Office XP Upgrade

[Colin Reed]

I recently got a new laptop through my work that came with
Office XP Small Business (OEM). I want to use Powerpoint
and Access, and so need the full Professional version.
The suppliers have sold me the Professional upgrade, but
this does not recognise the product I already have as a
qualifier. Is this because they are both XP already and
the upgrade only works for earlier versions? If so, what
is the easiest (and preferably cheapest) way of adding
Access and Powerpoint to the version I already have?

thanks

Colin Reed
Business Development Manager - Adhesives
Rosehill Polymers Ltd

 

[Rob Schneider]

Microsoft licesning is complex. I looked at
http://www.microsoft.com/office/editions/howtobuy/professional.mspx and
it doesn't say that the OEM vesrion of Office XP Small Business is a
qualifying upgrade. But then again it doesn't distinguish between OEM
or non OEM. Clearly, I suspect the OEM version is not a valid upgrade
version and your attempt to install proves it. OEM versions are less
expensive; hence the probable restriction on upgrade. Can't see where
this documented, but it surely is if this is in fact the issue.

Recommendation:
1. re-contact the supplier and tell them that what they sold you won't
install. Tell them you have the OEM version. If they can't or won't
recommend anything, then try another dealer.
2. the folks at Greymatter (I notice you are in UK) are licensing
experts. At least they will be able to confirm one way or other, if
your supplier doesn't know, what to do to upgrade this or the need to
buy a new license.
3. To upgrade least expensively, see if you can find around the office
one of the qualifiying upgrade products.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

 

[Colin Reed]

I think that it has more to do with not being able to do
a "sideways" upgrade. I should be able to upgrade using
the Office 2003, since my Small Business edition is the XP
2002 version. I would like anyone's tke on whether this
includes using an OEM version. I think from other threads
on this board that OEM versions do count as qualifying for
upgrade prices.

Regards

Colin

 

[Cerridwen]

I think that it has more to do with not being able to do
a "sideways" upgrade. I should be able to upgrade using
the Office 2003, since my Small Business edition is the XP
2002 version. I would like anyone's tke on whether this
includes using an OEM version. I think from other threads
on this board that OEM versions do count as qualifying for
upgrade prices.

Regards

Colin

Tell whoever it was that sold you the upgrade they're an idiot. If they
don't know that products from the same family don't count, they shouldn't be
in the business.

Yes you can upgrade to 2003 Pro, no problem.

 

[Rob Schneider]

Well, ok ... guess I was just reacting to your report that the setup
program did *not* allow you to upgrade ... I'm guessing that the setup
program was programmed to implement their licensing policy correctly.
So, whether or not you *should* be able to upgrade is moot. You can't,
according to what you say. Isn't it still up to your supplier to give
you the right thing and if not help you resolve the problem? And if
they won't help, get a new supplier. Or am I missing something?

rms