Installing Windows XP

[redbreast]

Hi I have a PC with an invalid windows XP Pro on it, I have a genuine Windows CD XP Home which i want to install. Do i have to uninstall the invalid Windows Pro before i install the genuine CD. Please any tips would be helpful a novice in PC land here. Simple language would be easiest Thx in advance

[spacechimp]

I would just stick the CD in and see what happens, if I were you. It ought just to give a message to tell you if you need to uninstall the current version.

(I personally suspect you may have to uninstall the Pro version as Microsoft does not like the idea of downgrading much)

[spacechimp]

I've realized you might have been wondering if you'd need to back up your files and folders, but I'd suggest that you do that regardless of whether you have to uninstall the current version, as installing Windows can always go wrong.

[vehelpfulguy]

You can install XP Pro over Home.

You CANNOT install XP Home over Pro, which is unfortunate because that is what you want to do.

Any chance you could exchange the Home for a Pro, then it should be easy.

If you have to delete XP Pro to install XP Home then this is going to be a fairly long job and may get a bit complex if you are a novice.

[ACtheTROLL]

pro -> home ..... Not sure that this has happened before in the history of the world ;-)

I also think that technically it's a downgrade - not an upgrade.

because Pro has more facilities .... my guess is that no-you can't

but if you take a full backup of all your files
you could always give it a bash and see what happens
(report back ... I'm listening;-0

In practical terms ... esp If it's a well used system, I'd say do a clean install. The dangers of leaving drivers or config files from a more advanced system could cause problems.

[matt1e]

you can't install XP home over XP Pro; it could only be done the other way round. you'll have to format your drive and restart from scratch. so make sure you make copies of anything you want to keep

[matt1e]

oops just repeating basically what VHG and AC have said!!
that will learn me not to go get coffee before hitting submit lol

[vehelpfulguy]

As a follow up to my answer above.

If you need to delete your invalid XP Pro before installing your valid XP Home the steps are going to be as follows:

1) Backup all your personal data off your hard disk to CD or DVD (all personal files, music, movies etc) as they are going to be lost.

2) Ensure you have all the drivers for your PC (graphics, sound etc). If you dont have these then your PC will not work properly.

3) Install your new Windows XP Home. This will delete EVERYTHING off your hard disk.

4) After the XP Home install then you need to install all the hardware drivers.

5) You will need to reinstall ALL the programs you had under XP Pro as they wll have been lost during the XP Home install.

6) Configure Windows so it is set up as you like it with e-mail, internet, passwords, favorites etc.

This is probably going to take at least a whole day, maybe more if you have never done it before.

[spacechimp]

I've had XP take more than 24 hours to install just on its own from scratch. Ha.

[redbreast]

My word what a helpful bunch of guys you are,Thx again
For VHG and anyone else
1 Nothing on PC at the Mo i want to back up
2 Drivers off PC? I have a CD on it it says Support CD,PC DIY Live Demo, Usermanual,Drivers,Utilities. Is this what i need?
3 As 2 nothing i want
4 Install new legal CD and that cd in 2 Right
5 I think i understand lol
6Configure?? i said i was a novice
One day Any special things i have to look out for
Sorry for all the ???

[vehelpfulguy]

>2 Drivers off PC? I have a CD on it it says Support CD,PC DIY Live Demo, Usermanual,Drivers,Utilities. Is this what i need?

Yes that sounds like the drivers CD.

> 6Configure?? i said i was a novice

I was not suggesting anything complex. What I mean by this was to layout the desktop as you want it, get a desktop picture, set up the screen saver that sort of thing.

[vehelpfulguy]

>Any special things i have to look out for

One thing that may catch you out is the following.

When a computer starts up it looks for an operating system (it has no idea what you have installed or where it is).

There are 3 main places it looks: Diskette drive (if you have one), hard drive, and CD/DVD drive.

The ORDER that it looks for them is set in the BIOS.

Now if you want to install Windows you need to have the PC "boot" from the Windows CD.

But it may be that your computer is set up to look at the hard drive FIRST, then the CD/DVD next. This means it will ALWAYS boot Windows from the hard drive and you will never be able to install your new Windows.

So what you need to do is go into the BIOS and make sure the BOOT order is set to CD/DVD first and hard drive second.

It may already be like this, but if not you need to change it.

If you want to know how just ask.

[vehelpfulguy]

>Any special things i have to look out for

One other thing you may hit is as follows.

When you start the install of XP Home the install program will recognize that you already have XP Pro and say you cannot install XP Home.

There MAY be an option to say "I dont care" and if so you can carry on.

But if there is not an option like this you may need to cripple your XP Pro on your hard disk before you can do the install.

Again, if you get to this stage ask us for help.

[trish432]

I`ve just deleted pro from my hard drive and reinstalled home with no problems. Booted from home cd, deleted the drive,as normal, then reinstalled drivers from application and support disc after installing home.
Computer was bought with home installed, originally,I don`t know if that makes a difference.