XP Home to XP Pro

[Gav]

I have 4 PC's that came with an OEM Windows XP Home license. I now
need to use XP Professional because I need them to join a domain and want to
know
the cheapest way to do this. Can I install an OEM XP Professional
understanding that the license would be tied to the machine and dies with
it? Or do I have to buy a retail XP Professional upgrade? Or is there some
other option I'm not aware of?

Thanks

Gav

 

[Tom Porterfield]

I have 4 PC's that came with an OEM Windows XP Home license. I now
need to use XP Professional because I need them to join a domain and want
to know
the cheapest way to do this. Can I install an OEM XP Professional
understanding that the license would be tied to the machine and dies with
it? Or do I have to buy a retail XP Professional upgrade? Or is there some
other option I'm not aware of?

You can go the OEM route but you'll need to do a clean install. Tools such
as the File and Settings Transfer Wizard can help migrate the data by
creating a backup before you do the install -
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm.

If you don't want to go the clean install route then you'll need to purchase
the retail upgrade of XP Pro and install that as an upgrade over XP Home.

 

[Gav]

You can go the OEM route but you'll need to do a clean install. Tools
such as the File and Settings Transfer Wizard can help migrate the data by
creating a backup before you do the install -
http://www.aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm.

If you don't want to go the clean install route then you'll need to
purchase the retail upgrade of XP Pro and install that as an upgrade over
XP Home.

I wanted to do a clean install anyway because machines are a real mess, just
wanted to be sure of the licensing because I'm upgrading a local business
and want them to be above board when I'm finished.

thanks

Gav

 

[Tom Porterfield]

I wanted to do a clean install anyway because machines are a real mess,
just wanted to be sure of the licensing because I'm upgrading a local
business and want them to be above board when I'm finished.

From a licensing standpoint you should be fine as long as you get a legit
OEM copy. You, and the business, need to be clear on the differences
though. OEM versions of XP are not supported through Microsoft. If they
have a tech support problem, they will need to contact their OEM vendor, in
this case that becomes you so be sure you are ready to back up the product
with support, or let them know up front what their support situation will
be.

 

[Ron Martell]

I have 4 PC's that came with an OEM Windows XP Home license. I now
need to use XP Professional because I need them to join a domain and want to
know
the cheapest way to do this. Can I install an OEM XP Professional
understanding that the license would be tied to the machine and dies with
it? Or do I have to buy a retail XP Professional upgrade? Or is there some
other option I'm not aware of?

With 4 machines you might want to look into a 5 user volume license
for XP Pro.
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/programs/open/default.mspx

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP (1997 - 2006)
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
Syberfix Remote Computer Repair

"Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference
has never been in bed with a mosquito."