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Need help upgrading from XP Home to MCE

A

awmut

Member
I ran the installation on this existing desktop and it said "upgrade not available". So I installed a fresh copy thinking it would replace the Home edition. It created a second installation of XP but on the second one I cannot connect to the internet or create any wireless networks.

What is the best way to go from here? I would like to have just upgraded Home to MCE but now I'm in this mess.

How do I delete the MCE edition, and what is the best way to "upgrade" it even though it says "upgrade not available for this installation"? Is there any way I can backup all the information (start menu, task bar programs, display settings, etc), restore Windows without reformatting, then restore the information I saved?
 
MCE is OEM-only. That means that you can't upgrade another OS to MCE. It has to be a fresh install.

1) Boot your PC to MCE Install Disk 1.
2) Tell the setup program to delete any previous XP or MCE partitions it finds.
3) Create a new partition and format it to NTFS.
4) Complete the MCE installation.

You'll need to buy an MCE 2005-compatible MPEG driver if you want to view DVDs. The best one is Nvidia's, for $20.

XP has a built-in FAST (file and settings and transfer) program that will copy user documents and settings (such as IE favorites) to another hard drive or across a network. Once the new OS is installed, re-run FAST to restore your settings.
 
If you don't already have backups of any important data onto CDs, DVDs, another PC, or an external hard drive, then it's time you start doing that. Hard drives fail all the time and these Forums are littered with the sad results.

An inexpensive external USB hard drive will give you a place to save your important data and program settings (using the Windows FAST wizard). It will also give you an ongoing place to keep backups of both your system and important data files.

The only thing you will "lose" by doing a full install of MCE is any added programs you have installed. But, presumably, you have the original install CDs or can download the install programs. Be sure you have a record of any license key numbers. Belarc Advisor does a great job of reporting hidden license key numbers. Just write them down BEFORE you re-format. 🙂
 
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