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unloading Windows XP

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by chappy zeke

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A co-worker was given a pirated version of XP Professional. He used it to upgrade his XP Home version. When he tried to download Service Pack 1 he got the pirate error. Now he's trying to reload his Home version but is told he can't because Pro is on the machine. How can I help him?

5 replies

by klillico73

I have never heard of not being able to downgrade, however if he tries and can not one of his options even though it should be a last resorte is to format the hard drive and reinstall. After he backs up everything he needs.

by heroshima

Since this is on the side of piracy then the only thing that your friend should do is destroy the pirated copy. Then format the machine and install a legal copy. To may things get changed when you upgrade to XP PRo , registry settings, dependency files etc.. I think you will be hard pressed to have a responsible IT partner tell you what files to remove in order to get around this as it would propagate the theft of private property.

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