Windows upgrade question....

Message boards : Number crunching : Windows upgrade question....

Author	Message
msattler Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Jul 00 Posts: 34280 Credit: 346,038,854 RAC: 554,275	Message 1133849 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 3:25:21 UTC
	I know there are a few Windows system experts here on Seti. Got a question. Is there any simple way to trick Win2K Advanced Server to allow an upgrade directly to XP? Or actually, trick the XP installer? I tried it, and it's a no go. I have 3 rigs that need to be upgraded to be able to take advantage of current drivers and opti apps, and it's gonna be a b** to restart from scratch with a new OS on them all. I have a 4th rig that is just standard Win2k...I have not tried yet, but I think it will upgrade on that one. Thanks for any possible solutions. ____________ **** "Ask not, what your kitty can do for you. Ask what you can do for your kitty." As it is kitten, so shall it be done.
	ID: 1133849 ·

Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Apr 02 Posts: 11987 Credit: 18,231,547 RAC: 57,179	Message 1134007 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 6:39:51 UTC - in response to Message 1133849.
	I don't think it's a good idea even if there was a hack for it. The Windows Server line of Operating Systems use a completely different kernel from the consumer line; compiled for different purposes. As far as I know, there is no way to "upgrade" from a server OS to a consumer OS, but you can definitely upgrade from Win2k Pro to WinXP Pro.
	ID: 1134007 ·

soft^spirit Send message Joined: 18 May 99 Posts: 6231 Credit: 27,521,634 RAC: 7,495	Message 1134061 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 9:30:38 UTC
	I believe you can use a full version to change the O/S to anything you want. You may lose your data in the process, so back it up first!! ____________ Janice
	ID: 1134061 ·

Speedy Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 26 Jun 04 Posts: 579 Credit: 3,499,129 RAC: 8,911	Message 1134066 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 9:53:42 UTC - in response to Message 1134007.
	0zzF4\|\\| answer is correct. You cannot upgrade directly from a server os to a standard desktop os without doing a reinstall. You will be able to upgrade your stranded 2k box to XP without issue. ____________ Live in NZ y not join Smile City?
	ID: 1134066 ·

Alfred and Pauline Send message Joined: 13 Oct 99 Posts: 25 Credit: 5,977,858 RAC: 15,268	Message 1134087 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 11:07:27 UTC
	I have used 'PCMover' to upgrade four of my systems. Two systems from 98 to XP Pro. Two systems from XP Home to XP Pro. They also have an inplace upgrade to Win7 from XP. Perhaps they might have a solution.
	ID: 1134087 ·

HAL9000 Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 11 Sep 99 Posts: 3279 Credit: 77,025,608 RAC: 78,529	Message 1134104 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 12:56:36 UTC - in response to Message 1133849.
	I know there are a few Windows system experts here on Seti. Got a question. Is there any simple way to trick Win2K Advanced Server to allow an upgrade directly to XP? Or actually, trick the XP installer? I tried it, and it's a no go. I have 3 rigs that need to be upgraded to be able to take advantage of current drivers and opti apps, and it's gonna be a b**** to restart from scratch with a new OS on them all. I have a 4th rig that is just standard Win2k...I have not tried yet, but I think it will upgrade on that one. Thanks for any possible solutions. I have a tool that allows the OS Edition to be changed. I used it when testing software installers before the days of using ghost to make system images. For XP I could set to Home, Pro, Tablet, or Media Center. Then for 2000 I could set Pro, Server, Adv. Server, or Datacenter. It doesn't add things to the OS that are not there. It just changes what the OS reports it is. Also I'm not sure if it changes enough to trick the MS OS install check, but it is an option if you wanted to try it. You could install XP in a different folder like C:\WinXP if you are already using C:\Windows. Then you would have everything on the system intact. However, software that adds stuff to the registry on installation would need to be reinstalled to work correctly. ____________ SETI@home classic workunits: 93,865 CPU time: 863,447 hours Join the BP6/VP6 User Group today!
	ID: 1134104 ·

BMH Send message Joined: 27 May 99 Posts: 260 Credit: 60,574,869 RAC: 69,739	Message 1134144 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 15:19:12 UTC
	I much prefer clean installs rather than upgrades which in my experience often turn out to be buggy or run less efficiently. ____________ Brian.
	ID: 1134144 ·

msattler Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 9 Jul 00 Posts: 34280 Credit: 346,038,854 RAC: 554,275	Message 1134188 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 16:46:31 UTC - in response to Message 1134104. Last modified: 30 Jul 2011, 16:47:45 UTC
	I have a tool that allows the OS Edition to be changed. I used it when testing software installers before the days of using ghost to make system images. For XP I could set to Home, Pro, Tablet, or Media Center. Then for 2000 I could set Pro, Server, Adv. Server, or Datacenter. It doesn't add things to the OS that are not there. It just changes what the OS reports it is. Also I'm not sure if it changes enough to trick the MS OS install check, but it is an option if you wanted to try it. You could install XP in a different folder like C:\WinXP if you are already using C:\Windows. Then you would have everything on the system intact. However, software that adds stuff to the registry on installation would need to be reinstalled to work correctly. And where might I find this tool you speak of. I could try it, as there is not much to lose. These are all crunch-only rigs...it's mostly the bother of reinstalling all the tools and such I use to manage them. If I have enough disc space, the new folder option might work OK too. I'd just have to reinstall the necessary crunching bits from the old folder to the new installation. That actually is probably the best option. ____________ ****** "Ask not, what your kitty can do for you. Ask what you can do for your kitty." As it is kitten, so shall it be done.
	ID: 1134188 ·

