can only support five. Pro comes with a
>>very lame back up program, Home doesn't. I suspect you only need Home.
>>
>>Minimum specs for XP would be at least 512MB RAM and at least a Pentium
>>III with 800Mhz of processor speed or more. XP will run with less but
>>very, very slowly.
>>
>>Alias
>
>
> One big differance is
>
> Multi-processor support - Windows XP Pro supports up to two
> microprocessors, while Home Edition supports only one.
>
> My new motherboard has a dual core processor. Seems like the best
> would be to get 3 OEM versions of XP Pro.
>
> Thanks for all the advice.


But you only have 1 Processor, it's merely multicore, and XP Home will
work just fine. Now if you had 2 sockets and two processors instead,
THEN you would need Pro.

On Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:27:16 -0800 (PST), "dirk.devos@usa.net"
<dirk.devos.RemoveThis@usa.net> wrote:

> Both my kids got an Ipod and Pantech Duo and both devices state that
> they require XP to communicate with a PC. The Pantech Duo needs the
> active sync function and I am not sure why the iPod needs XP.


Sorry, I know nothing about this and can't help with that. Perhaps
somebody else here does.


> One
> thing that I do not want to do is have them use my PC to connect their
> stuff to.


I don't blame you.

Then it would seem that they need XP, but you don't. Wouldn't two
copies be sufficient?


> They always seem to get addware, spyware and virusses on
> their computers and I normally end up doing a clean install on their
> PCs once every couple of months as their systems get corrupted.
>
> If XP Home will recocgnize my dual code CPU,


Dual "code"? If that a typo for dual *core*? If so, yes it will.


> then I do not see any
> reason to get the Pro version. I will shop around for a retail Upgrade
> version prices.
>
> Thanks again for all the helpfull information.



You're welcome. Glad to help.

--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP Windows - Shell/User
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

dirk.devos.DeleteThis-AT-usa.net wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dirk

The cheapest/best is to buy a generic OEM copy of XP and clean install
them on your computers. Any specific reason you need XP Pro? XP Home is
cheaper than pro. If you're in the States, you can get it at
http://www.newegg.com/ for a good price.

Also, what are the hardware specs for these computers? How much RAM,
processor speed, video card memory?

Alias

The IPOD needs XP, because Itunes from Apple is required for IPOD to
download and synch photos and music. Itunes requires XP.

Time to visit the Apple IPOD support site or forums where the experts hang
out.

<dirk.devos DeleteThis @usa.net> wrote in message
news:6c4b4c31-b695-4f1d-8ade-fb7002cc3685@d21g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
: Both my kids got an Ipod and Pantech Duo and both devices state that
: they require XP to communicate with a PC. The Pantech Duo needs the
: active sync function and I am not sure why the iPod needs XP. One
: thing that I do not want to do is have them use my PC to connect their
: stuff to. They always seem to get addware, spyware and virusses on
: their computers and I normally end up doing a clean install on their
: PCs once every couple of months as their systems get corrupted.
:
: If XP Home will recocgnize my dual code CPU, then I do not see any
: reason to get the Pro version. I will shop around for a retail Upgrade
: version prices.
:
: Thanks again for all the helpfull information.

<dirk.devos DeleteThis @usa.net> wrote in message
news:b4f41b31-a158-4592-919e-adce47a25fe4@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> I need to upgrade to XP because of some other software that does not
> run on anything prior to XP. The problem is that I have 3 computers
> that I need to upgrade from WIN ME. Two of the computers are for my
> kids.
>
> What is the best / cheapest way to upgrade all to XP Pro if possible.
> Any ideas / help will be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Dirk

The best way to do this is to purchase XP retail upgrade packages. You
should, however, reconsider your XP Pro specification; the computers for
your kids probably don't require it, and it's significantly more expensive.

Before you upgrade any of the systems, run the Upgrade Advisor that's found
on the CD. Pay close attention to what it says you must uninstall; failure
to do so can result in an unbootable system. Unplug all non-essential
devices, that is, everything except keyboard, mouse, and monitor before
starting the install or upgrade.

Upgrade CDs can also be used to do "clean" installs to new drives, and if
you have at least one ME CD, get it out and you can use it as the qualifying
media for the upgrade check.

OEM CDs cannot be used to upgrade an ME install, and the licenses are not
portable - if the system dies, so does the license, unlike the retail
license.

HTH
-pk

<dirk.devos.TakeThisOut@usa.net> wrote in message
news:872d6642-b3db-490d-a827-4d3446464b4e@e10g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
On Dec 27, 12:13 pm, Alias <al....TakeThisOut@aliasmail.com> wrote:
> dirk.de....TakeThisOut-AT-usa.net wrote:
> > I believe that all 3 the computers should be able to run XP from a
> > hardware standpoint. If I need to I can upgrade them to meet the
> > requirements. The reason for wanting Pro is that I can not find out
> > what the differances are between Home and Pro. If I do use the OEM
> > version, do I need to have reciepts for all the hardware or not and if
> > I later change some of the hardware, do I need to get new copies
> > again. The main reason for the upgrade for my kids is that their iPod
> > and phones need some functionality provided in XP. I do have the
> > Windows ME disc if that helps.
>
> You can update a computer's hardware with a generic OEM XP installed as
> much as you want. Pro can join a domain. Home can't. Pro can support ten
> computers on a network, Home can only support five. Pro comes with a
> very lame back up program, Home doesn't. I suspect you only need Home.
>
> Minimum specs for XP would be at least 512MB RAM and at least a Pentium
> III with 800Mhz of processor speed or more. XP will run with less but
> very, very slowly.
>
> Alias

One big differance is

Multi-processor support - Windows XP Pro supports up to two
microprocessors, while Home Edition supports only one.

My new motherboard has a dual core processor.
====================

Sorry, but you misunderstand this.

A multi-core processor system is *not* a muti-processor system.

A multi-processor system will have more than one CPU socket on the
motherboard.

XP Home *does* fully support mutli-core processors, which have multiple
cores on one chip that fits into one socket.

HTH
-pk

===================

Seems like the best
would be to get 3 OEM versions of XP Pro.

Thanks for all the advice.

The basic difference between Pro & Home is that home cannot joint a Domain
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

You dont need receipts for hardware unless you are claiming warranty on
them.
OEM cannot be transfered to a new PC

<dirk.devos.RemoveThis@usa.net> wrote in message
news:07122c83-292d-45f6-8925-6f174e2e2597@e25g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>I believe that all 3 the computers should be able to run XP from a
> hardware standpoint. If I need to I can upgrade them to meet the
> requirements. The reason for wanting Pro is that I can not find out
> what the differances are between Home and Pro. If I do use the OEM
> version, do I need to have reciepts for all the hardware or not and if
> I later change some of the hardware, do I need to get new copies
> again. The main reason for the upgrade for my kids is that their iPod
> and phones need some functionality provided in XP. I do have the
> Windows ME disc if that helps.