"dk_" <nobody@spamless.com> wrote in message
news:13odqv875kpume9@corp.supernews.com...
>I have an old IBM laptop A20m running a Celeron 500MHz with 512 MB RAM,
> running Windows 98SE.
>
> The laptop is a hand-me-down and it is not actually registered to me in
> any
> way. I do have the original IBM disks.
>
> I would like to upgrade to XP.

That particular machine won't really do that well with it. And before you
start, you need to determine if XP drivers are available from IBM/Lenovo.
If they aren't, you'll likely disable parts of the machine.

You should exercise caution here.


>
> Here comes the dumb questions...
>
> Do I purchase an upgrade, or a stand alone XP full version? And what about
> which service pack#? And Home Edition or Pro?

If you have the Win98SE install CD, you can use the upgrade. Get XP Home;
you likely don't need the features specific to Pro, and it will be
significantly cheaper. The last time I bought XP Home upgrade packs, they
were around CDN$130. I bought them at a local big-box store.

Be very careful in buying such things on eBay or the like, as you cannot
know if the package is already activated - if so, it's useless to you.

As perhaps a better plan, look at newer, but used, Thinkpads that come with
XP installed. You won't pay a lot more than getting the upgrade license,
you'll get a faster machine, and you can be sure it will all work with XP.

HTH
-pk


>
> Where is the best legitimate place for making the purchase? What should I
> expect to have to pay?
>
> Many thanks.
>
> -Dennis
>
> --
> Dennis Kessler
> http://www.denniskessler.com/acupuncture