Question about UPGRADING Windows...

I currently have Windows XP Home Edition installed on the computer I have.
Here are the specs.

System:
Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

Computer:
Intel(R)
Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80 GHz
2.79 GHz, 768 MB of RAM.

The product key label on this DELL Machine (Dimension 3000) is on the side of the tower and it is labelled Windows XP HOME Edition (DELL)

I have a Windows XP Pro CD.....
If I were to put that in and upgrade,
would it work successfully?
As in, will my copy of Windows XP Pro be VALIDATED when I went to do something like check Windows/Microsoft Update? or do I need a different product key or something?

Please let me know what's involved with upgrading to a newer version of windows (XP Pro) and removing the older one (XP Home)...
1) is it possible to do it or will I run into a problem when it comes to the product key?
a) Will I run into any other problems asides from the product key?
2) Will all my files and settings be the exact same way as I have them now?
a) What exactly will change?

Thank you for your time

I really appreciate it.

 

Is this an upgrade cd? If so, no issues should come about. If it isn't an upgrade cd, then you'll install a new instance of xp.

Why do you wish to upgrade to pro anyway?

On the validation process, did you install that xp pro cd and use that key on another computer? Then, yes, you'll have issues with using that key.

 

the reason why i want to have xp pro is because it seems as if pro has more administrative tools properties than home.
i specifically want to have secpol.msc, which is the local security policy on my computer...

if theres a way to have that (which i dont know of) on xp home, then i dont even want to upgrade.


and there the problem lies,
i have the original install cd from windows xp pro, not an upgrade...

is there anyway to find out the differences between Pro & Home?
and specifically speaking, does Home have the above function I listed?
Again, it's a function of administrative tools which allows you to edit the local security policy, run command (secpol.msc)...

Thanks!