WinXP Pro over WinXP Home

[Frank]

Just a quick question... can you install the full version (not upgrade) of
XP Pro over XP Home with no ill effects?

Thanks,

-Frank

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

You may upgrade your current Windows XP Home Edition
installation to Windows XP Professional only if you have
a "Retail Version" of XP Pro, either the "Upgrade" or "Full"
version. Note: OEM versions have no upgrade capability.

An upgrade to Windows XP Pro is a smooth transition will not affect your
current programs or files if you use the following procedure:

1. Purchase a conventional "Retail Upgrade or Full Version" [boxed] of Windows XP Professional.
2. Uninstall your antivirus program.
3. Perform a backup of your important documents and files to a CD, DVD, or other backup media.
4. Disconnect all hardware peripheral devices, except the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
5. While running Windows XP Home, insert the Windows XP Pro CD in the drive and select
the default "Upgrade" setup option. [Do not select "New Installation"]
6. Visit the Windows Update site to download all the critical updates.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| Just a quick question... can you install the full version (not upgrade) of
| XP Pro over XP Home with no ill effects?
|
| Thanks,
|
| -Frank

 

[Richard Urban]

No advantage to it, unless you are in a corporate setting and need the extra
functions.

--

Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from George Ankner:
If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[R. McCarty]

About the only two things that come to mind that might justify the use of
Professional on a home PC are:
- User groups with privileges levels between Limited & Administrator
- Remote desktop access to the PC (Act as a Server)

Also Professional supports Dynamic disks, EFS

Actually Paul Thurrott's site has a nice comparison
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

 

[Larry Samuels]

Yes

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Just a quick question... can you install the full version (not
upgrade) of XP Pro over XP Home with no ill effects?

Yes.

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.



Also note that an OEM version, which some people confuse witha Full
version, can *bot* do an upgrade.



Are you sure you want to do this? Are you aware that XP Home and
Professional are identical except that Professional includes a few features
(mostly related to security and networking) missing from Home? Most home
users don't need and would never use these extra features and will see no
benefits by upgrading.



For details go to

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp

Also note that Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and
Home only five.

 

[Frankster]

You may upgrade your current Windows XP Home Edition

installation to Windows XP Professional only if you have
a "Retail Version" of XP Pro, either the "Upgrade" or "Full"
version. Note: OEM versions have no upgrade capability.

Do NFR versions have this capability. Like the ones distributed with as part
of the MS Partner program in the "Action Pack".

-Frank

 

[Frankster]

No advantage to it, unless you are in a corporate setting and need the

extra functions.

I require domain membership.

-Frank

 

[Larry Samuels]

Yes

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Frankster]

Thanks Larry. Appreciate it. I thought they did, since the AP is reputed to
be the exact retail software with different licensing.

I use AP software for my internal office, as licensed. I have been special
ordering new boxes when I need them simply so I can get the Pro edition
rather than the Home edition which so many come with now days. Often I would
buy high-end boxes when I didn't really need high-end just to get Pro
pre-installed (you know, less driver hassle, etc). Since I already hold the
license for the AP, it's nice to know I can get them with the Home edition
and upgrade to the Pro edition without negative impact and more expense. I
needed to know, before my upcoming purchase, whether to pay extra for the
Pro edition being pre-installed or not.

BTW, for those questioning my need for the Pro edition verses the Home
edition, I know the difference and I do need it.

Again, thanks.

-Frank

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Just a quick question... can you install the full version (not upgrade) of
XP Pro over XP Home with no ill effects?

Thanks,

-Frank

WinXP is designed to install and upgrade the existing operating
system while simultaneously preserving your applications and data, and
translating as many personalized settings as possible. The process is
designed to be, and normally is, quite painless. That said, things
can go wrong, in a small number of cases. If your data is at all
important to you, back it up before proceeding.

The upgrade from WinXP Home to WinXP Pro, in particular, almost
always goes smoothly, as both operating systems use the same kernel.

--

Bruce Chambers

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