How do I install WIN XP Home on pc with WIN XP not genuine

[Guest]

I found out that my windows XP Pro is not genuine. The place where I purchase
my computer is gone, but in order to have a legitimate copy, I purchased WIN
XP Home. Now I am stuck on what to do. I have two hard drives, 40GB (my main
one) and and old one of only 12GB. Can I move some things to the
older/smaller harddrive? Also do I uninstall WIN XP Pro? I can do some
things on the computer, but other things I am lost. If I uninstall my current
version is it 'formatting the disk'. If I do this, will it remove everything
from the old hard drive? If not, then when I install the new winxp home will
the old hard drive still use the old non genuine edition? I want it all to be
legitimate and as soon as I found out it wasn't I purchased a new CD. The
retailer wants $80 to install the program and I just do not have that. I am
on a pension and could hardly afford the new CD. But it is important to me to
use genuine Microsoft proudcts. Please help if you can and with fairly simple
terms.

I am able to go into the registry, but only with good instructions. I have
no idea what happens in the Bios or when you click F8 when you turn the
computer on, so if that has to be done, please let me know and give
instructions. I have looked in the FAQ about this and it does tell a little
about installing WINXP but not for my problem.

Thank you so much for any help you can give me.

 

[DL]

You cannot upgrade/repair install winxphome to Pro, You will have to do a
fresh installation. *NB*!! this will destroy all data on the win drive. So
backup or copy all data to your slave drive
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much. I have looked at the site and printed out the
instructions. I am a little unsure though if I must format my drive first. Or
when I install the new winxp will it remove the old program? Thank you again
for your help. oh...I have put almost everything on disc and I know it will
take ages for me to reinstall all my programs, but its worth it to do it
right.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

The Clean Installation will remove EVERYTHING, programs, settings, Email et.

FAST can help saving Files and Settings:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

Programs can not be saved and will need to be reinstalled.

Perhaps that is one reason why that place is gone.

Also see:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/invalpk.htm