Format XP Home with XP Pro disc

JaseUK · 15 Jun 2009 at 16:46

Guys,
Will I be able to use an XP pro OEM disc to format a hard drive on a PC that has a product key for XP home edition.

I know you can do it with Vista just not so sure with XP.

Admiral Huddy · 15 Jun 2009 at 16:47

No more's the pitty

edit.. sorry didn't read OP post correctly, you can do the format but can't do the install

JaseUK · 15 Jun 2009 at 16:48

this is a shame

The Deuce · 15 Jun 2009 at 17:00

ns400r · 15 Jun 2009 at 17:09

Yes, of course you can format the hard drive using that CD. You just can't continue the setup and install XP Pro using the XP home key.

JaseUK · 15 Jun 2009 at 19:15

ns400r said:
Yes, of course you can format the hard drive using that CD. You just can't continue the setup and install XP Pro using the XP home key.

With Vista you can install using any disc (be it Ultimate,Home,premium whatever) and ofc you use the product key you have paid for.

I am wanting to see if I could use the XP pro to do a full install but use a Home Edition product key.

lokkers · 15 Jun 2009 at 19:42

JaseUK said:
With Vista you can install using any disc (be it Ultimate,Home,premium whatever) and ofc you use the product key you have paid for.

I am wanting to see if I could use the XP pro to do a full install but use a Home Edition product key.

No, ns400r is completely correct. Vista (and presumably W7) have all the versions on the same DVD. XP CDs are version specific.

Mattus · 15 Jun 2009 at 19:45

Depends what you mean. Your original question suggested that you just wanted to format the hard drive - in which case, you can do that with any Windows CD and indeed without a Windows CD at all.

If you actually want to install XP Home - no, you can't. You need an XP Home disc.

JaseUK · 15 Jun 2009 at 20:17

cheers guys