XP Home to Pro Upgrade 2

[Bobt0123]

Siutuation: Currently running XP Home on a college-bound laptop. The school requires XP Professional - and will provide a full-version CD.
QUESTION: Am I assuming correctly I'm able to "upgrade" (as I would buying an "upgrade" CD) using the full-version?? Also, am I correct in assuming (YES, I know about assuming!) that it "should be a relatively painless upgrade??

Any insight would be appreciated...

 

[pechenegs]

It's far better to do a clean install, less problems, and seeing as your college is supplying the full Xp-pro disc why not clean install, it should be painless!?

 

[Bobt0123]

I suppose the clean install would always be ideal but....would I have a problem using the application/driver/etc. discs that were originally provided with the (Dell) laptop??

 

[JeffKil]

Yes, I have the same sort of question. It's a work computer with XP home, already loaded with work stuff, then I find I need to upgrade to pro for the network capabilities. Will anything get corrupt or lost?

 

[bcastner]

1. Gauranteed to be lost:

All service packs, hotfixes, and driver updates.

2. "Gotchas"

A. You have installed new hardware and the hardware is on the WHQL list for XP. What happens is that XP will likely install an older driver.

Workaround do both of these steps:

i). Download and use the free utility: Windows Driver Backup

http://www.jermar.com/wdrvbck.htm

ii). Use one of these and printout the results:
Belarc Advisor:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

AIDA-32:

http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php

Then after the upgrade repeat the process. Compare the driver versions for critical hardware. Both provide web links for new drivers.


B. You now have a pre-installed by the manufacturer version of XP Home.

Make sure you check with the computer manufacturer to obtain a full set of any driver customizations used. Usually you can download the driver set from the manufacturer's web site. The steps above should be sufficient, buy you never know.

C. You have a SCSI or RAID device.

Be sure you have downloaded and extracted to floppy any drivers needed for the hardware before attempting the upgrade. Don't forget scanners and other devices that required a controller board to be installed.

Corruption or lost data is possible. Backup your user profile:

1. Run the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard:

http://aumha.org/win5/a/fast.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/columns/crawford/november12.asp

Note that this does not backup up your applications, they still need to be re-installed if they become corrupted.

2. If you have the ability to do a full backup, do so. You cannot use restore points after an upgrade attempt. You have already installed a utility that will do this for you, Advanced System Recovery:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/managing/asr.asp

To be honest I have done exactly what is asked in this thread many times without incident. My preference is a clean install, but I have not personally had a problem with the upgrade path.

I a clean install seems nearly inconceivable to you, follow these steps and go for it.

Remember: You need to re-install SP1 and all hotfixes after the upgrade.

 

[Bobt0123]

bcastner - THANKS for the detailed information! It is very much appreciated!

Additional question(s): 1) can I use a full version Pro CD to perform an upgrade - or, does only an "upgrade" CD allow this? 2)If I elect to do (or, have to) a "clean install, will following the XP CD prompt me through this? 3) any additional URLs that may provide support along these lines??

Again, Thanks!

 

[jpm121]

1) Yes, the full version will allow an upgrade to be run (unlike some prior versions of Windows)

2) Yes, it's quite self-explanatory, and should be painless. One possible exception might be device drivers -- they're frequently written by laptop manufacturers to work in a specific configuration. Do as much legwork on the manufacturer's website as possible, download dang near everything you can find that would be applicable, and burn it onto a CD.

3)

http://www.tek-tips.com

 

[bcastner]

Please read this as it likely applies in your case:

You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/Q312/3/69.ASP&NoWebContent=1