Which one do I need, XP Pro Upgrade or non upgrade version? 3

[compxinu]

Hello

Currently I just purchased a pc that had XP Home on it, I want to install XP Pro with SP2.

Do I need to buy the upgrade version of XP pro, or do I get the full install?

Thanks

 

[jimp56]

i would suggest getting the full install version. the upgrade would work, but makes it more complicated if you ever reload from scratch.

 

[compxinu]

Would there be any 'tweaking' that I would have to do? In other words, once I buy the full install version of XP pro, all I would have to do is install the XP Pro full install version and go from there?

Thanks.

 

[jimp56]

no tweaking as far as a base install goes. you should boot from the cdrom, remove the existing c: partition when beginning the setup program (when it asks you where to install windows to)- create a new partition, format it with ntfs, then just do a typical install. afterwards, you will want to enable the windows firewall, update to SP2 and all other security patches, then install a good antivirus.

just note that installing this way will make you lose any existing data or programs on the "oem" xp home load. you will probably not be able to reinstall the programs from the CDs that came with the system, as they usually only have a system restore disk, which would put xp home back the way it was with the programs already loaded (not true in all cases).

if it came with MS-Office, etc. - and you need to keep those software programs, then you MUST use the XP pro UPGRADE disk instead of full install. the upgrade will keep the currently loaded programs in place.

If losing the applications isnt a problem, proceed as described at the top.

 

[jimp56]

i just remembered that the full install version might work to upgrade the existing xp home install if you need to keep the oem applications. i just never tried it that way. so when i said MUST use upgrade version, that may not be correct. sorry.

 

[compxinu]

Thanks.

What would you do? The pc I purchased is still in the box and I know I need XP Pro since I have a small business.

With that in mind, meaing the new computer is still in the box and there is nothing on it but free trial software which will expire if I don't purchase.

I will still have to purchase MS Money, MS Office suite, Front Page, Photo Shop, Noton Antivirus, Quicken Legal.

BTW, the upgrade is much cheaper. What would you do?

Thoughts?

 

[bcastner]

I would have purchased XP Pro to begin with.
If you have the option, call the vendor and tell them you would prefer Pro preinstalled. Like the vendor option would be cheaper than even the retail upgrade package.

 

[micker377]

What size is the hard drive in the new computer? The reason I ask is that some companies will void your warranty if you start messing with the OS. If you can afford it, get a new hard drive (you ALWAYS need a larger drive -<grin>). Go ahead and do a full install. Install any programs you wish. That way you can put the "old" hard drive on the shelf (in case there are any warranty problems). If there are any problems, put the original drive back in and send the computer back for warranty repairs. When it goes out of warranty, you have a good slave drive handy!

 

[compxinu]

The HD is 180G and I purchased the entire computer for under $600.00. It was from a wholesale club and it was a great deal. 512 Ram and all.

I am not privy to a lot of pc upgrades, my work involves Unix. So that is why I am asking what should I use?

More than likely I will not purchase another HD, so please give me your expert opinion?

I am swaying to do a full install rather than an upgrade. I am going to the wholesale club ask about the warranty. <btw--good question about the warranty.>

 

[jferrante]

I have used the full XP Pro version to do an upgrade of XP Home several times. I have not run into any problems so far doing this on both Dell and HP systems and notebooks.

Insert the XP Pro CD while XP Home is up and running. Select the "upgrade" option and go have Easter dinner.

The best option was listed above. See if the vender will offer you the computer with XP Pro. The $50 to $75 up charge is a lot better than spending $300 for a retail copy.

 

[compxinu]

Jferrante, I am a little lost with your post, you said

"I have used the full XP Pro version to do an upgrade of XP Home several times. I have not run into any problems so far doing this on both Dell and HP systems and notebooks.

Insert the XP Pro CD while XP Home is up and running. Select the "upgrade" option and go have Easter dinner."


When you say 'full XP Pr version to do an upgrade' is this the Full Install version or the Upgrade version?

I am assuming the upgrade version because you stated to select the upgrade option.

Thanks for your time.

 

[jferrante]

Full install version. It works just fine as an upgrade from XP Home.