Windows XP Activation

[David]

I recently had a friend install Windows XP Pro on my Dell
computer at work, which already had Windows XP Home
Edition, and activated it for me. This was a mistake. I
wanted him to install it on my "home" computer with
Windows 98 on it, instead. I have a valid Windows XP
H.E. disk that came with my new Dell computer. I also
have a valid Windows XP Pro installation disk, which I
purchased. This is the one that was installed over the
Home Edition at work. Can this process be un-done, so I
can put the XP Pro on my "home" computer?

 

[Justme]

The only way to undo it is to do a clean install of Home on your work pc.
If you didn't want pro installed on you work pc why in the world did you
give him the cd to install it.

 

[Robert Moir]

I recently had a friend install Windows XP Pro on my Dell
computer at work, which already had Windows XP Home
Edition, and activated it for me. This was a mistake. I
wanted him to install it on my "home" computer with
Windows 98 on it, instead. I have a valid Windows XP
H.E. disk that came with my new Dell computer. I also
have a valid Windows XP Pro installation disk, which I
purchased. This is the one that was installed over the
Home Edition at work. Can this process be un-done, so I
can put the XP Pro on my "home" computer?

Sure. 3 things to watch spring to mind

i) if the copy of Windows XP Pro is an "OEM" version it will be tied to the
machine it was first activated on, so in this case you *are* stuck. Sorry.

ii) You'll need to do a re-install of XP Home on the work machine as you
can't uninstall XP Pro and "revert" back to home without a fresh install.

iii) You may have to "activate by phone" during the XP Pro install to
explain what happened and get XP Pro activated on the new machine. It
shouldn't be a problem, just a bit of a bore.

--

 

[Jack]

band of pirates here...