Topic: installing Windows XP Pro over Windows XP Home Edition

[bdemase]

Is it possible to install Windows XP Pro over Windows XP Home Edition? I realize I have to back up all my data first but can I do this or do I have to uninstall Windows XP Home and then partition the hard drive and then install Windows XP Pro ( I sure hope I don't have to do this.)

[dewey]

I have never done this so am not certain what will work.  Windows will allow an "over-installation" or "upgrade" of a lesser version of Windows to a higher version.  Whether the software considers XP Home a lesser version to XP Pro, I am not certain.  I would think it would be, but who knows how those guys at Redmond think.

The best thing to do is to try it.  Place the Pro CD in and if it autoruns and gives you the upgrade option you are set.  It may also allow you to over-install one version over the other, but this will wipe out all settings and data, so backup first.

Make certain you have all the drivers for your system (main board, video, sound, network) on CD or flash drive as you may not have Internet access during the install.

Dewey

[BillB]

An upgrade from XP Home to XP Pro should be no more problem than installing a service pack. It should recognize all your drivers as XP and even migrate your registry settings, installed programs, and preferences. Always choose an upgrade rather than new install to save yourself a lot of headaches. I assume you've got at least 50% or 20 GB (whichever is more) free space on your disc.

Of course, something could go wrong. <g>

Always back up your data and know you have all your original install discs before your start anything like this. Also, write down anything you can find out about your computer including component manufacturers, models, and chipsets. DeviceManager (Classic Control Panel > System > Hardware) is a good place to start; but you may have to go further to find what you really need. Pay particular attention to anything having to do with display adapters and sound controllers. Those handy install discs from the manufacturer may have drivers for 20 or more video cards, possibly multiple motherboards, and may not have an auto-discover feature.

I'm a 30-year geek who's always killing my computer, so here's what I do. I use a utility like Norton Ghost^TM ($70) to create an image of my disc. These utilities make a bit-by-bit copy of the disc, regardless of what operating system is on it. It may require opening your computer case and physically removing your hard disc. It will require having a spare scratch disc you can use to copy your image to and possibly a third disc to install your upgraded system on.

I make an image of my disc as soon as I unpack the computer, before I turn it on the first time. This way I can always come back to a virgin, factory configured, environment. Once I have the computer running stably I get another image with all my programs installed. Then I pull another image before I make a major ugrade. And, another image in the new stable condition.

Of course, I never store any data on the C: drive. If it's not on a network drive or a second physical drive in my computer, I use a utility like Norton Partition Magic^TM (another $70; Google "Partition Magic" for competitors) to split the original factory disc into 2 or more logical drives. Then I independently image the operating system (for restore) and the data (for backup).

Whew! Good luck if you follow through on all these suggestions.