Upgrading XP Home to XP Pro

I just purchased a new notebook with XP Home. I have a new copy of XP Pro
(full install) which I intended to install on this Dell notebook. When I
attempted to install with the intention of using the "upgrade" option, I get
an error message that my current version is newer than the upgrade. I wanted
to use the upgrade option to keep from losing any MY DOCUMENT files or MS
OFFICE file (including email). I have no desire to keep both operating
systems. If I replace the operating system with a new install, will I lose
any files?

Hi JoelPH,

You're probably receiving the "current version is newer then the upgrade"
error due to the current operating system including Service Pack 1 or
Service Pack 2, and your XP Pro install CD not including either of these
service packs. You could create a bootable slipstreamed install CD , using
your XP Pro install CD and following these instructions:
http://theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm
Use the newly created slipstreamed CD to do the upgrade.

Before performing the upgrade, back up any and all "loathe to lose" data, as
there is always the potential for something to go wrong.



Regards,

--
Patti MacLeod
Microsoft MVP - Windows Shell/User

"JoelPH" <> wrote in message
news:8244D458-0818-427B-BA2D-...
> I just purchased a new notebook with XP Home. I have a new copy of XP Pro
> (full install) which I intended to install on this Dell notebook. When I
> attempted to install with the intention of using the "upgrade" option, I
get
> an error message that my current version is newer than the upgrade. I
wanted
> to use the upgrade option to keep from losing any MY DOCUMENT files or MS
> OFFICE file (including email). I have no desire to keep both operating
> systems. If I replace the operating system with a new install, will I lose
> any files?