Upgrade to XP Pro?

[Smokin Joe]

I am considering it. Not a geek. Can the average dummy do it, without many problems?

Smoke

 

[MrChad]

What operating system are you using now? What are your system specs?

 

[Smokin Joe]

Product name Intel(R) Desktop Board D865GBF based system
Board model Genuine Intel(R) D865GBF system board
OS version Windows* XP version 5.1 Service Pack 2 build 2600
OS memory 1,030,888 KB RAM

***************************************************************************
Processor
***************************************************************************
Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz
Bus speed 800 MHz
L1 cache Data Cache 8KB, Execution Trace Cache 12K Micro-ops
L2 cache Advanced Transfer Cache 512 KB
Form factor Socket 478
Stepping 9

 

[MrChad]

So you have Windows XP Home now, and you want to upgrade to XP Pro?

 

[Smokin Joe]

Yep, if not a complete system rebuild. Operating system wise?

Smoke

 

[KoolDrew]

I never reccomend upgrading. Do a reformat, just back up the stuff you need.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Kool, that is the reason I asked--have too much stuff on it to do the backups. Or at least I think I do.

Smoke

 

[ColKurtz]

Why are you upgrading? Unless you need to join a domain or need remote access, there's little difference.

 

[MrChad]

XP Home to XP Pro should be a straightforward upgrade. I don't think you need to reformat.

You'll want to backup your files as a precaution, however.

 

[intogamer]

Basically the same thing. Don't waste your money.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I have some problems with XP Home that is loaded now. Microsoft has been unable to tell me what to do about it. It works, but is funky and now Windows update won't work. That is when I got serious about doing something. I have been told that XP Pro will work a little better with my two computer wireless network. That is the only advantage that I can see, from what I am told. I can do it for about $100.

Smoke

 

[ColKurtz]

I have been told that XP Pro will work a little better with my two computer wireless network.

Phooey. It will work exactly the same. The networking advantages of pro are have to do with administration (policies, access control), not faster/better access.

Of course, reinstalling cures many ills, so reinstalling XP home is just as likely to fix your probem as reinstalling with XP Pro. If you still have your XP home copy, I would use that. If $100 is chump-change to you, by all means go for it, but you're really not gaining anything (again, unless you need to join a domain or remote access).

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: ColKurtz

I have been told that XP Pro will work a little better with my two computer wireless network.

Phooey. It will work exactly the same. The networking advantages of pro are have to do with administration (policies, access control), not faster/better access.

Of course, reinstalling cures many ills, so reinstalling XP home is just as likely to fix your probem as reinstalling with XP Pro. If you still have your XP home copy, I would use that. If $100 is chump-change to you, by all means go for it, but you're really not gaining anything (again, unless you need to join a domain or remote access).

Agreed. Upgrading to Pro will NOT solve your problem. Maybe you can post your troubles and we can help you out.

 

[imported_Twitch]

Originally posted by: Smokin Joe
I have some problems with XP Home that is loaded now. Microsoft has been unable to tell me what to do about it. It works, but is funky and now Windows update won't work. That is when I got serious about doing something. I have been told that XP Pro will work a little better with my two computer wireless network. That is the only advantage that I can see, from what I am told. I can do it for about $100.

Smoke

I've noticed that Windows update needs several services enabled and set to Automatic in order to work properly or else it won't let you get anything... including Automatic Updates, BITS (Background intelligent Transfer Service I think), and 1 or 2 more.

It should say which ones you need enabled when you are trying to use it (If that's (part of) the problem)

Granted, reinstalling XP home would reset the services to standard setup and fix this, but you might be able to get away without reinstalling if the root of the problem can be dealt with.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Thanks guys. I don't think you want to read a "book" about all the problems I have with this copy I have of XP Home. I think I will just reload it and see what happens. I can always go the Pro route, if it doesn't work right again.

Again THANKS,
Smoke

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: Smokin Joe
Kool, that is the reason I asked--have too much stuff on it to do the backups. Or at least I think I do.

Smoke

Just a piece of friendly advice. You really want to back up your stuff, even if you do not reinstall.