Upgrade to XP Pro

[dblwall]

Brand new laptop with XP home edition on it. Want to upgrade to Pro, have an early copy before SP1 & SP2. If I update will it over write all the patches and fixes it came with?

[bigH2O]

Yes. You will have to re-apply the service packs

[Zero Tolerance]

If you buy a new release of Pro...it should come with most of the patches...and of course both SP's will already be installed on the upgrade. Only a few minor patches will need updated.

[vantim]

If you have XP home with service pack 2 installed and you try to upgrade to the original pro (without any SP's) you are looking at lot's of headaches. Some files will be newer than the ones the OS already has and some are different. I wouldn't recommend it.

Just a small question....Why are you interested in switching to Pro? There are very little differences for the common home user. The biggest are... Advanced file sharing, file encryption, ability to join a domain, and SMP (dual processors> not to be confused with dual core processors or hyperthreading: home supports both of those).

[vantim]

Here is an update: XP will not let you upgrade with service pack 2 installed. When you try it will tell you that your current version is newer than the one you are trying to install. If you want to upgrade it you have 3 options:

1. go to add/remove programs and remove service pack 2
2. slipstream your older xppro cd with service pack 2
3. go buy a new xppro cd that already has service pack 2

[jugo]

There are very little differences for the common home user. The biggest are... Advanced file sharing, file encryption, ability to join a domain, and SMP (dual processors> not to be confused with dual core processors or hyperthreading: home supports both of those).


1 importan difference is that Pro has the ability to burn CDs built in to the OS and Home doesn't...very useful. Among others you missed.


3. go buy a new xppro cd that already has service pack 2


You can Buy XP Pro - Media Only from most online vendors for around $23.00.