installing windows xp over xp pro

[tom payne]

Hello: i have a computer with xp pro and it wont boot.
i do not have the pro disc but i have a home edition
disc. the recovery console does not seem to work so i am
thinking of reinstalling home edition over pro. the
reason i am hesitating is that i have 2 years of pictures
of a new kid on the computer that are not backed up. can
anyone tell me whether loading home edition over pro will
result in any damage to the rest of the files? thank you
very much.

 

[David]

Home will not install over Pro.
To install Home you will need to format.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

You can't do that. Pro will upgrade a Home system, but not the reverse. If
you have sufficient space, I would suggest you create a new installation
without formatting, then take ownership of the sought-after files. These
articles can help:

HOW TO: Install Windows XP [Q316941]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316941

(see the section on installing to a new folder)

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP [Q308421]
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421

(for help in regaining access to those files should you need it)

Your first chore upon regaining them should be to back them up immediately
to removable media.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone