I recently had a problem in which my Windows crashed and I had to reinstall it. Unfortunately my PC didn't come with a Windows disk because it was on the computer when i bought it. So I borrowed a Windows install CD from a friend who does some work on computers in his spare time. Well the CD was for Windows XP Professional and I previously had XP Home edition, so, the Serial key I had wouldn't work and I was forced to use the one he gave me for professional. the problem now is that I don't have a 'genuine' key and I am unable to use some programs like IE7, Windows defender, and some valuable security updates. I tried talking to Windows support but all they could tell me was to buy a new key... basically all there problem solving tips were to spend money, which I don't want to do. If I am able to find a way to get a Windows XP Home Edition CD would I be able to install that on the computer and use my real serial key and fix everything. And if so how would I do this without losing all my data. Can anyone help me fix this problem. I spent almost 2 months going back and forth with Microsoft support and got absolutely no where. Please help me.

to keep pro...this is the only option


this would probably work as long as you get the same kind of XP home disk (look at the sticker with your product key...if it says OEM you'll have to get an oem disk of home)


this is where it might get a little sticky...to my knowledge you can't downgrade pro to home like you can upgrade home to pro...you may end up having to A: install home as a seperate os and then remove pro B: back up all your important data...then format the drive and start over with the home disk

What would you suggest? Paying for the new key, which I kinda cant afford right now, or the other way.

And if the later of the two, how would I go about that. Installing a separate OS and removing the other, or Backing everything up and formating.

Do you know your legit XP Home product key?
Johanna

Yes, I have the original key but it doesn't work for the Professional edition, only Home, which I don't have.

If you have the original valid key, you can borrow an XP cd of the same flavor and use your valid key. You will need to do a clean install to roll back, so back up your important files first. If you have an OEM machine, this may not work, and you're going to have to buy a new XP cd. Good luck.
Johanna

It this XP Pro CD only the operating system or an upgrade?

The product key you have is only for Home. Pro has it's own key. Get a copy of XP home and there shouldn't be any problems with the key.

This post has been edited by DaveC2003: Nov 7 2006, 05:41 PM

Im aware of that. If I get the Home CD my problems will somewhat be over. The thing is how do I do that and without losing all my data

See post #6
Johanna

I meant like how do I do it step by step. What do I do to back everything up and then install.

Backing Up in XP



Clean Install of XP



Johanna