Upgrade Windows ME to XP is dearer ! WHY ?

[digmen1]

This is weird.

I am on Windows ME (i know it sucks) and am keen to upgrade to XP.

What I find stange is that the price I have been quoted for an upgrade version is dearer than the price if I buy XP for a firsrttime install.

$ 240 NZ as against $ 180

The only differenc is that the upgrade version allows e to keep all of my applications.

I think I would be better off to do a complete new install on a formatted hard drive.

Surely as a regsistered user of ME I should be entitled to some sort of "trade-in" Like with a car !

I contributed to Microsoft's coffers when I purchased ME and do not see why I should pay the same price as a new comer to computers buying Windows for the first time.

What do you think ?

Regards
Digmen.

PS I am sorely tempted to d/l a copy of XP or to go Linux as Microsoft's policy in this area annoys me.

[zapjb]

Jeez buy software. Hadn't thought of that.

[peat moss]

Oh gee don't pay ! Why, there are plenty of ways to download on this site. Use the search botton, LUKE !

[Virtualbody1234]

Just download what you need.

You can try Linux too.

[peat moss]

Just download what you need.

You can try Linux too.

Ya VB , like a dual boot !

[RealitY]

I am sorely tempted to d/l a copy of XP or to go Linux as Microsoft's policy in this area annoys me.

[3RA1N1AC]

What I find stange is that the price I have been quoted for an upgrade version is dearer than the price if I buy XP for a firsrttime install.

$ 240 NZ as against $ 180

bah. someone's pulling a scam. in the u.s., the full version of XP Home was originally $200 USD and the upgrade version was $100 USD. maybe the upgrade discs have lapsed out of print because the demand for them is getting low, and now shop owners see a chance to sell their last copies at outrageous prices to the desperate few who still want 'em.

not that the prices of software aren't outrageous to start with. but at least with XP they gave home users an arguably "new" system (based on the technology of the professional line), as opposed to WinME which was Win98 in a different box.

[RealitY]

I think the reson its pricey perhaps is due to jumping multiple steps...

[tesco]

don't buy the upgrade version.
don't attempt an upgrade from me either.

just format and install a fresh copy or your store bought or downloaded windows xp. (if u download then make sure to get sp2(service pack 2) slipstreamed).

[ObiWan]

You should format and install a fresh copy as windows doesn't handle upgrades well

PS a full version should still allow an upgrade as long as it is not an OEM