loading a different version of XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike
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M

Mike

I have a second hand computer that has XP Pro on it. I
am unable to download any service packs because I am told
that I have an incorrect version of XP. I do not have a
copy of it either so do I need to reformat my hard drive
prior to buying a new version and reloading? I am going
to purchase just the home version as I don't need to
spend the extra for XP Pro.
 
-----Original Message-----
I have a second hand computer that has XP Pro on it. I
am unable to download any service packs because I am told
that I have an incorrect version of XP. I do not have a
copy of it either so do I need to reformat my hard drive
prior to buying a new version and reloading? I am going
to purchase just the home version as I don't need to
spend the extra for XP Pro.
.
what you probably have is a pirated version of xp from
Click to expand...
the internet. and you can actually install service packs
to it, but it is a major hassle and time consuming. so
your better off getting another version like your
planning. yes you should format your hard drive before
installing another version of xp. this will prevent the
old version from leaving unnecessary files on your hd and
taking up space.
 
You would need to boot from the new home edition cd, format the hard disk
and reinstall Windows again. Because Home is a 'lower' SKU that professional
you can't do an in place upgrade or repair the install the change the
product key.
 
I have a second hand computer that has XP Pro on it. I
am unable to download any service packs because I am told
that I have an incorrect version of XP. I do not have a
copy of it either
Click to expand...


You bought a used computer with a pirated copy of XP on it.

so do I need to reformat my hard drive
prior to buying a new version and reloading? I am going
to purchase just the home version as I don't need to
spend the extra for XP Pro.
Click to expand...


Yes. There's no way to downgrade from XP Professional to Home.

But if I were you, I would want to reformat and reinstall anyway.
Buying a used computer is the one case where I'm almost always in
favor of starting over from scratch. Not knowing anything about
what the previous owner did, how well he set up the system, how
well he's maintained it, what dumb mistakes he might have made,
etc., I would have no interest in trying to live with or
troubleshoot his mistakes. I'd want to reinstall and make sure
myself that it was done properly.
 
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