XP RC2 expired - Installing XP Pro

[IndyJaws]

My preview copy of XP Pro RC2 finally expired the other day. I've bitten the bullet and bought a copy of XP Pro but would rather it retain all the settings and installed software since I had the system pretty much the way I want it. If I just install to the same directory as before, won't I be okay?

Thanks in advance!

 

[c0rv1d43]

This is the only sort of case in which I might be tempted to try an upgrade installover. I would think that an upgrade install would leave all of your settings intact. You could also just use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard and use that to restore the settings from a backup following a clean install. I did that on my wife's machine, and she was happy with the results. I just did clean installs followed by manual reconfiguration on my own machines because I had deliberately trashed the installs with torture tests during my sandboxing period with the new OS.

- Collin

 

[IndyJaws]

That's what I was thinking as well. I agree - I always tell people to do a clean install with a new OS, but this is a rare exception to that rule, I'd suppose.

Thanks for your help!

 

[c0rv1d43]

Assuming that I was helpful, you're welcome!

Do remember not to doze during the initial part of the setup. You do want to do an upgrade install, I think. In this case I'm not sure just what a repair install would do. You might use the wizard thingy to make a backup of the settings -- just in case. Of course that wouldn't save you from having to re-install software and to reconfigure the third party (non-Office) software, but it might save you some trouble if things went awry!

Good luck!

- Collin

 

[NogginBoink]

RC2 to Gold is a supported upgrade path. You should be fine, and you can get support if not.