Windows XP

I want to buy a mini netbook, but they only come with Windows XP Home. My laptop has Windows XP Pro. Is it possible to purchase a netbook & change the OS to Pro?

Thx,
Gini

 

Yes. You will need an external optical drive to read the installation disc.

Jut out of curiosity, what feature does XP Home lack that you need?

 

I'm not sure since I've never used Home, only Pro. Maybe it'll do everything I need? I don't have an install disc for Pro. It came pre-loaded on my laptop with no install disc

 

Only difference I've noticed between them from what I have read is that Pro is mostly 64bit whereas Home is 32bit.
Pro is a bit more security minded, but not much difference otherwise. Have used both and for the average user, Home should be sufficient for their purposes.

 

I need to use it in my business (WordPerfect 12, Office 2003, MS Works, Quicken, email, internet, IM, etc.). No gaming, music or video.

 

For that, Home should be adequate.

 

Just to clarify things for hrlow2, XP Pro comes in 2 flavors, 32-bit and 64-bit.

 

If you have to join a domain at work, you will need XP Pro.
Can check this by looking at the network name of the existing laptop. If it is a member of a workgroup, you are OK.

 

Where do I look to find out which one I'm currently using on my laptop?

 

My current laptop is not networked, but I planned to network the notebook with it to swap files back & forth, etc., basically working on both simultaneously at times.

 

XP Home can be used for Simple File Sharing.

 

You can network with both Home and Pro. With Pro, you can join/create domains in addition to workgroups. With Home, just workgroups.

 

Start > Run, type winver <OK>

 

It says "Ver. 5.1 (Build2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234: Service Pack 3)." So, is it 32 or 64?

 

Sorry - I thought the Q. was Pro or Home. Here's the method for 32 or 64

Click Start, and then click Run.
Type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
Click the General tab. The operating system is displayed as follows:
For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.

 

to Puppywunder58:wave
Thanks. Didn't know that about it.:-o
Makes me wonder which I have now.:confused

 

OK, mine's 32.