XP or XP pro?

Question

Need help with a software issue. Should note that I am somewhat a novice at the software end of things.  I was suppossed to have factory installed Windows XP Pro and it appears that is the case, but all my 'Screen Icons' ( Start-up; etc.) only say Windows XP.  I don't think the OS is operating as XP Pro should either.   How do I check to see that INDEED xp pro is running and how do I change the icons to their correct reading?   Machine was purchased in 2004 - and yes I have been dealing with this since then but have ben out of the country on work.  laptop is a Inspiron 9200.   Thanks for any help!

rickmktg · Answer

Traveller45 wrote:

Thanks!

That is exactly what it shows (Your Graphic).

Now what do I do to get the start up Icons, etc. correct?

What do you mean by "change the icons to their correct reading"? If you think that somehow your icons should indicate you have XP Pro instead of Home, that's not correct.

Traveller45 · Answer

Thanks!   That is exactly what it shows (Your Graphic).    Now what do I do to get the start up Icons, etc. correct?

Flooby · Answer

Go to Start - Run, type winver and press Enter.  The specific version details will appear in the window that will open.   Message Edited by Flooby on 09-19-2006 12:41 PM

Traveller45 · Answer

When the coputer is stariting up, after the DELL window, it shows a Windows XP ( Not Pro) window.  Likewise when it goes into Screen saver mode, it only shows Window XP ( Not Pro).    This is unlike my Recently acquired work Dell Laptop.

Flooby · Answer

Traveller45 wrote:

When the coputer is stariting up, after the DELL window, it shows a Windows XP ( Not Pro) window. Likewise when it goes into Screen saver mode, it only shows Window XP ( Not Pro).

That's exactly what is supposed to happen, and exactly what you're supposed to see on a properly updated WinXP system. This change has been well documented since the initial release of SP2.

This is unlike my Recently acquired work Dell Laptop.

Then your "Recently acquired work Dell laptop" hasn't been properly updated to Windows XP Service Pack 2. I'd suggest rectifying that as soon as possible. There are a number of reasons Microsoft releases service packs, and a good many of them have to do with security issues.

Traveller45 · Answer

Now you have me confused.......  the graphic I see is identical to the one you previously list. Also this is identical to my work Laptop.  (Other than the Physical memory available to Windows). Including the service pack 2 reference.  My main issue is that they two don't seem to perform the same. (Start menu, etc.) and the Startup and Screen saver icons say Windows XP and NOT windosw XP Professional (Home machine).   I just want to be sure I am getting the horsepower from Xp Pro on my machine and I do admit I want it to look properly.   Thanks again for the help.

Traveller45 · Answer

Excellent answer.    Thank you for a clear explanation -  even though my terminology was incorrect.   Sounds as if my Personal laptop has the more recent update of the XP OS ( Service pack 2). and that all is functioning correctly as per what you say here.   Once again, thanks for the time and the Help.   Regards.

Flooby · Answer

Traveller45 wrote:

Now you have me confused....... the graphic I see is identical to the one you previously list. Also this is identical to my work Laptop. (Other than the Physical memory available to Windows). Including the service pack 2 reference. My main issue is that they two don't seem to perform the same. (Start menu, etc.) and the Startup and Screen saver icons say Windows XP and NOT windosw XP Professional (Home machine).

I'm guessing that you're confusing startup and screen saver displays with the word "icon," since there really isn't any such critter as a "screen saver icon." The winver display window will properly identify the current operating system, i.e., Pro, Home, etc., under any circumstances, but that's just the banner, not a representation of which (if any) service packs have been installed . The Startup screen and default WinXP screen saver were modified automatically as a result of the release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. If a system's screen saver or startup screen still reads "Windows XP Professional," this more than likely means that the operating system hasn't had Service Pack 2 installed, and this should be done forthwith, due to security and functionality concerns.

I just want to be sure I am getting the horsepower from Xp Pro on my machine and I do admit I want it to look properly.

"Properly" is a somewhat subjective term, but in this case, it appears that your work PC needs some updates and that the other one with no "Professional" designation in the startup screen or screen saver has been updated better, if not completely, but the only way one is going to know this is to visit Windows Update with both systems and acquire any and all available Critical Updates. Any WinXP system which has been properly updated should no longer display the "Professional" designation on the Startup screen or in the XP screen saver, but this designation will still be visible by running winver.

Windows General

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