Question 1

Can I upgrade from windows XP with this version?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Home Premium Upgrade version works with XP. However, you can not do an  "in place upgrade". That means you can't save your files and programs. From XP you can only do a clean upgrade installation, meaning everything is erased from your hard drive partition before the installation begins. So be sure to back up your important files and be sure you have install discs or files for your programs.

A work around, if you absolutely can't have your files erased, is to upgrade from XP to Vista, then from Vista to 7. That will carry  over files and programs to 7.

Question 2

Is there a windows upgrade option that does not require a clean install from XP Pro, simple upgrade to a newer version without having to reinstall the entire OS?

Accepted Answer

It is my understanding that upgrading from any version of XP requires a custom install which wipes XP and writes the new Windows 7 as a fresh install.  Old XP files are put in a windows.old directory.  Windows 7 Pro has a compatibility mode which may run some XP programs.  If your machine is old some drivers may work poorly, or not at all, even if the Windows Advisor program says they're compatible.

Question 3

Why should you OEM software?

Accepted Answer

My take on this is, Microsoft and other companies OEM (Original Equipment Manufaturer) parts, software included, to allow companies (system integrators) to buy parts at a discount price for integration into a complete system, with the expectation the company buying at discount will mark up the price somewhere close to retail. The difference in price pays for the tech support required by the end purchaser, who will call the integrator, and not the OEM. If Microsoft sells the same product at retail, they expect to handle customer support themselves.
The use of the term "OEM" can be confusing, since it depends on context whether it is a noun or a verb.

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