upgrade to windows xp pro

[Guest]

Hi,

I purchase two computers from local store come with Windows XP Home SP2, but
the WGA shows it is not legal copy, I have two legal lisence of Windows XP
Pro (SP1).

Can I upgrade the Home SP2 to Pro SP1?
how can I use the legal Windows XP Pro (SP1) product key?

Thanks!

 

[LVTravel]

First, I would take the systems back to the "local" store and have them
either correct the problem with the original licenses, if in fact they are
pirated, or fix them according to Microsoft's fixes for problems with the
keys showing as not valid. If you paid for a valid license you should
receive a valid license.

You can upgrade Home with Pro but since your Pro is SP1 and Home is SP2 you
will need to either reformat the HDD by booting with the Pro CD and
installing SP1 then upgrading to SP2 or slipstream SP2 onto the SP1 install
disk. Google for slipstream XP and you will find many directions to do
this. If you try to upgrade with Pro without slipstreaming SP2 onto it, the
installation will fail.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi HH,

I purchase two computers from local store come with Windows XP Home SP2,
but
the WGA shows it is not legal copy, I have two legal lisence of Windows XP
Pro (SP1).

The tool doesn't always work right, they may in fact be legitimate. You
should contact Microsoft as directed to confirm whether or not they are.
Most of these invalid Home keys are due to stolen COA's that were used
somewhere else illegilitimately. It is the Pro version that was commonly
installed with a stolen volume license key.

Can I upgrade the Home SP2 to Pro SP1?

No, you have to be at least at the same Service Pack level or setup will not
proceed. You could possible create a new slipstreamed disk with SP2 and the
Pro disk, but otherwise you would need to do a format and clean
installation. Or, you could see if SP was installed "after the fact" and
uninstall it before upgrading. As you just purchased these machines, the
format/clean install is likely to be the quicker way to get to where you
want to be.

how can I use the legal Windows XP Pro (SP1) product key?

By installing it on the system.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Harry Ohrn MS MVP]

To create a slipstream version of XP use the information here
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/slipstream.htm
Once you create the slipstream you should be able to upgrade XP Home SP2
using your newly created XP Pro SP2