Changing my O/S to XP

letsbehonest

Hi.
I run Win 2k pro but I am thinking I should really upgrade to a more modern O/S, don't fancy Vista ( to expensive), XP maybe, were to buy for a start, can I install over my existing O/S (2K). Is it worth checking out Ebay, should I buy OEM ?.
regards.

Conor_3

One question is why? Does it no longer do what you want or something you want to do?

Vista costs exactly the same as XP to buy. Legally you cannot put an OEM version on as that's for use with a new computer and an OEM version will not install over an existing older OS.

XP is Win2K with a fancy theme and System Restore. Pretty much most of the rest of it is the same.

evilgoose

I run XP Pro x64, Vista and up until a short while ago Windows 2000.

I not sure if support has been withdrawn yet for Windows 2000 by microsoft, and you'll certainly start finding that drivers and software support for W2K will certainly start to diminish. I think its a wise move to XP.
If you buy some hardware (HDD/memory) at the same time as your OS you can use OEM and comply with the licencing.

I'd check your current system to see if you meet the XP specs. OEM will save you money over a retail pack, but you should buy some hardware with it.

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?sq=xp&q=oem&sort=relevancy&limit=10&page=1

XP with SP3 is a good OS, vista is still 'young'.

[Deleted User]

evilgoose wrote: »

vista is still 'young'.

I don't want to turn this into another Vista vs The World debate, but that's rubbish.

If you are finding that the computer you're using isn't up to the task in hand any more then you'd be better off putting the £70 you'd pay to upgrade to XP in a jar and spending the money on a new computer.

isofa

You can buy a "retail" XP or Vista upgrade which won't require you starting from scratch.

However for the best performance, wiping and installing from afresh makes a great deal of difference.

letsbehonest

Thanks,
One of the reasons for the change O/S idea was that I have inherited photoshop CS3 plus a tutorial, and this requires XP, my Zen also requires XP, apart from that I am more than pleased with Win2k it is the most stable O/S I have ever used.

facingthefuture

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gaming_guy

letsbehonest wrote: »

Hi.
Is it worth checking out Ebay

thats a big mistake. you will most likely end up with a pirated/illegal copy.

software4students have xp pro on there, but it is only an upgrade version (not the full version) that installs over w2k as far as i know.

PROLIANT

Conor wrote: »

Legally you cannot put an OEM version on as that's for use with a new computer

Well as long as you purchase a piece of hardware i.e a stick of RAM or any peice of worthless old hardware thrown in with the sale, you are well within your legal right to use OEM, trust me I do this all the time in my job as IT Manager, got the whole licensing scheme sussed!

Conor wrote: »

XP is Win2K with a fancy theme and System Restore.

Ish, different kernel and construct, but yes the overall structure is similar.

PROLIANT

letsbehonest wrote: »

Hi.
I run Win 2k pro but I am thinking I should really upgrade to a more modern O/S.

Yes

letsbehonest wrote: »

don't fancy Vista ( to expensive), XP maybe, were to buy for a start.

Misco, Ebuyer, Amazon or Ebay.

letsbehonest wrote: »

can I install over my existing O/S (2K).

.
No, wouldn't even recommend an upgrade, best practice...clean install format C:\.

letsbehonest wrote: »

Is it worth checking out Ebay?

Yes, try to buy from seller's with a good rep, no Del-Boy characters.

letsbehonest wrote: »

should I buy OEM ?

Yes, just some retailers may want you to purchase a worthless piece of hardware with the OEM XP to keep everybody within the law.

letsbehonest

Again many thanks one and all.