Without going into my sorry tale of woe at length, suffice it to say that I now find I am using a non-genuine windows package and non-genuine office package.

Have tried, unsuccessfully, to get anywhere with Microsoft so after reading various articles, etc., thought I would buy a genuine copy of Windows XP Home Basic. I am currently using WP Professional. I don't think I have to buy an office package as I understand there are 'FREE' versions of office software available.

Could a 'complete novice' install this?

I did visit a local PC shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering? He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

Any helpful advice would be appreciated.Yes, you can do it !!!!

I (had purchased) a FULL Version of windows ME in like 2001..... paid like 200.00 at best buy I think.

using the "OLD" full version, I was able to only purchase the "upgrade" windows xp disk (thus saving like 150+ bucks)

you insert the upgrade version , then the puter will ask you to install the older full version "to read some kind of files" off the disk....

then you can go back and it will fully install xp for you from the upgrade disk.
just f.y..i it WORKED for me.........

do you have an older wndws 98 full disk anywhere etc.....
Quote from: mm2011 on May 04, 2007, 09:25:24 AM

I did visit a local pc shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering? He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

Quote from: mm2011 on May 04, 2007, 09:25:24 AM

I did visit a local pc shop (not the one who sold me the 'duff' copy) who asked why was I bothering? He could, for a price, get rid of the WGA messages, disable my automatic updates, get me back to Windows Media 10, etc. etc.

It's too bad for you we don't condone this sort of thing here because we could easily do this for free. Heh.

I've never installed Home over Professional, but you shouldn't be able to do it without too many problems coming up.

I (had purchased) a FULL Version of windows ME in like 2001..... paid like 200.00 at best buy I think.

using the "old" full version, I was able to only purchase the "upgrade" windows xp disk (thus saving like 150+ bucks)

you insert the upgrade version , then the puter will ask you to install the older full version "to read some kind of files" off the disk....

then you can go back and it will fully install xp for you from the upgrade disk.
just f.y..i it worked for me.........

do you have an older wndws 98 full disk anywhere etc.....