Obtaining an updated Windows disc

[draggar]

Since MS decommissions operating systems (and recently has w/ some that I use with some of my systems) is it possible to get a fully updated legal copy for some of my other PCs?

I'm worried that if I need to reflash the OS on one of the PCs I would not be able to get the updates (since they're decom'ed).

I am only looking for legal ways to get the updated discs.

Or would my best option be to have a fully updated system and ghost the drive so I can just throw it back on? I'm also concerned about how much longer MS will push out updates for XP.

[south]

Since MS decommissions operating systems (and recently has w/ some that I use with some of my systems) is it possible to get a fully updated legal copy for some of my other PCs?

I'm worried that if I need to reflash the OS on one of the PCs I would not be able to get the updates (since they're decom'ed).

I am only looking for legal ways to get the updated discs.

Or would my best option be to have a fully updated system and ghost the drive so I can just throw it back on? I'm also concerned about how much longer MS will push out updates for XP.

If you mean using a COA from an old computer, the answer is probaby not. MS OEM Licenses are for the original computer the product was installed on. Now what actually the "original computer" is debatable, and I have been over this with a few people from microsoft, as I have had to replace many many different parts in computers in my line of work. Does that mean the original case? the original motherboard, etc. All they ever do is refer me to the license agreement, without actually answering the question as to which part(s) constitute the actual original computer.

All that said, to be perfectly legal, the best thing is to go buy a retail version.

[draggar]

The versions of Windows I have are retail versions and good for one copy (doesn't matter what PC it is on as long as I only have it on one PC). These machines have been running 98SE and ME for a while now it's just that the discs I have are older and I'm looking for a way to have all of the updates or an updated version on hand incase I need to reload Windows on one of the PCs.

[south]

The versions of Windows I have are retail versions and good for one copy (doesn't matter what PC it is on as long as I only have it on one PC). These machines have been running 98SE and ME for a while now it's just that the discs I have are older and I'm looking for a way to have all of the updates or an updated version on hand incase I need to reload Windows on one of the PCs.

Hmm.. Haven't tried windows update on 98 or ME for a long time.. does it still update from MS?

[draggar]

Hmm.. Haven't tried windows update on 98 or ME for a long time.. does it still update from MS?

I don't know but I don't think so which makes me pray I don't need to reflash the 98SE system anytime soon.

[Johnn]

Windows 98? What is it?

[draggar]

Windows 98? What is it?

Its stable especially on lower-end / older systems that XP would choke them.