betreger Send message Joined: 29 Jun 99 Posts: 1070 Credit: 2,015,390 RAC: 2,655	Message 1134189 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 16:47:50 UTC - in response to Message 1134144.
	I much prefer clean installs rather than upgrades which in my experience often turn out to be buggy or run less efficiently. amen! ____________
	ID: 1134189 ·

j mercer Send message Joined: 3 Jun 99 Posts: 458 Credit: 11,201,038 RAC: 1,016	Message 1134191 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 16:50:28 UTC - in response to Message 1134189.
	I much prefer clean installs rather than upgrades which in my experience often turn out to be buggy or run less efficiently. amen! +2 ____________ ...
	ID: 1134191 ·

Link Send message Joined: 18 Sep 03 Posts: 674 Credit: 1,188,920 RAC: 856	Message 1134202 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 17:07:16 UTC - in response to Message 1134188.
	I could try it, as there is not much to lose. These are all crunch-only rigs...it's mostly the bother of reinstalling all the tools and such I use to manage them. If that are dedicated crunchers... I don't know how many tools we are talking about, but compared with the amount of programs installed on a "normal" PC I would guess it's not that much. And since you probably would have to reinstall few of them anyway for to get them to work properly, I would not spend my time on that, better make a clean install of the OS, drivers and other stuff, that may turn out to be the faster way. The only thing I'd recommend to keep is the BOINC data directory, but backup that somewhere else and format the drive. ____________ .
	ID: 1134202 ·

HAL9000 Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 11 Sep 99 Posts: 3279 Credit: 77,025,608 RAC: 78,529	Message 1134207 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 17:12:26 UTC - in response to Message 1134188.
	I have a tool that allows the OS Edition to be changed. I used it when testing software installers before the days of using ghost to make system images. For XP I could set to Home, Pro, Tablet, or Media Center. Then for 2000 I could set Pro, Server, Adv. Server, or Datacenter. It doesn't add things to the OS that are not there. It just changes what the OS reports it is. Also I'm not sure if it changes enough to trick the MS OS install check, but it is an option if you wanted to try it. You could install XP in a different folder like C:\WinXP if you are already using C:\Windows. Then you would have everything on the system intact. However, software that adds stuff to the registry on installation would need to be reinstalled to work correctly. And where might I find this tool you speak of. I could try it, as there is not much to lose. These are all crunch-only rigs...it's mostly the bother of reinstalling all the tools and such I use to manage them. If I have enough disc space, the new folder option might work OK too. I'd just have to reinstall the necessary crunching bits from the old folder to the new installation. That actually is probably the best option. I sent you a PM with it so you can give it a go. If it buggers something up, which I only had happen a few times, a clean install to a new windows folder is still an option. ____________ SETI@home classic workunits: 93,865 CPU time: 863,447 hours Join the BP6/VP6 User Group today!
	ID: 1134207 ·

Lint trap Send message Joined: 30 May 03 Posts: 854 Credit: 20,261,752 RAC: 21,048	Message 1134226 - Posted: 30 Jul 2011, 18:02:15 UTC - in response to Message 1134207.
	I have a tool that allows the OS Edition to be changed. I used it when testing software installers before the days of using ghost to make system images. For XP I could set to Home, Pro, Tablet, or Media Center. Then for 2000 I could set Pro, Server, Adv. Server, or Datacenter. It doesn't add things to the OS that are not there. It just changes what the OS reports it is. Also I'm not sure if it changes enough to trick the MS OS install check, but it is an option if you wanted to try it. You could install XP in a different folder like C:\WinXP if you are already using C:\Windows. Then you would have everything on the system intact. However, software that adds stuff to the registry on installation would need to be reinstalled to work correctly. And where might I find this tool you speak of. I could try it, as there is not much to lose. These are all crunch-only rigs...it's mostly the bother of reinstalling all the tools and such I use to manage them. If I have enough disc space, the new folder option might work OK too. I'd just have to reinstall the necessary crunching bits from the old folder to the new installation. That actually is probably the best option. I sent you a PM with it so you can give it a go. If it buggers something up, which I only had happen a few times, a clean install to a new windows folder is still an option. Mark, on your W2k boxes, a clean install may be the only way. Win2k runs an older version of NTFS (3.0) than XP (3.1). One guy said XP will make the change up for you; I couldn't tell if he meant during a full format or while doing just an in-place upgrade. Also, I've read there is no uninstall available for this combo. Apparently, the newer NTFS isn't backwards compatible, either. My work laptop had W2k on it and I had to fight IT tooth and nail to keep that when they switched the company to XP, many moons ago... It's all on the web... Lt ps On the server OS drives. Back-up what you want to keep to another physical location, wipe the drive and start clean. "It's the only way to be sure!"...lol JMO...
	ID: 1134226 ·

Speedy Volunteer tester Send message Joined: 26 Jun 04 Posts: 579 Credit: 3,499,129 RAC: 8,911	Message 1135049 - Posted: 2 Aug 2011, 3:52:08 UTC - in response to Message 1134191.
	I much prefer clean installs rather than upgrades which in my experience often turn out to be buggy or run less efficiently. amen! +2 +3 ____________ Live in NZ y not join Smile City?
	ID: 1135049 ·

Message boards : Number crunching : Windows upgrade question....