Going from Windows 2000 Pro to Windows XP Home

[Guest]

I bought a computer with Windows XP Home on it. I want to upgrade my other
computer that has Windows 2000 Pro. Couple Q's:
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, do I need to do anything extra besides backingup my hard dirve and
files/settings?
Thanks,
JC

 

[Bobby]

Personally, I wouldn't go from Windows 2000 pro to XP Home. However you
didn't specify which XP you are going to upgrade to. If you upgrade it will
keep all your settings. You should backup the system before the upgrade
anyway.

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

No, you cannot upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home. You can upgrade it to XP Pro. Additionally, the copy of XP Home that came with your computer is only licensed for that computer. If you want to install XP Home on your old computer, you'll need to buy another copy.

 

[Bobby]

Thanks Doug, didn't know that!


No, you cannot upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home. You can upgrade it to XP
Pro. Additionally, the copy of XP Home that came with your computer is only
licensed for that computer. If you want to install XP Home on your old
computer, you'll need to buy another copy.

 

[Guest]

So if I buy another copy of XP Home, can I load it over the 2000 Pro?

 

[Guest]

I wanted to go to XP Home edition. I like the interface much better. Also,
I have 2 desktop computers on a D-Link router using DSL. I do not plan on
having any notebooks.

 

[Rock]

So if I buy another copy of XP Home, can I load it over the 2000 Pro?

Not as an upgrade to preserve programs and settings, only as a clean
install. You can use FAST to migrate settings, but will need to
reinstall the applications from original media.

 

[Bob I]

If you mean format and install as a replacement for Windows 2000, yes
you can.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Rock.
What do you mean by "FAST" to migrate settings?

 

[Stephen]

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your Windows 2000 Pro
installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2 before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the mean infection
time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a connected unprotected
WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if possible as you've been
running Win2000, if you think you can hack it. It's more work doing a clean
install instead of an upgrade, but you should be backing up your data anway
and, well, installing apps isn't *that* bad a chore Some techy type
people actually lovxx like it. Record settings, gather drivers, discs and
installation key numbers before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows update right
away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet Explorer's Internet
Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded type ActiveX controls .. and
turn off install on demand under the Advanced tab in Internet Options and
turn off scripting in media player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows NT 5.1 ? That
XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS 5.1 ??

 

[Rock]

Thanks Rock.
What do you mean by "FAST" to migrate settings?

Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

 

[Guest]

Stephen - great answer. thanks for the details. i think i'll try a clean
install. since i only run a simple D-LINk wireless router between two
desktops, do you recommend XP Home or XP Pro? I do not do any gaming or
multimedia.

--
JJ Satch

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your Windows 2000 Pro
installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2 before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the mean infection
time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a connected unprotected
WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if possible as you've been
running Win2000, if you think you can hack it. It's more work doing a clean
install instead of an upgrade, but you should be backing up your data anway
and, well, installing apps isn't *that* bad a chore Some techy type
people actually lovxx like it. Record settings, gather drivers, discs and
installation key numbers before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows update right
away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet Explorer's Internet
Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded type ActiveX controls .. and
turn off install on demand under the Advanced tab in Internet Options and
turn off scripting in media player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows NT 5.1 ? That
XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS 5.1 ??

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Stephen - great answer. thanks for the details. i think i'll
try a
clean install.

An opposite opinion here. Unlike with previous versions of
Windows, an upgrade to XP replaces almost everything, and usually
works very well.
My normal recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since
it's much easier than a clean installation. You can always change
your mind and reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

However, in your case see below.

since i only run a simple D-LINk wireless router
between two desktops, do you recommend XP Home or XP Pro? I do
not
do any gaming or multimedia.

XP Professional and XP Home are exactly the same in all respects,
except that Professional has a few features (mostly related to
networking and security) missing from Home. For most (but not
all) home users, even those with a home network, these features
aren't needed, would never be used, and buying Professional
instead of Home is a waste of money.

So it sounds like XP Home would be fine in your case. And if you
opt for Home, my advice above to try the upgrade doesn't matter,
since you can *not* upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

I bought a computer with Windows XP Home on it. I want to
upgrade
my other computer that has Windows 2000 Pro. Couple Q's:
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, do I need to do anything extra besides backingup
my hard
dirve and files/settings?
Thanks,
JC

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your
Windows
2000 Pro installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2
before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the
mean
infection time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a connected
unprotected WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if possible
as
you've been running Win2000, if you think you can hack it.
It's more
work doing a clean install instead of an upgrade, but you
should be
backing up your data anway and, well, installing apps isn't
*that*
bad a chore Some techy type people actually lovxx like
it.
Record settings, gather drivers, discs and installation key
numbers
before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows
update
right away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet
Explorer's
Internet Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded type
ActiveX controls .. and turn off install on demand under the
Advanced tab in Internet Options and turn off scripting in
media
player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows NT
5.1 ?
That XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS
5.1 ??

 

[Stephen]

Stephen - great answer. thanks for the details. i think i'll try a
clean install. since i only run a simple D-LINk wireless router
between two desktops, do you recommend XP Home or XP Pro? I do not
do any gaming or multimedia.

--
JJ Satch

JJSatch wrote:
I bought a computer with Windows XP Home on it. I want to upgrade
my other computer that has Windows 2000 Pro. Couple Q's:
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, do I need to do anything extra besides backingup my hard
dirve and files/settings?
Thanks,
JC

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your Windows
2000 Pro installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2 before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the mean
infection time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a connected
unprotected WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if possible as
you've been running Win2000, if you think you can hack it. It's
more work doing a clean install instead of an upgrade, but you
should be backing up your data anway and, well, installing apps
isn't *that* bad a chore Some techy type people actually
lovxx like it. Record settings, gather drivers, discs and
installation key numbers before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows update
right away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet Explorer's
Internet Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded type
ActiveX controls .. and turn off install on demand under the
Advanced tab in Internet Options and turn off scripting in media
player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows NT 5.1 ?
That XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS 5.1 ??

