Lots of Questions...

[RichardMNixon]

I tried searching for something similar but came up blank, its a pretty intricate problem.
I built a new Shuttle XPC (highly recommended) at the end of December, and installed the windows XP Home that came with my dell. I put off registering it until today with 9 days left. I called in, and was told that it only works for the dell according to the EULA (does anyone honestly read those?...). I have a lot of possibilities going through my head right now and I'm not sure which ones work.

A. If I buy a copy of XP Pro OEM, can I install it and register it to this computer without formatting? Normally I think that'd be fine, but I'm not sure how that works out if I'm starting with an unregistered copy of windows.
I have an 64 bit processor, but I don't like what I've heard of x64, so I planned to just grab Vista as soon as it came up. Would an OEM copy of XP Pro upgrade just as easily as the retail? Are there any differences besides a lack of technical support?

B. I'm a freshman in college, so a student edition would probably be good, but I'm not sure what it entails. Is it just a price decrease? Does it come with extra software useful for students? (I'm especially interested in Excel)

C. Assuming there is a Vista Home and Vista Pro, would having XP Pro make it cheaper to upgrade to Vista Pro, as opposed to XP Home to Vista Pro? Between Firefox and Spybot S&D, I have never had a problem with viruses or spyware in 4 years of using XP Home and don't want to shell out extra money for Pro if I'll just have to do it again in a year.

In summary: XP Pro, Home (both from Newegg) (OEM or retail), or Student (does this come in home or only pro?)

I think thats all I had... any help or advice is greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.

[doubledragon5]

A.. Make sure it is copy with the microsoft hologram on the disk.. You can install it with no probmes.. I have OEM copys on my home built systems... I would go with XP Pro 64 bit and not the student version.. I'm not sure of the difference in the software, but I'm sure you don't plan on being a student all your life.. What is a Vista Pro???? Also I'm not sure if you can install XP Home of Pro 23 bit on a 64 bit system I could be wrong...

[RichardMNixon]

From what I understand 32 bit works on a 64 bit system, it just doesn't take advantage of the 64, so its like I'm running with 32.

I went to school to buy text books today, and they had xp pro for $80, so I snatched it up. I just opened it, and to my surprise, theres two discs (with holograms), one for XP Pro SP2 from 11/04, and another of x64 from 5/05. So which should I do?... (and will both work or can I only use one at a time?)

Finally, will I need to format my computer, or can I upgrade an unregistered home into a registered pro (or x64).

Note: I use this computer primarily for gaming and word processing, I do CAD and modeling work in school computer labs.

Addendum: I was going to edit the first post to say those questions were irrelevant, but the button isn't there. Is there a time limit on editing?

[Retrac1324]

I think you can only edit your most recent post, but i'm not sure.

I have heard that XP Pro x64 edition has a ton of compatibility problems, but I'm not sure.

[doubledragon5]

I would just do a clean install to lesson any problems you might have... I did hear that there are not a lot of updates yet with current software to run with the 64bit version..

[Panama Red]

Don't know about the 64 bit version but I'm pretty sure you can do a repair install with the Pro version and it will essentially update the Home to Pro.

[glc]

There is a 12 hour time limit on post editing.

[RichardMNixon]

Ok cool, thanks for your help. I think I'd give x64 a chance were it not for the inability to downgrade. Might give it a shot when I get a new hard drive.