Q: Is a valid XP Pro Install key usable for a XP Pro Upgrade install?

(I have a valid Pro install key from the MSDNAA, however, i want to Upgrade my XP Home laptop, not try and redo the whole thing, i've got wayyyy too much stuff on here to try and do that during the middle of a semester.)

9/26/2005 4:33:27 PM

yes, theyre the same thing but why upgrade? if you want to add the functionality of pro, it'd be best just to do a fresh install and just backup what you want.

9/26/2005 5:42:22 PM

It is possible that the keys are not compatible with each others media.

However, since you can upgrade using the cd from msdnaa its moot.

Download the Standalone XP Pro cd from MSDNAA along with its key.

Throw that cd into your drive and reboot. Hit enter to install.

It will scan for existing installs of windows and it will find your XP Home install.

It will ask if you want to upgrade/repair that install. Of course this is what you want to do.

It will then install xp pro as an upgrade/repair install and you will be gtg.

9/26/2005 5:44:56 PM

^Spiff. Thx.

^^ I know that a fresh install is better, hands down not much argument. However the way the laptop is currently set up it would be rather time consuming and problematic to try and back it up and fresh install in the middle of the semster.

If it was my desktop with all my partitions- not a problem.
If it was christmas break and i had more than 1 night to get it back in working order, it wouldnt be a problem either.

But there are some tools/functionality in Pro that you cant add to Home that i very much would like (security management, etc) - while i'm on campus.

So, it seems the best way to me at the moment. I'll reformat it over christmas.

9/26/2005 7:36:26 PM

an upgrade from xp home to xp pro isn't anything like a 2000-> xp or (god forbid) ME->XP.

So you really dont have to worry about anything.

And since it was free, why not do it?

9/26/2005 7:52:56 PM