Upgrade to XP Pro

[Guest]

Hi All,

I've got a desktop PC I plan to upgrade from XP Home SP2 to XP Pro SP2. The
PC has NTFS, 760 MB RAM and plenty of processor power & hard drive space.

I heard that the "upgrade" version of XP Pro can install right on top of XP
Home, whereas this is not the case with XP Pro "full" version. Is this
accurate?

If anyone could share on what are the things I need to watch out for during
the upgrade, that would be great. Theoretically, it should go smoothly. But
when does theory match reality? So your experience will help me avoid
problems.

Is there some way to save and move my various configurations like my
internet configurations, etc.? Which key configuration settings will the
upgrade wipe out?

I presume I will not need to reload all my software. Is this true? Will some
of my software get wiped out in the upgrade?

The main reason for the upgrade is XP Home does not provide folder password
protection over a network.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

<I heard that the "upgrade" version of XP Pro can install right on top of XP
Home, whereas this is not the case with XP Pro "full" version. Is this
accurate?>

No, the main difference between the Full and Upgrade version is that the Full version can install on a PC with no previous version of Windows. The Upgrade version can only install if you have a previous version of Windows either installed or an installation disk from a previous version. In this scenario, if you have a previous version installation disk,the upgrade version can perform a clean installation.

Make sure that the installation is the same type (ie: Retail vs OEM).

When you upgrade, if you have multiple partitions or multiple hard drives, make sure that you select the right location/partition for the installation.

Any installed anti-virus programs should be completely disabled or uninstalled prior to the upgrade.

Any time you perform an operating system installation things can go wrong, so make sure that all important data is properly backed up to removeable media just in case.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I've got a desktop PC I plan to upgrade from XP Home SP2 to XP Pro
SP2. The PC has NTFS, 760 MB RAM and plenty of processor power & hard
drive space.

I heard that the "upgrade" version of XP Pro can install right on top
of XP Home, whereas this is not the case with XP Pro "full" version.
Is this accurate?

No, it is false. Either can. However watch out for OEM versions (which some
people confuse with the Full Retail Version). Those can *not* do an upgrade,
just a clean installation.

If anyone could share on what are the things I need to watch out for
during the upgrade, that would be great. Theoretically, it should go
smoothly. But when does theory match reality?

In this case, usually. It's the easiest and most likely successful of all
possible upgrades, because so little has to be changed.

However there are no guarantees that it always works perfectly. However
unlikely, it's always possible that something might go wrong. For that
reason it's prudent to be sure you have a backup of anything you can't
afford to lose before beginning.

So your experience will
help me avoid problems.

Is there some way to save and move my various configurations like my
internet configurations, etc.?

That shouldn't be necessary, other than the general injunction above to be
sure you're backed up.

Which key configuration settings will
the upgrade wipe out?

None.


I presume I will not need to reload all my software. Is this true?

Yes.


Will some of my software get wiped out in the upgrade?

No. By definition, an "upgrade" (as opposed to a clean installation) means
that all data, programs, etc. are kept intact.

However always remember Murphy's law. Backup to be sure.

 

[gls858]

snip<

The main reason for the upgrade is XP Home does not provide folder password
protection over a network.

Thanks,

Tom

Neither does XP Pro. Security is based on groups and permissions.
To be able to password a folder you will need a third party app.

gls858

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Actually, you can password protect a folder in XP by compressing the folder.

HOW TO: Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531

However, for a network, passworded folders are never a good idea simply because it is too easy for someone to learn the password. A much better solution is to use an Access Control List (ACL). This allows you to specify selected users for accessing sensitive information.

WinXP Pro File Sharing:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/06acl.htm

 

[gls858]

Actually, you can password protect a folder in XP by compressing the folder.

HOW TO: Use Compressed (Zipped) Folders in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531

However, for a network, passworded folders are never a good idea simply because it is too easy for someone to learn the password. A much better solution is to use an Access Control List (ACL). This allows you to specify selected users for accessing sensitive information.

WinXP Pro File Sharing:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/06acl.htm

Thanks for the info Ronnie. I never use compressed folders so I wasn't
aware of this feature.

gls858