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General discussion

upgrading from Windows 2000 Professional to Windows XP Professional

Feb 9, 2004 8:51AM PST

I'm attempting to update from Windows 2000 Professional to Windows XP Professional.
When I insert the XP CD and click on "check system compatibility" I receive the following message "Windows XP setup does not support upgrading from Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional to Microsoft Windows XP Professional. Setup cannot continue."
Can anyone please advise how I can solve this problem?

Discussion is locked

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Re:upgrading from Windows 2000 Professional to Windows XP Professional
Feb 9, 2004 9:21AM PST
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Which Windows 2000 Professional?
Feb 9, 2004 11:53PM PST

There are a few varients that might not "qualify." I am not an expert in this area but will note OEM, MSDN, Developer, Trial versions of Windows 2000 Pro do exist and may cause upgrade glitches like this.

Bob

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Did you ever resolve the issue?
Dec 30, 2007 5:20AM PST

I am having the same problem. I have a Compaq Evo Pentium 4 with 2000 Pro. I am trying to upgrade to XP Pro with the exact same problem. I am using XP Pro Setup disk. (Windows XP setup does not support upgrading from Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional to Microsoft XP Professional. Setup cannot continue.)

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The little details can help.
Dec 30, 2007 5:37AM PST

What version of 2000 is this? Look at your 2000 CD to find out.

Also tell the exact version of XP since those OEM versions can't do this either.

Bob

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RE: 2000 and XP Versions?
Dec 30, 2007 7:08AM PST

I don't have the 2000 Pro CD. This is because I purchased the computer with Windows 2000 Pro already installed. But the PC has a license for XP Pro. My XP Professional CD is Version 2002 Service Pack 1.

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Then there would be no issue.
Dec 30, 2007 7:10AM PST

But let's say your XP Professional CD is Version 2002 Service Pack 1 but an OEM version. You didn't tell if it came in that nice retail box but it's a safe bet it didn't.

Bob

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Now I see it.
Dec 30, 2007 7:20AM PST

"I don't have the 2000 Pro CD. This is because I purchased the computer with Windows 2000 Pro already installed."

I did see some REFURBS hit the market with Windows 2000 preinstalled. Many used those NFR (not for resale) licenses which can't be upgraded. Since you have neither the restore CD or the Windows 2000 CD my bet is you got one of those. Or your XP Pro is not the retail version.

Bob

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Windows XP Pro OEM or not?
Dec 30, 2007 7:24AM PST

How can I tell if it is an OEM Version or not? This CD came with a custom PC I had built for me. The PC is not working...May not fix it either...But it is the shiny gold CD and, you know it does say "for distribution with a new PC only". Even if it is OEM, why can't I use it to upgrade this PC with a license key for XP Pro?

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BINGO!!! That is an OEM version.
Dec 30, 2007 7:27AM PST

"for distribution with a new PC only".

That version has NEVER had the capability of performing an upgrade. Thanks for sharing that since it was a mystery until you shared the magic phrase.

You can use the XP Pro Full Retail or the "Upgrade" versions to upgrade from Windows 2000 Pro but never the OEM or "for distribution with a new PC only" disks or even the XP Home version.

Bob

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Thanks
Dec 30, 2007 7:35AM PST

Thanks for the feedback. Could I do a clean install with the OEM cd?

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Yes. But be sure to run Belarc Advisor
Dec 30, 2007 8:16AM PST

And print the report. This is a good time to note what motherboard chipset is used, sound card make, model, video card make, model since after you start the clean install all that is found with visual inspections (for most of us.)

Bob

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Re: upgrading
Dec 30, 2007 5:42AM PST
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Did I Contact Microsoft?
Dec 30, 2007 7:14AM PST

Yes I did, and they told me to contact Compaq (said it could be a hardware conflict). HP says to order Restore CD. Passing the Buck!!

Everything I have read says it should be painless.

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That explains why Microsoft can't help.
Dec 30, 2007 7:28AM PST

You don't own the retail version. The "for distribution with a new PC only" is not supported by Microsoft.

Bob