Upgrading XP home to XP Pro

[InverseOfNeo]

Doing some computer work for my dad. When he got the computer, he didnt have any use for the extra features in XP Pro, but now he does. He got the OEM XP Pro from NewEgg. Can I just upgrade using that or does it have to be a clean install? Thank you for your help.

 

[mechBgon]

OEM discs don't do upgrades, AFAIK. You could use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard to back up his files and preferences, then install XP Pro and use the wizard to import them.

 

[regnez]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
OEM discs don't do upgrades, AFAIK. You could use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard to back up his files and preferences, then install XP Pro and use the wizard to import them.

:thumbsup:

Yup, there is a way to force an upgrade of XP from an OEM disc, but it is complicated and illegal; plus, there is a chance that you will not be able to activate your machine afterwards.

mechBgon's advice is solid and comes recommended from me.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: regnez

Originally posted by: mechBgon
OEM discs don't do upgrades, AFAIK. You could use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard to back up his files and preferences, then install XP Pro and use the wizard to import them.

:thumbsup:

Yup, there is a way to force an upgrade of XP from an OEM disc, but it is complicated and illegal; plus, there is a chance that you will not be able to activate your machine afterwards.

mechBgon's advice is solid and comes recommended from me.

I'm not too sure what you guys have run across, but I have upgraded several OEM ( Dell Laptops ) from XP OEM Home to Retail XP Pro without any issues or problems...

pcgeek

 

[mechBgon]

I'm not too sure what you guys have run across, but I have upgraded several OEM ( Dell Laptops ) from XP OEM Home to Retail XP Pro without any issues or problems...

If they had a retail XP Pro then they'd be home free, but it sounds like they have OEM XP Pro, and afaik the OEM discs only want to do fresh installs.

 

[regnez]

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: regnez

Originally posted by: mechBgon
OEM discs don't do upgrades, AFAIK. You could use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard to back up his files and preferences, then install XP Pro and use the wizard to import them.

:thumbsup:

Yup, there is a way to force an upgrade of XP from an OEM disc, but it is complicated and illegal; plus, there is a chance that you will not be able to activate your machine afterwards.

mechBgon's advice is solid and comes recommended from me.

I'm not too sure what you guys have run across, but I have upgraded several OEM ( Dell Laptops ) from XP OEM Home to Retail XP Pro without any issues or problems...

pcgeek

I don't think that's what his problem is. He has an OEM copy of XP Pro, not a retail one. It does not really matter what version of the OS you have installed when you upgrade, as long as what you are upgrading to is allowed with whatever OS you have; what matters is the upgrade you are installing.