Can XP Media Center Edition be upgraded to XP Pro?

Question

Hi, I have heard that systems with MCE have special hardware requirements/configurations...so I am wondering if I will be able to install XP Pro (or Home) on the system with no problems if I am unsatisfied with MCE.   Also, I have a copy of XP Pro from a previous Dell computer (which does not work at all anymore)..I should be able to use this since I paid for it and own it right?   Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

joe53 · Answer

Hi:

XP MCE is basically XP Pro, with some added Media functions. You cannot upgrade it to XP Pro. What special hardware requirements were you referring to? Dell will not sell you a PC with MCE that doesn't meet any requirements. Or are you thinking about upgrading a Dell to MCE?

03codyn · Answer

Thanks for the reply. I thought MCE 2005 is like XP Home with added features (according to Dell anyway). About the special requirements...I have read somewhere that you cannot just buy a 'regular PC' and install MCE as it may not work, since some certain hardware features/requirements may be needed for MCE to work properly (unless this was only for notebooks). Because of this, I was wondering if I could install XP Pro (or Home) with no problems (I used the wrong word before...upgrading).   I am looking at the E510 with the special savings...It comes with MCE 2005 by default, unless I decided to go to Home or Pro, but I own already copies of both which are both currently being unused (Home from Microsoft and Pro from Dell..from a previous (dead) computer).   Hope this is more clear...

davejohn · Answer

Yes, you can clean install Home or Pro. But not "upgrade" over the top of MCE. There is no required hardware for MCE, but to use the complete capabilities you need a MCE compatible TV tuner. My XPS600 came with MCE but no tuner.

Dave

Mary G · Answer

You cannot use the XP pro operating system from the other computer. The operating system belongs to the old computer and cannot be used again. You will violate the license agreement and it will not activate. XP MCE is essentially XP Pro with a couple of minor things left out. You'd be wasting money to change the operating system to Pro.

davejohn · Answer

The XP Pro version you have can be installed on any Dell without activation. It violates the license but it works. The retail version of XP Home you already purchased can be activated by calling Microsoft when it gets to the activation screen and telling them you removed it from your old computer and installed it to a new one. It's not tied to an specific machine. It just can't be used on both.

MCE differs from XP Pro in one area that may be important to some users, namely that some hardware and software manufacturers will not provide you with support if you're running MCE. Palm specifically says on their website that they do not provide support for their products on MCE. Just search through the Palm.com forums or Brighthand.com forums for number of problems people have. Dell users have reported in the Media Center Edition forum here that Kodak won't support Easyshare under MCE.

Not all users have the problems (Easyshare works fine for me) but when you do you may not get help.

Dave

Message Edited by davejohn on 05-24-200605:35 PM

Rmdefi · Answer

Does this explain why MCE shows up as XP Professional in System Information?

Windows General

Can XP Media Center Edition be upgraded to XP Pro?

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