98SE upgrade to XP

Happy Holidays to all,
I plan on upgrading my OS from 98SE to XP (a clean install from the
"upgrade" software") after the holidays, but have run into what I think is a
snag... From what I've read, during the XP setup process, I will need to
insert "qualifying media" (my 98SE CD) to prove that I have a previous
version of Windows. Is this true, or will the setup software detect that I
already have a previous version installed and bypass this step? The problem
is that I can't find the 98SE CD. If I do need it, do you know of a way to
bypass this step? I have a "Resource CD"... is that what I need? Can I get a
copy of what I need from Microsoft? Thanks so much for any advice you might
have!
Christina

Christina wrote:
> I plan on upgrading my OS from 98SE to XP (a clean install from the
> "upgrade" software") after the holidays, but have run into what I think is
> a
> snag... From what I've read, during the XP setup process, I will need to
> insert "qualifying media" (my 98SE CD) to prove that I have a previous
> version of Windows. Is this true, or will the setup software detect that I
> already have a previous version installed and bypass this step? The
> problem
> is that I can't find the 98SE CD. If I do need it, do you know of a way
> to
> bypass this step? I have a "Resource CD"... is that what I need? Can I
> get a
> copy of what I need from Microsoft? Thanks so much for any advice you
> might
> have!

There's a flaw in your logic/plan that even you detected..

You say you want to perform a CLEAN install with an UPGRADE version.
Without the qualifying media on-hand - you are not going to get a clean
install - but the upgrade of your currently installed OS. In order to
perform the actual CLEAN installation you seem to be wanting - you need to
have the proof of previous OS "in hand" - not on the machine. During a
clean installation you will be destroying the partitions the current OS and
programs and files reside on I assume - so without the "qualifying media" it
will ask for afterwards - you are SoL.

If you lost your CD yet still have proof you on Windows 9x (CD Key, proof of
purchase, sticker on the computer with the CD Key, etc.) - then my
suggestion to you is "borrow a qualifying piece of media from a friend." If
you do not have such proof... SoL for a clean installation using that
Upgrade CD in a pure manner. =(

You sure you cannot find your Win 9x (any Win 9x/ME or Win2K) CD lying
around - in a box or something?

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
> Christina
>
>