Change from Win XP Home to XP Pro

[StuckAgain]

Hi. I'm running a Dell 4700 series that came with Win XP Home. I need to reformat the hard drive but the original "Restore" CD is defective. Yes, I'm long out of warranty, but was given a Win XP Pro CD. I've had numerous difficulties after a reformat due to driver issues. Will I be able to install XP Pro to replace XP Home? Can I determine what drivers I have and/or what I'll need with the new OS? This would be a total clean format. As is probably obvious I'm nt an advanced computer user, but I've managed, though with errors! Thanks for any input.

 

[Calibretto]

You will be able to install XP Pro on the computer but it's up to you to find the drivers for the mobo, video card, etc.

 

[AdmnPower]

there is a program called everest, (they used to have a free home edition, a quick trip to google should help you find it) it will list all of the hardware in your computer regardless of whether or not you have drivers for it, you could use that to figure out what drivers you need.

 

[StrangleHold]

The drivers for XP home should be the same as Pro
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...stemID=DIM_P4_4700&os=WW1&osl=en&catid=&impid=

Spec.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/specs.htm

 

[StrangleHold]

there is a program called everest, (they used to have a free home edition, a quick trip to google should help you find it) it will list all of the hardware in your computer regardless of whether or not you have drivers for it, you could use that to figure out what drivers you need.

PC Wizard and Sandra Lite is free and still updated
http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/?dir=dload&location=sware_dl_3264