..I have a boot-leg copy of windows XP Professional on my comp..(I'm innocent I bought the comp at a garage sale)and it won't let me update anything anymore...I also just got a windows XP Home with the upgrade.Can I use that...do I have to wipe Pro off the comp first? How do I get real?Thanks for any and all help b4hand Well the very first thing you do is backup any data that you want to keep. Then you format your computer and use your Windows XP Home disc to install Windows XP Home. Then upgrade to XP Pro. Then you will need to connect to Microsoft and download all your updates. Which, depending on when your XP Home was created, may be quite a few.Ok do I have to upgrade to Pro..? According to the stickers on the front, This comp came with XP Home on it and last owner changed it for some reason. And thanks for answering so quickly.If you have a copy of the Windows XP Home CD then you can install that and be fine. You don't have to upgrade to pro if you don't want to. That's personal preference really. I mean there are more options in Pro but nothing that the average user would really notice or miss.

But if you backup and then format and reinstall with the legit copy of Windows you will be fine. The updates may take awhile THOUGH. On the CD does it say it has Service Pack 2 included? If that's not included that will really increase how long the updates take.The New one I just got ...is XP Home with sp2 Upgrade...I was worried that I had to have XP Full...not the upgrade. Is that true?
I have a few more ??s if your willing to let me pick your brain some more.
When backing up My Docs..do I have to open a folder of pics or will they all be copied within each folder?Another thing to CONSIDER before formatting...you may want to make a backup with the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
This means after successfully formatting and setting up XP Home you transfer your old settings to the new build.
This will retain your Desktop, and any other tweaks you have made. I believe it saves Favorites from your browser and network settings as well.Thanks so much for all of the info hope I do it right...If so I will be back to see you all SOON...well maybe a day or so but wish me luck No Luck involved...just take your time and PAY attention...Also with the SP2 upgrade. That's not an upgraded version of Windows. That's still the full version of Windows except is has Service Pack 2 (SP2) slipstreamed into the INSTALLATION. So instead of downloading it afterwards it is installed when Windows is. I hope everything goes well for you. If you have more questions just let us know.