Do the "upgrade" copies of XP come with validation keys?

Question

Also, what are they missing that knocks the price down by $100 or more? Is the academic version of XP a full feature copy? My laptop has XP already, but it's not a genuine copy.

I need to find the least expensive way to fix this without switching to Linix. I don't know enough about that to be sure I could install an open source OS on my own. How hard would that be? Just out of curiosity...

I don't think this hunk of junk can run Vista. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind trying it out.

Answer 1

if just going for a genuine software is your goal then
Windows XP starter edition is the least expensive for something like 1000/=. it is not full featured though

full academic version OS does not exist. its only upgrades and upgrading from pirated to academic upgrade is not allowed I believe. make sure.

further info follow the link

http://www.microsoft.com/education/howtobuystudents.mspx

rgds
bhaskar

Answer 2

Yes

How to Install a Vista Upgrade on a Blank Hard Drive
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/pcs/how-to-install-a-vista-upgrade-on-a-blank-hard-drive-232770.php

How to Clean Install Windows Vista with Upgrade Media
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

Upgrade, Vista Home Premium, Students Version: $69
https://usm.channelonline.com/rtech/storesite/Products/Overview/?id=M003552199&fr=AFUNtQXAV5DJSTHyHoRdooiOmLbxqI-YexIDVLn-VWWb2z7s93jy_ZQAAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en

Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade $69.85
http://www.campustech.com/c/campust/MSCD23142WIAE.htm?mv_pc=froogle&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=Windows_Vista_Home_Premium_Upgrade_&fr=AHdWIlrNhy9nFC0a7TDK7_XvuDbMwHCIpC1el1piQ6m6AAAAAAAAAAA&gl=us&hl=en

Run Vista upgrade Advisor. It will test your software also.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
http://www.pcpitstop.com/vistaready/default.asp