I'm in a bind here, my girlfriend appearntly through out all my computer software boxes(which had all paper work in them) including my windows xp pro serials info etc. I still have the cd which unfortantely has gotten scratched over time. So now I had to reformat my hd and go to install windows and there are about 20 corrupt files. I don't have any of the serials or info either so I'm screwed. I don't want to spend $300 on a new one so I went and bought a windows home upgrade. BEfore I open this and try to install it will it work to try and use this upgrade version to go from pro to home? I know it just asks to insert the cd for the upgrade but will it let me do it?

No you cant upgrade downgrade Pro to Home.
However you can install the home upgrade(new install), and use another windows disk for the verification process.

Quote: Originally Posted by Marc No you cant upgrade downgrade Pro to Home. However you can install the home upgrade(new install), and use another windows disk for the verification process.

So i can install the home upgrade and use the xp pro disc for the verification process?

If you decide you do not want to open or keep XP Home Edition here is a place i just bought XP Pro from that was rather cheap with license for $114.99 https://shop.edirectsoftware.com/cat...ducts_id=16134 and it works perfit.

swtguy I think what Marc is saying is that when you install XP home Edition you will basicaly be starting from scratch wiping the drive clean for new install, and your XP pro disc is no good with out the cd key if i am not mistaken since both XP Pro and home Edition both come with cd keys and you need the key to both of them to install even if you where doing a upgrade. Can some one here confirm what i am saying here about both XP Pro or Home Edition.

I realize I won't be able to use Pro, I'm just trying to find out if I can use the Windows XP Home edition upgrade or do I need to buy the full (non-upgrade) one?

Quote: Originally Posted by ranger1033 II think what Marc is saying is that when you install XP home Edition you will basicaly be starting from scratch wiping the drive clean for new install, and your XP pro disc is no good with out the cd key if i am not mistaken since both XP Pro and home Edition both come with cd keys and you need the key to both of them to install even if you where doing a upgrade.

Yes you'll have to do a clean(new) install from the upgrade disk, it'll ask for a previous windows disk to scan.(just to make sure you have one). Any windows disk should work.
You only need the key for the one your installing.(the Home upgrade)

Quote: Originally Posted by Marc Yes you'll have to do a clean(new) install from the upgrade disk, it'll ask for a previous windows disk to scan.(just to make sure you have one). You only need the key for the one your installing.(the Home upgrade)

Thanks Marc i was only about 95% sure you had to do a clean install but wanted to make sure that is what you where saying in your post.

stwguy yes you can all you need is the Home Edition with the cd key and you should be all set just have to do a clean install thats all.

I've got a question, why do you want to do this, I'm pretty sure Home is Pro, but w/out networking tools.

Also, would the Home cd be able to repair his version of windows?

Have you tried disk repair for your scratched Pro disk?

Quote: Originally Posted by Wafflesomd I've got a question, why do you want to do this, I'm pretty sure Home is Pro, but w/out networking tools.

He said his Pro disk is bad and he doesn't have the key.

The recovery console may still work.

Microsoft will replace a damaged disk, for like $30 shipped.
Apparently they will also replace a missing key.

How to replace lost, broken, or damaged Microsoft software.

Thanks for everyones help. It did work and i'm up and running again. I'll have to try a nd see if microsoft will replace it for $30. I needed my pc asap though for school, finals are next week and I have a few papers to right. Thanks again.

Quote: Originally Posted by swtguy Thanks for everyones help. It did work and i'm up and running again. I'll have to try a nd see if microsoft will replace it for $30. I needed my pc asap though for school, finals are next week and I have a few papers to right. Thanks again.

I'm glad you got things working again.

A word of advice. When you WRITE your papers be sure to check your spelling.

Quote: Originally Posted by swtguy Thanks for everyones help. It did work and i'm up and running again. I'll have to try a nd see if microsoft will replace it for $30. I needed my pc asap though for school, finals are next week and I have a few papers to right. Thanks again.

Glad to see you got it up and running that is why we are all here to try and help out fello pimps..

Quote: Originally Posted by Pharaoh I'm glad you got things working again. A word of advice. When you WRITE your papers be sure to check your spelling.

LOL i'll be the first to admit my spelling and grammar(how do u spell that lol) aren't the best.