Upgrading XP home to XP Pro

InverseOfNeo

Diamond Member
Nov 17, 2000
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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

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
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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

Golden Member
Aug 11, 2006
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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

Lifer
Jun 12, 2005
21,630
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136
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

Super Moderator<br>Elite Member
Oct 31, 1999
30,699
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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

Golden Member
Aug 11, 2006
1,156
0
76
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.