I read this many times on this forum and it got me wondering. Wondering because it happened to me. Many POSTERS have said that it's better to do a format before doing an upgrade. What happens if you don't have the original OS. Then you out of luck.Yep, you out of luck, if you wanted to use an upgrade CD instead of full version.

Otherwise, you could try the upgrade without formatting so that you don't need the CD for the older OS.Unless you know a NICE friend who'll let you borrow his CD. It happened to me. I did a clean format and when I tried to install the upgrade I was warned that I would need an original Windows product. Luckily, I found a set of Windows 3.0 disks and was able to complete the upgrade using them. I thing there is a large difference in PRICE between an upgrade and a full version.Yep.  M$ wants a fair amount of $ (like they really need it).

I always keep a copy of Windows 98 around in case I have a situation come up where a client doesn't have their original cd so I can use their upgrade software.

Alan <><  I recently upgraded Windows 98SE to Windows XP on my laptop and it WORKS quite well, I used to upgrade before but I still prefer a reformat because I don't exactly know what Windows XP upgrades or leaves behind..I believe it prompts you for a prior version of Windows...if on a formatted drive all is needed is to insert the Win98 CD at the prompt and the install continues.

patio.   8-)My point is that before advising a poster to do a clean format, they should be advised to make sure they have a full version of their OS because they're CERTAINLY going to need it.It is indeed something to keep in mind.

However, the chances of someone only having an upgrade version of Windows XP and no pre-Windows 2000 or post Windows-98 installation CD are rather slim.