counterfeit XP

I've got a counterfeit copy of XP Pro. Given the exorbitant price Microsoft wants for one of their kits to correct the problem, I'm tempted to pick up a copy of XP Home while it's on sale at Wal-Mart. Can I install it over my XP Pro, or do I have to uninstall the XP Pro first? I know this is a basic question, but I really don't want to screw up my computer doing this. Thank you in advance.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/matrix.mspx

Short answer is no it can't be "upgraded" to home.

 

You would need to reformat your PC and then install Home.

 

Thanks all. Would XP Pro do it? Assuming I could find it at a decent price. Or would I have to format my drive with that, too?

 

If you find a legal copy of XP-Pro, you can do an "upgrade" install over the existing copy and preserve your application installations. You'll enter the CD-Key and that will be your new key.

 

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