Move from Windows XP Pro to Windows XP home

I was given a PC that had Windows XP Pro on it and it isn't acting well and I
was wondering if it is possible to purchase the Windows XP Home edition
upgrade and go back from Pro to Home? I don't want to spend the $130.00 if it
won't work.

Thanks.

"Brent" <Brent@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9A4ED442-B56C-42DC-9E91-AE1F5551F461@microsoft.com...
>I was given a PC that had Windows XP Pro on it and it isn't acting well and I
> was wondering if it is possible to purchase the Windows XP Home edition
> upgrade and go back from Pro to Home? I don't want to spend the $130.00 if it
> won't work.
>
> Thanks.

I'm guessing that you weren't given an XP Pro installation CD with this
computer. Is there a sticker on the back of the computer with a 25 digit CD key?
If this is a brand name computer, (Dell, Gateway, HP, etc.), you might want to
check the manufacturer's web site for a manual. You may find that the files to
reinstall the operating system are stored on a hidden partition on the hard
drive.

As for your question, you won't be able to install XP Home Edition over XP Pro.
Going from Pro to Home is considered a "downgrade". You would need to perform a
clean installation of XP Home.

To install XP Home Edition on your computer you could use a Full version CD,
either OEM or Retail. You can upgrade to XP Home from an installation of Windows
98 or ME. It's also possible to use an XP Home upgrade CD to do a clean
installation if you have an installation CD for Windows 95, 98, or ME. Early in
the installation process, you'll be asked to provide the Win 95/98/ME
installation CD to show that you qualify for the upgrade.

Good luck

Nepatsfan