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    I had my computer installed with Windows XP home edition, and I forgot my password. So I used what I thought was the right CD, which was my Prof CD I have on another computer. So I put in the Prof CD, and pretty much just re-installed windows except it saved my settings and user accounts and stuff. But I was able to get my password back. Then I realized that it was Prof edition which I dont want on this computer. I tried doing the same thing I did with the Prof CD, but with no luck. How can I replace Windows XP Prof with home editon without getting rid of my progams/user accounts/settings?
    Tuesday, August 22, 2006 10:08 PM

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     GSClifton wrote:
    I had my computer installed with Windows XP home edition, and I forgot my password. So I used what I thought was the right CD, which was my Prof CD I have on another computer. So I put in the Prof CD, and pretty much just re-installed windows except it saved my settings and user accounts and stuff. But I was able to get my password back. Then I realized that it was Prof edition which I dont want on this computer. I tried doing the same thing I did with the Prof CD, but with no luck. How can I replace Windows XP Prof with home editon without getting rid of my progams/user accounts/settings?

    Since there is no way to downgrade a Windows XP Professional installation back to Windows XP Home Edition, a "clean install" would be required which requires a reformat of the hard drive.  The easier solution is to consider purchasing a new Windows XP Professional Product Key so that you can activate and still retain your current XP Pro installation, programs and files.

    Microsoft offers an additional license service to customers who have legally installed Windows XP and have an immediate need for an additional license due to work stoppage or other unforeseen circumstance. In the U.S. and Canada, call the Windows Product Activation Call Center at 877-426-6010 for more information on how you can take advantage of this service.

    How to change the product key at the time of activation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/810892/en-us

    Clean Install Windows XP:
    http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html

    Using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx

    HOW TO: Use Files and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293118&Product=winxp

    List of Programs Whose Settings Are Migrated When
    You Use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304903/en-us

     

    Tuesday, August 22, 2006 10:27 PM
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