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Change from XP pro to Home...

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Holt Lutra, 2005/08/06.

  1. 2005/08/06
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hey, I was wonder if its possible to switch from XP Pro back to XP Home. A while back my computer got all messed up and the person I sent it to to get it fixed said the only way he could get it running again is if he put his windows XP Pro on the system. Its been awhile now and i've got a new motherboard, chip, video card, sound card and all that. I would like to try to get rid of this pro all together and go back to using my windows XP home which is the upgrade version of it. I was wondering if i'm able to wipe my entire hardrive clean and install the Windows XP home upgrade version I have. Or do I have to find another windows ME or something to put on so It sees a operating system on there. If you need any more info before you can help me please ask, I'll do my best to give information if it means i can get my Home back and and be able to download critical updates from the windows updater since right now I can't do it.....

    Thanks alot in advance for any help you all can provide me!

    Holt Lutra
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #1
  2. 2005/08/06
    Newt

    Newt Inactive

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    You can wipe it out and start from the beginning with your upgrade version.

    At some point it will probably want proof you have an earlier OS version for the upgrade. You will be prompted to insert the older OS cd and then to remove it and XP will continue the install.
     
    Newt,
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  4. 2005/08/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Holt Lutra - Welcome to the Board :)
    Yes, that is possible, but not completely straightforward.

    As you have Pro already installed and working after a fashion (BTW - you cannot just replace the items you mention and hitch up the old drive with an install of XP on it and expect it to work perfectly - if at all) the Home upgrade disk will not work straight off.

    Get hold of a Win 98 Boot disk - www.bootdisk.com - if you don't already have one and use Fdisk to remove the existing partition and make a fresh one.

    Then check in the BIOS that the boot order is CD-ROM > Floppy > HD and boot from the Home upgrade CD. Along the way you will be asked to provide evidence that you are entitled to upgrade by inserting a Win 98, Me, etc full installation CD. Once you have done that you will be asked to replace the XP Home CD. A Upgrade CD contains the full OS, but requires the evidence noted above.

    http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_clean.asp
    That is illegal :( and you will be best rid of it. You now need a genuine copy of Windows to download most things from MS including Windows Updates, although Critical Updates will also be made available to those with pirated copies of Windows.
     
    PeteC,
    #3
  5. 2005/08/06
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    On reflection Newt (Good to see ya back, Newt :D) is most likely right and Fdisk will not be necessary - see my notes on a Clean Install of XP when XP is already installed - the rider about providing evidence of entitlement to an upgrade remains ....

     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2005/08/06
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    Will a Windows 95 disk be fine to use or is that too old? Just want to make sure lol.

    And thanks a whole lot for the info and stuff i'll probably try and do that tonight and pray it works :)
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #5
  7. 2005/08/07
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    One other thing, I can't seem to get into my BIOS for some reason, I forgot how to do it. Is there a button you push when your turning on the computer? I thought there was, but can't figure it out. Plus, my screen just shows the biostar logo for a second and then the windows xp pro load screen when i start it up. Any of you guys know how to get to bios?
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #6
  8. 2005/08/07
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    If you are referring to a Win 95 install CD for evidence the answer is no, according to the URL I posted. You will need a 98/98SE or Me full install CD - an upgrade CD may also work.

    To enter the BIOS press Del or F1 repeatedly immediately the computer boots. Those are the keys for most bios's - if neither work post back.
     
    PeteC,
    #7
  9. 2005/08/07
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    Will a HP pavilion system recovery disk that has ME on it work? I remember you said some recovery disks won't cut it. says on the disk that it contains a backup copy of all software originally installed and can only be used with an HP Pavilion PC. though the only thing on my PC that is still pavilion is the moniter lol.
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #8
  10. 2005/08/07
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    No idea, I'm afraid, but give it a try. You will need to provide the 'evidence' early on in the install process and no changes will have been made to the drive at that stage.
     
    PeteC,
    #9
  11. 2005/08/07
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    So you do that part before you delete the partition?

    Sorry for all the questions, I just want to be absolutely sure on what i'm doing before I do it, don't want to ***** up my comp and render it useless lol.

    Thanks again for your help.

    And also, F1 and DEL didn't work when I started it. I went to biostar's website but I couldn't really find any help there. except that I found what model I have, M7NCD Pro ver. 1.1 Socket A. I've also tried F8 and F9.
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #10
  12. 2005/08/07
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    According to the Biostar Website the Delete key gets you into the BIOS. Hit this key repeatedly (or hold it down) as soon as you power up the computer and either see the first part of the POST screen or hear the bios beep.
    Yes - see Stage 4b - here
     
    PeteC,
    #11
  13. 2005/08/08
    Holt Lutra

    Holt Lutra Inactive Thread Starter

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    I got it! It was del. thanks alot. I'll probably try to do the whole delete and reinstall on wednesday night when i'm fully ready and don't have to worry about getting up in the morning for work :) I'll make sure to get back here and let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the help you've given me. Hopefully nothing screws up lol.

    -Holt Lutra
     
    Holt Lutra,
    #12
  14. 2005/08/08
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    OK - good luck - hope you won't need it :D
     
    PeteC,
    #13

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