Is it possible (and permissible) to install SI/KOTN off the GOTY edition disk with a non-GOTY edition install of Oblivion? My nephew just gave me his GOTY copy since he can't get it to run on his machine. I don't feel like uninstalling/reinstalling everything (including mods) just to run the expansions, but, i've never played them, so, it would be oh-so-convenient if they would recognize and play well with my current install.

Yes, but be nice and give the discs back to your nephew after you upgrade. His installation problems are probably very easy to fix, this section of the Oblivion forums can help with the issues your nephew is having too. I use an OEM 2006 disc to run Oblivion GOTY on my laptop.

Thanks. He's uninstalled the game, but, he may be up for another shot if anyone has any other advice, besides what he's already tried.

When he tries to start the game, the audio plays the intro music, but, the video with Bethesda's name just freezes in a white, blurry line, and stays there. It doesn't bring him to the start/options screen. I don't know his computer specs exactly, but, I think he's got a 2.2Gz processor (dual core), nvidia gts 450 (oc), 2 GB ram, Vista 32. It's an older machine, but, should be able to run the game without too much trouble. The only advice I knew to give him was to install it outside of 'Program Files' in a 'Games' folder, run as admin, change permissions, and try building a new configuration file. We also tried a reinstall, but, no luck. I'm running Win7 64 myself, so, i've had to use some of these options to get my game to start consistently.

Anyway, if anyone has seen this specific problem and knows the solution, I'll pass it on to him.

Thanks again.

One more question regarding an install of SI and KOTN from GOTY edition with non-GOTY Oblivion:

What about the patch for SI? I'm already patched to 1.2.0416 with the original game. Do I actually need to uninstall everything, then apply the SI patch? If so, then I may not be installing this afterall.

Install the the second disk, no patches should be required, as GOTY edition comes fully patched. (and installing the second disk does it.)

Thank you.