It has 25 product key caracters but no OEM in it. When I put in a
windows 98 full version it says something like can not upgrage from
this version already installed. Can a full version disk not also
upgrade as an upgrade cd can? On the CD it looks like a regulare win cd
but has Compaq writen on it.
thank you
DJW
Ron Martell wrote:
"DJW" wrote:

Boy windows is really complicated that's a rant from a Mac person
where live is much easier! Ok for give me PC people. I got a Compaq
computer with what I assume was a windows 98 OEM disk the book has
Compaq printed on it but looks like other windows manuals other than
that and does not have OEM in its product key. I have a valid windows
98 CD and product key. When I put it in and try to in stall (upgrade
over the current 98 OS) it tells me I can't.
Does this mean that I can not get a windows 98se upgrade disk and do an
upgrade at all. I have been having so much trouble doing a clean
install when it comes to getting the drivers for some stuff the new
modem in particular to work. My old modem was on com 2 this one wants
to go on com 3 and the ISP dialer can not find it. As a side question
is there a way to force the modem to use com 2?

If your Windows 98 CD is an OEM version then it cannot be installed as
an upgrade over an existing installed version of Windows.

OEM versions are intended for sale bundled with new computers, and new
computers do not have a previous version of Windows installed on them.

In order to do an upgrade you need a Retail version (Upgrade or Full
Install) of Windows 98.

Product Keys for OEM versions do not include the letters OEM anywhere
within the key itself. When Windows is install a 20 character
Product I.D. code is generated, based in part on the Product Key and
also on the CD, and for an OEM version this Product I.D. will include
the letters OEM. But not the 25 character Product Key that is entered
during the installation.

If your Windows 98 CD has the words "for sale or distribution only
with a new computer" or similar on it, or if it has the name and logo
of a computer manufacturer/assembler (e.g. Compaq) on it, then it is
an OEM version.

Hope this explains the situation.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
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