I got a laptop from a friend, and it has XP pro on it. I'd like to put on XP home edition on it... how can i do this?


also how can i get rid of the user log in?


thanks-

 

Only way to do it is to reformat and reinstall. Why would you want to do this?

In the control panel, under user accounts, you can add and delete users.

 

Mainly i want to do this cause he used it for his flight logs, and training programs, etc... He has tons of crap on it and i can't seem to get rid of some of it, so i figured i could reformat it and clear out all the excess stuff.

Also every time i boot it up, i have to choose if i want to run setup or run pro.

 

Just pop the CD in and format. Be warned that when you're done, all that'll be there is the OS itself... no documents, no programs, nothing.

 

you have to create a new account with admin privlage

then go in and delete the other account ... that will wipe out all his files and crap. (but leave the programs)

then you can go into usr accounts control pannel and click "change the way users log on" and pick the other "stupid" (use welcome screen or some crap like that)

 

I've tried this, and it said something about having two OS's and that i would partition the drive?


Well it'll have everything that windows comes with right? Will iTunes be deleted? As far as everything else goes He didn't have much of anything other than flight stuff, so i can easily add office and a few other things....

 

XP Pro can't be downgraded to XP Home. During the install process, you will be asked which partition to install the operating system on. You'll have to delete the partition labeled C:\ (unless you want to do a dual boot system)

Best practice would be to delete the C:\ and create a new partition to install the Windows.

You are right that everything is going to get wiped out. You'l lhav eto reinstall all the software, redownload all your songs, and install any other stuff (printers, scanners, digital cameras).

If you aren't familiar with the process, and are worrying about loosing too much stuff, take the computer to a Best Buy type store and ask them to create a backup image. This will allow you to recall any files just in case you need them later.

Hope this helps.

 

I thought I might add to this.

1) XP Pro is a much better product. XP Home is essencially a neutered version of Pro. I would really try to stick with Pro if possible.

2) To get rid of the dual-boot thing, right-click My Computer and go to "Properties". Select the "Advanced" tab and click the "Settings" button under "Startup and Recovery". Uncheck the box that says "Time to display list of operating systems:". Click Ok until the windows are closed.

3) We can probably help you get your system relativly clean if you want. I'm sure it'll be easier for you than wiping the system.

 

Doc,

I did the startup and recovery thing, which worked, but now it just goes into setup for home edition, that i didn't install. Blue screen with 3 options.

setup home edition
repair
quit

but everytime i boot up it now goes directly to this....


I never should have tried putting in Home Edition!

 

Hit F8 right after the BIOS screen and it will give you the selctions....then go in to windows and undo what I had you do. If you want the way to finally get rid of that crap, let me know.

 

You have the XP home CD in the drive. It's trying to boot from the CD.