XP home or XP pro

[ZeLL]

I already got XP home. Chaotic sent me his XP pro disc to install on his computer that i'm throwing together from my old parts for him. I got my own cd key for pro so i decided, what the hell mine as well upgrade my xp version while i'm at it.

i pop in the disc and it says because my xp is up to date, it can't install pro without completely deleteing my current xp, and all the files i have on the computer.

I want to hear from you guys the difference between XP Home edition and XP pro. is xp pro really worth rebuilding my entire hard drive? it would take weeks to get all my stuff back on.

[JIMINATOR]

you lose the windows directory unless you mess around with the partitions.
the other stuff remains, although it is a pain to move to the new locations.

[ZeLL]

so does that mean, "Yes its worth it." or "no not worth it"

[merkwannabe]

I would say "no," simply because I have heard it's the same as home expect it has a lot more media related programs. Plus, if you spent that much time building up your hard drive it's probably not worth it. I know, I've done some upgrades only to realize that the effort I put in the software upgrade wasn't worth the time and chaos it caused.. (ok, I haven't upgraded programs, but I've done many pointless tinkers!! ;))

It would take forever to transfer all your data to discs and as long as you can do what you want to do without problems, I'd stick with it.. The only reason I made a thread about linux is because it's a free program and I've had lots of problems with my os,(relating to serious errors and crashing)....

[ME BIGGD01]

if you already have windows xp home edition, all you have to do is an upgrade. it will upgrade your home edition to pro edition and you will not lose any of your data. while you are on the desktop and have all other apps closed, place the cd in your cd rom drive and it should ask you if you want to upgrade your os.

[Pure_Evil]

If it aint broke, don't fix it ;)

*unless you're bored and feeling adventurous*

[Fragetti]

Zell dont do it at this time wait till your ready to do a clean install. Its just not worth it.
here this may help
Frag

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/compare.mspx

Top 10 Reasons for Moving to Windows XP Professional

Windows XP Professional is designed for productivity at home, school, or the office with improved networking and remote access tools. While there are hundreds of compelling reasons to get Windows XP Professional, these are the 10 at the top of the list. See the Windows XP Comparison Guide (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/choosing2.mspx) for a detailed feature comparison.


[/url]Helps Protect Your PC (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspxx)
Automatically keep your PC up-to-date with the latest security enhancements including the Windows Security Center, Windows Firewall, and more to help protect your computer from viruses and worms that can spread through the Internet.

Quickly Connect to Wireless Networks (http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/network/wireless/winsupport.mspx)
Windows XP Professional provides rich, wireless network support, helping you simply and easily connect to wireless networks whether in your home, office, or out on the road.

Keep Your Laptop More Secure (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/default.mspx)
The Encrypting File System, only in Windows XP Professional, provides an additional level of file protection from hackers and data theft by transparently encrypting files with a randomly generated key. If your laptop gets stolen or lost, unauthorized users should not be able to read or view your confidential files.

Get More Life Out of Your Laptop Battery (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx)
Save battery power when you're working on the road, at the library, or coffee shop. Windows XP Professional extends battery life by managing the way your laptop uses power. Now you can work longer on battery power and more accurately forecast how long your batteries will last.

Set Up and Share Your Computer Quickly and Easily (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/sharing.mspx)
Quickly set up and connect all the computers, printers, devices, and an Internet connection in your home with the all new Network Setup Wizard (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/connectedhome.mspx). Sharing a computer with others has never been easier; quickly access your personal files and accounts without having to close applications or restart the computer.

Easy To Use (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/workyourway.mspx)
The clean, simple design of Windows XP Professional puts the features you use most often at your fingertips, helping you find them quickly.

Work From Anywhere (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/russel_may18.mspx)
The Remote Desktop feature found only in Windows XP Professional allows you to remotely access your PC running Windows XP Professional, from another Windows-based PC, so you can work with all of your files and applications while away from your office or home PC.

Recover Easily From Problems Caused by System or Application Changes (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/systemrestore.mspx)
If something goes wrong with your computer, you can easily remove and roll back any system or application changes without losing files and other valuable information.

Join a Network or Domain (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/crawford_december24.mspx)
Windows XP Professional is designed to work with Windows Server networks and includes capabilities for both small office networks with up to 10 PCs and Windows Server based networks.

Work With the Tools You Need to Get Things Done (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/default.aspx)
Choose from the widest range of software, hardware, and services designed to work together seamlessly including support for many older applications designed for earlier versions of Windows.



Top 10 Reasons to Get Windows XP Home Edition



While we can think of hundreds of reasons to use Windows XP Home Edition, these are the 10 at the top of our list.



Help Protect Your PC (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/technologiesoverview.mspx)
Automatically keep your PC up-to-date with the latest security enhancements including the Windows Security Center (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wscintro.mspx), Windows Firewall (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx), and more (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/howto/default.mspx) to help protect it from viruses and worms that can spread through the Internet.

Set Up and Share Your Computer Quickly and Easily (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/sharing.mspx)
Quickly set up and connect all the computers, printers, devices, and an Internet connection in your home with the all new Network Setup Wizard (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/connectedhome.mspx). Sharing a computer with others has never been easier; quickly access your personal files and accounts without having to close applications or restart the computer.

Easy to Use (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/workyourway.mspx)
The clean, simple design of Windows XP puts the features you use most often at your fingertips, helping you find them quickly.

Streamline and Safeguard your Web Browsing Experience (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_ie.mspx)
Internet Explorer 6 simplifies Web browsing tasks as well as helping keep your personal information private. It blocks most annoying pop-up ads, provides warnings regarding security issues, and helps stop downloads that could harm your PC.

Communicate and Share Memories Easily with Family and Friends (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/digitalphotos.mspx)
Now it’s easier than ever to communicate via text, voice, or video using Windows Messenger (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/communication.mspx). In addition, you’ll find it’s easy to organize, edit, and share pictures and home movies using My Pictures and Windows Movie Maker (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx).

Recover Easily from Problems Caused by System or Application Changes (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/systemrestore.mspx)
If something goes wrong with your computer, you can easily remove and roll back any system or application changes without losing files and other valuable information.

Easily Access and Explore the Vast World of Music and Video Using Your PC (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/evaluation/features/music.mspx)
Windows Media Player for Windows XP (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/9series/player.aspx) gives you an easy-to-use place to play your DVDs, organize music, burn CDs, sync with a wide range of media players, and much more.

Quickly Connect to Wireless Networks (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/getstarted/default.mspx)
Windows XP provides rich, wireless network support, helping you simply and easily connect to wireless networks whether in your home, office, or out on the road.

Get Help from Someone You Trust No Matter Where They Are (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/remoteassist/intro.mspx)
Remote Assistance lets you allow someone else running Windows XP to remotely access and control your computer to demonstrate a process or help solve a problem.

[url="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/default.aspx"]Work with the Tools You Need to Get Things Done (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/default.aspx)
Choose from the widest range of software, hardware, and services designed to work together seamlessly including support for many older applications designed for earlier versions of Windows.

hope it helps

Frag