A question about Windows XP

[Magikarp]

I was recently thinking about purchasing Windows XP, but I noticed that there are two different sets: one is designed for people who already have more recent versions of Windows on their computer, and one for people who don't have a recent version of Windows on their computer. The one for people without is more expensive, and therein lies my problem:

I want to install Windows XP (I currently have 2000), but I also want to reformat everything. So, if I reformat everything, the version of XP I am hoping to buy (The cheaper one) will think that I never had Windows 2000 on my computer.

So, my first thought was to reformat now and install Windows 2000 again, and then install my new copy of XP. I guess my main question is: does Windows 2000 also have two versions? Because I'm not sure what mine is, since it's.. well.. burned. I believe that I installed it on top of Windows 98, so I can't be certain. Or does Windows 2000 install on a harddrive regardless of whether the user has an older copy of Windows?

I also posted this for tips or warnings or information that I might need before I do anything reckless.

 

[Venice_native]

I'd do without purcashing Windows all together...my ears ring "Warez".

 

[Magikarp]

I'd do without purcashing Windows all together...my ears ring "Warez".

I'm tired of warez.. I want a real copy this time to make myself feel good about myself :butterfly .

And real copies just feel nicer.

 

[Venice_native]

The only reason why I have a legit copy, is because it was an upgrade version plus teachers discount (my mother is a teacher).

 

[Magikarp]

The only reason why I have a legit copy, is because it was an upgrade version plus teachers discount (my mother is a teacher).

How much did you save?

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

If you buy the Windows XP Upgrade version, you don't actually need a previous Windows OS installed. It will just ask you for your previous Windows CD, whether it be Windows 98, 2000, Me (thank God you're upgrading), etc. I believe the CD needs to be an original one. After it verifies the CD, it will install like normal.

 

[Magikarp]

If you buy the Windows XP Upgrade version, you don't actually need a previous Windows OS installed. It will just ask you for your previous Windows CD, whether it be Windows 98, 2000, Me (thank God you're upgrading), etc. I believe the CD needs to be an original one. After it verifies the CD, it will install like normal.

Original as in not burned? Since I installed my current OS, Windows 2000, from a burned CD, why didn't it detect it then? And are you sure that it can tell that it will be a burned copy?

And thank you for the information, you're reply was a lot more useful than Venice's -_-;.

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Yes, as in not burned. The burned copy may or may not work. If it was copied cd to cd it may have a higher chance of working, or if an image of the Windows 2000 was used that may work too. If you have even a Windows 98 or even Windows 95 CD laying around, I think those work as well.

 

[septoiD2]

It'll detected that you have a burned copy. All manufactured CD's have built in piracy protection. The only way you can bypass that with a burnt copy is a software modification which is waht you used. But when the Windows XP CD tries to detect your Win2000 it will say it can't because the protection is missing therefore a windows cd can't recognize it.

Simple way to fix this, buy the FULL version, not the upgrade version.

Or pirate kakakakaka

 

[Gordon_Freeman]

Or borrow a disc from a friend, which I of course don't condone.

Otherwise, the full version may be your best bet. If you can find an original Windows disc laying around the house (I believe anything Windows 95 or later will work), then just use that.
Another solution, I suppose ,would be to buy an older Windows version for a cheap price. You would then get the Windows XP Upgrade disc and use your recently purchased older Windows disc for the validation.

The last option is a bit tedious and it would probably just be better to go with a full version.