Upgrade / Remove Windows XP Pro

[Guest]

A friend has Windows XP Home installed on their PC but had upgraded with an
unlicenced copy of Windows XP Pro. How would they revert back to the Home
Edition and remove the XP Pro part (without the Home Edition disc as it came
with the PC). She does not want to lose any of her files or settings etc.

Is this simply using Add / Remove Programs. She has now purchased a
legitimate copy but will not allow her to simply install from the new XP Pro
CD ROM as it says application is already running.

Thanks

 

[Dazza]

Whilst I am not too clued up on the complicated world of Microsoft
Licensing, having a legitimate copy of XP Pro should be the first step
to legallity. However, having installed a "hooky" copy means that the
licence key is invalid.

View the following webpage for further information on how to change the
key to the legal one that is supplied with the CD-Rom

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q328874

Hope this helps.
Regards
Dazza

 

[Nepatsfan]

A friend has Windows XP Home installed on their PC but had
upgraded with an unlicenced copy of Windows XP Pro. How
would they revert back to the Home Edition and remove the XP
Pro part (without the Home Edition disc as it came with the
PC). She does not want to lose any of her files or settings
etc.

Is this simply using Add / Remove Programs. She has now
purchased a legitimate copy but will not allow her to simply
install from the new XP Pro CD ROM as it says application is
already running.

Thanks

Perform a repair installation with the new XP Pro CD and use
the legit key. Take a look here for more info:

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm

Keep in mind that it's a good idea to back up any important
files before using this procedure.

Good luck

Nepatsfan