Installing new version XP Home over invalid XP Pro

[Paul Goodwin]

A few months back we bought a used PC from Craigslist, it turns out we have
an invalid version of XP Pro. (Windows XP Professional (build 2600))
Cannot install SP1 or SP2. My question is, if we were to buy a new, boxed XP
Home, would I be able to install it over the current (invalid) version? We
have no real need for the Pro version, Home is fine for our needs.

Thanks

Paul

 

[Bruce Chambers]

A few months back we bought a used PC from Craigslist, it turns out we have
an invalid version of XP Pro. (Windows XP Professional (build 2600))
Cannot install SP1 or SP2. My question is, if we were to buy a new, boxed XP
Home, would I be able to install it over the current (invalid) version? We
have no real need for the Pro version, Home is fine for our needs.

Thanks

Paul

I'm afraid that the only way to change from WinXP Pro to WinXP Home is
to format the drive and start over. There is no supported downgrade
path or technique.

After backing up any data you wish to transfer to the new OS
installation,, simply boot from the WinXP Home installation CD. You'll
be offered the opportunity to delete, create, and format partitions as
part of the installation process. (You may need to re-arrange the order
of boot devices in the PC's BIOS to boot from the CD.)

HOW TO Install Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;316941

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/clean_install.htm

Then the backed up data can be restored and applications re-installed.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Shenan Stanley]

A few months back we bought a used PC from Craigslist, it turns out
we have an invalid version of XP Pro. (Windows XP Professional
(build 2600))
Cannot install SP1 or SP2. My question is, if we were to buy a new,
boxed XP Home, would I be able to install it over the current
(invalid) version? We have no real need for the Pro version, Home
is fine for our needs.

No.
If you buy Windows XP Home Edition - the only way is a clean install.

 

[Rock]

A few months back we bought a used PC from Craigslist, it turns out we have
an invalid version of XP Pro. (Windows XP Professional (build 2600))
Cannot install SP1 or SP2. My question is, if we were to buy a new, boxed
XP
Home, would I be able to install it over the current (invalid) version? We
have no real need for the Pro version, Home is fine for our needs.

To do an upgrade of your current system you'll need a full retail version of
XP Pro. Going from Pro to Home is a downgrade and the only way to do that
is a clean install. Same way if you get an OEM version, even if it's XP Pro
OEM versions can only do a clean install.

 

[Paul Goodwin]

To do an upgrade of your current system you'll need a full retail version of
XP Pro. Going from Pro to Home is a downgrade and the only way to do that
is a clean install. Same way if you get an OEM version, even if it's XP Pro
OEM versions can only do a clean install.

Thank you for the replies. Looks like I'll have to get the full Pro version,
too much to lose now on the ol' HD

Paul

 

[Malke]

Thank you for the replies. Looks like I'll have to get the full Pro
version, too much to lose now on the ol' HD

Please back up your data before you do anything else because Stuff Happens.

Malke

 

[R. McCarty]

Is your concern with Personal Data or the applications installed on
the current XP Pro setup ? I'd take part of the money you'd spend
on XP Pro and purchase Acronis True Image. You can then make
a full image of the current setup, install XP Home fresh and then get
your personal data from the Image(s). Plus owning TI will help you
keep your data and Windows setup backed up & safe in the future.
Maybe I'm confused ( or really tired ), but how if you only acquired
the PC a few months ago could you accumulate so much material
you're afraid to loose ? If the XP instance is "Not-Genuine" how do
you know that other applications on it aren't of similar origin ? What
XP Professional (Retail-Full) will cost you could almost buy the Dell
weekly special desktop and get it Vista. (Post 01-30-2007)
Anyway you can always use "Files & Settings Transfer" to backup
your user profiles/data and then recover once XP Home is running.

 

[Geoffw]

Was there a windows key sticker for any operating system on
the computer case?

 

[Guest]

**** Danger **** Danger ****, I'm sure your response has set off red flags in
other peoples minds too. If you are afraid to format the hard drive because
you will loose important data, you need to stop right there, and make sure
you have either a cd-burner or dvd-burner. Then go out and buy some blank
media for the burner and start creating some backups. My philosophy on this
is if your data is not worth
the .20 - .50 cents it cost for a cd-r or a dvd-r, then it can't be that
important. Anything of value should be backed up on a regular basis. If it is
preinstalled software that you are afraid of losing, unfourtanetly if you do
not have the disk you will have to go out and repurchase this software.

I would Highly recommend formatting your machine just because it already
contains bootleg software, which is usually infected with trojans, viruses,
rootkits and various spyware.

Good Luck, and make sure you backup your data!