[solicited advice] Windows XP Home SP2 does wireless. If you are "into"
computers, though, or if the computer is a laptop, get Windows XP Pro SP2.

The reason for Pro on the laptop is that if you ever decide to take the
computer to an institution that has a wireless network, you will have to log
on to their domain and only Pro has all the software necessary for this
whereas Home is limited in what it can do in that regard.

Also, if you are into tweaking, the reason to install XP Pro is that it
comes with gpedit.msc which enables you to determine all manner of setting
for your computer easily. It also comes with a limited web server, ftp
server and other software etc.etc.which, in my opinion, is worth the extra
bucks.

There's a comparsion chart here:

Windows XP Comparison Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx

 

[Guest]

Thanks Ken and Stephen
--
JJ Satch

In

Stephen - great answer. thanks for the details. i think i'll
try a
clean install.

An opposite opinion here. Unlike with previous versions of
Windows, an upgrade to XP replaces almost everything, and usually
works very well.
My normal recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since
it's much easier than a clean installation. You can always change
your mind and reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

However, in your case see below.

since i only run a simple D-LINk wireless router
between two desktops, do you recommend XP Home or XP Pro? I do
not
do any gaming or multimedia.

XP Professional and XP Home are exactly the same in all respects,
except that Professional has a few features (mostly related to
networking and security) missing from Home. For most (but not
all) home users, even those with a home network, these features
aren't needed, would never be used, and buying Professional
instead of Home is a waste of money.

So it sounds like XP Home would be fine in your case. And if you
opt for Home, my advice above to try the upgrade doesn't matter,
since you can *not* upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

JJSatch wrote:
I bought a computer with Windows XP Home on it. I want to
upgrade
my other computer that has Windows 2000 Pro. Couple Q's:
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, do I need to do anything extra besides backingup
my hard
dirve and files/settings?
Thanks,
JC

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your
Windows
2000 Pro installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2
before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the
mean
infection time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a connected
unprotected WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if possible
as
you've been running Win2000, if you think you can hack it.
It's more
work doing a clean install instead of an upgrade, but you
should be
backing up your data anway and, well, installing apps isn't
*that*
bad a chore Some techy type people actually lovxx like
it.
Record settings, gather drivers, discs and installation key
numbers
before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows
update
right away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet
Explorer's
Internet Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded type
ActiveX controls .. and turn off install on demand under the
Advanced tab in Internet Options and turn off scripting in
media
player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows NT
5.1 ?
That XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS
5.1 ??

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Thanks Ken and Stephen

You're welcome. Glad to help.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

In

Stephen - great answer. thanks for the details. i think i'll
try a
clean install.

An opposite opinion here. Unlike with previous versions of
Windows, an upgrade to XP replaces almost everything, and
usually
works very well.
My normal recommendation is to at least try the upgrade, since
it's much easier than a clean installation. You can always
change
your mind and reinstall cleanly if problems develop.

However, in your case see below.

since i only run a simple D-LINk wireless router
between two desktops, do you recommend XP Home or XP Pro? I
do
not
do any gaming or multimedia.

XP Professional and XP Home are exactly the same in all
respects,
except that Professional has a few features (mostly related to
networking and security) missing from Home. For most (but not
all) home users, even those with a home network, these
features
aren't needed, would never be used, and buying Professional
instead of Home is a waste of money.

So it sounds like XP Home would be fine in your case. And if
you
opt for Home, my advice above to try the upgrade doesn't
matter,
since you can *not* upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home.


--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup

JJSatch wrote:
I bought a computer with Windows XP Home on it. I want to
upgrade
my other computer that has Windows 2000 Pro. Couple Q's:
1. Is this possible?
2. If so, do I need to do anything extra besides backingup
my hard
dirve and files/settings?
Thanks,
JC

[an unofficial answer] Yes, it is possible to upgrade your
Windows
2000 Pro installation to a Windows XP Pro installation.

[unsolicited advice] Make sure to install Windows XP's SP2
before
connecting to the Internet for the first time. I think the
mean
infection time otherwise is down to 16 minutes on a
connected
unprotected WinXP-without-SP2 system these days.

As a matter of fact, I'd consider a clean install if
possible
as
you've been running Win2000, if you think you can hack it.
It's more
work doing a clean install instead of an upgrade, but you
should be
backing up your data anway and, well, installing apps isn't
*that*
bad a chore Some techy type people actually lovxx
like
it.
Record settings, gather drivers, discs and installation key
numbers
before starting.

Whn you do connect it to the web PATCH the system at Windows
update
right away or, at least, have turn on Automatic updating.

When you have Windows XP installed, boost the Internet
Explorer's
Internet Security zone a little - don't allow downloaded
type
ActiveX controls .. and turn off install on demand under the
Advanced tab in Internet Options and turn off scripting in
media
player.

[info] Did you know another name of Windows XP is Windows
NT
5.1 ?
That XP's NTFS file system has two names: NTFS 3.1 and NTFS
5.1 ??

 

[Cretin]

Thanks Doug, didn't know that!


No, you cannot upgrade Windows 2000 to XP Home. You can upgrade it to XP
Pro. Additionally, the copy of XP Home that came with your computer is only
licensed for that computer. If you want to install XP Home on your old
computer, you'll need to buy another copy.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com