switching

[Guest]

I would like to switch my business computers from xp home to xp professional.
Do I need the update edition or the full version to do the job properly, I
figure full version, but I also don't want two running systems conflicting
with eachother.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

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

1. Purchase a conventional "Retail Upgrade Version" [boxed] of Windows XP Professional
for each computer you wish to upgrade.
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.
7. Reinstall your antivirus program, then defrag your hard drive.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User

Enjoy all the benefits of genuine Microsoft software:
http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/default.mspx

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:

| I would like to switch my business computers from xp home to xp professional.
| Do I need the update edition or the full version to do the job properly, I
| figure full version, but I also don't want two running systems conflicting
| with each other.

 

[Malke]

I would like to switch my business computers from xp home to xp
professional.
Do I need the update edition or the full version to do the job properly,
I
figure full version, but I also don't want two running systems conflicting
with eachother.

The upgrade edition will work fine. Normally the upgrade goes smoothly, but
naturally you should have all your data backed up first because Stuff
Happens.

http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/xp_in_place_upgrade.htm

Malke

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I would like to switch my business computers from xp home to xp
professional. Do I need the update edition or the full version to do
the job properly,

Either one will do. Buy the Upgrade, since it's considerably cheaper.

I figure full version, but I also don't want two
running systems conflicting with eachother.

No, that shouldn't be an issue unless you install it improperly.

Note that there are two separate questions implied by what you ask:

1. Should I buy an Upgrade or Full version?

2. Should I do a clean installation or an upgrade installation?

These are *not* the same question, since both the Full and Upgrade versions
can do *either* a full or a clean installation. The only difference between
the two versions is that when doing a clean installation with the Upgrade
version, you have a insert a CD of a previous qualifying version as proof of
ownership. (Also note that there is a third type of CD--an OEM
version--which I do not recommend, since it comes with several significant
restrictions, one of which it that it can *not* do an Upgrade, just a clean
installation)

And to answer the implied second question, should I do a clean installation
or an upgrade installation? you should do an upgrade installation. Since so
little has to be changed the upgrade from XP Home to Professional is the
easiest and most-likely successful of all possible upgrades. However, don't
assume that doing an upgrade relieves you of the need to backup your data,
etc. before beginning. Before starting to upgrade, it's always prudent to
recognize that things like a sudden power loss can occur in the middle of it
and cause the loss of everything. For that reason you should make sure you
have backups and anything else you need to reinstall if the worst happens.

I would at least try the upgrade, since it's much easier than a clean
installation and usually works fine. You can always change your mind and
reinstall cleanly if problems develop.