[prpltbrd]

I had someone work on both my Laptop and my home computer. I was running XP home on both machines and this guy installed XP Pro on both computers. He said it would make my systems run better. What I didn't realize at the time (it had been over 2 years ago) that when he put the XP versions on, they were counterfit. Now I have to look around the house and see if I can find a copy of my recovery disks for each computer. Is it possible to back-up all of my data and run the recovery disks and re-install XP Home and make sure I don't lose all my drivers and get all of my data back on. Also my laptop is running slow and I need to get some things off anyway.

Or would it be better to buy either XP pro or media center for both machines. Also, can I run a copy on both machines or do I have to have a license for each machine?

I have an external 100 GB Seagate HDD that I can back everything up to. My home computer is an HP Pavillion with 512 MB Memory and 60 GB HDD and my laptop is HP Pavillion celeron 1133 with 256 MB memory and 20 GB HDD.

Thank You

 

[Old Rich]

That guy sure did not do you any favors . . first of all, Pro will not run anything "better" than Home . . other than some networking and file security features, they are the same core.

You can back up your data to the external drive easly enough . . and if you want to save your files and settings, you can use the XP Files and Settings Transfer (FAST) wizard to create an image of them and save to cd or other removable media. These are good guides to using the FAST wizard. Just be sure you have an up-to-date antivirus before you re-instate them!

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sg_fstw.asp
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_repair_install.htm

Running the HP recovery programs should reset the entire system to "as shipped" condition . . you would have to reinstall any applications you added since it was new ( and be sure to apply all the Microsoft Updates!.

If you decide to purchase new install cd's, you need one for each machine.

p.s. You are a little light on memory in the second machine

Good luck

 

[daz1]

as you have allready thought about purchasing new installation then what you are asking would be ok to try anyhow even if you did run into problems your back up is safe on external hard drive and you can reinstall with new if you had to,if recovery discs are originals for each computer then you should not have any issues

 

[prpltbrd]

Pro will not run anything "better" than Home . . other than some networking and file security features, they are the same core.

I appreciate your prompt reply. Now this brings up one more question as to which version I need. I have a home network setup (I only have it set up to access the internet at this point). I need to set it up to be able to copy/access files and be able to print. The only computer hooked up the the printers is Computer #1. We just purchased another laptop for my wife a new HP Pavillion with Core-Duo processor, 240 GB HDD and 1 GB memory and Media Center (it is Vista ready). We will be connecting it to the network as well. We have a wireless router with Computer #1 connected via ethernet cable and Computers 2 & 3 are connected via wireless. As I said before currently they are only connected to access the internet. But we want to use C-1 kind of as a print server and be able share files and print. Will XP home be good enough for our applications. We are not doing any major file sharing just occasionally we want to access files on the other computer. It is not like we are doing any kind of CAD or anything like that.

Thank You
Edwin

 

[Old Rich]

Unless you need to log into a Domain, Home will network as well as Pro will . . See this for a comparison of the two versions:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp

 

[prpltbrd]

Thank You. I will do everything you suggested. If I don't chat with you anymore about this issue, I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. May 2007 be very prosperous and fulfilling for you.

 

[Rich-M]

Using home just remember one thing as you are up to 4 pc's if I count right and Home has a maximum of 5 networked as a possibility.

 

[Old Rich]

I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year. May 2007 be very prosperous and fulfilling for you.

Hey . . right back at ya . .

May your holly be jolly, Your mistle just glistle.
And no Christmas ever Be better than this'll.