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June 1st, 2004 10:00
Swapping Computers
We are getting a new 2.66Ghz and want to swap out with the 2.0ghz we currently have. However, the one we now have has Windows XP Pro and Office XP Pro on an 80 GB HD, and the new computer has XP Home with Office Basic on a 40 GB HD. The XP Pro was an upgrade from XP Home, so I imagine we can set it back to XP Home, but I'm not sure.
Is there a way to swap Operating Systems and Office sotware successfully? In my past experience, XP is usually a pain in the neck with things like this.
Also, how do I transfer all the personal data, emails, settings, and preferences to the new computer and leave the old in operable condition without this information still on it?
Sorry, I'm a little ignorant with stuff like this.
Thanks for any help anyone can give.
Dan
Denny Denham
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June 1st, 2004 15:00
Yes, you can reinstall XP Home on that system if it was upgraded to XP Pro, but why would you want to? The two operating systems are identical except for some additional security features in XP Pro. On the other hand, if you plan to upgrade the new computer to XP Pro after returning the first to XP Home and your upgrade CD is a retail copy it can be done but you will have to activate it through a call to Microsoft. If the Office software is OEM software it is licensed to the computer with which it was sold so activating it on a different computer will be difficult at best (and probably impossible).
As far as transferring documents between the systems XP's Files and Settings Transfer Wizard can be used to do that. If you don't want that information on the old computer the quickest way to accomplish that goal is to simply reinstall (with format) Windows on it.
christiandad
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June 1st, 2004 20:00
Thank you Denny. Yes, I was planning to upgrade the new computer to XP Pro after returning the first to XP Home, and was hoping to be able to swap Office programs as well. Both came with the Dell systems they are currently on.
Actually, I only just ordered the new one yesterday so won't see it for a few days yet. Do you think it would be worth the hundreds of $$ to call them back and upgrade the programs both to Pro? Otherwise, is there a relatively cheaper way to do so?
Thanks again.
Dan
Denny Denham
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18.8K Posts
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June 2nd, 2004 00:00
With a retail XP Upgrade CD you should be able to return the first machine to XP Home and upgrade the new one to Pro. (It will probably take a phone call to Microsoft to activate Pro on the new system.) I don't know of any inexpensive way to get Office Pro on the new system except to do the upgrade now.
christiandad
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June 2nd, 2004 09:00
Okay. I wasn't sure. Thanks for your help!
Dan