laptop reformat

[Novgrod]

I just had the ill fortune to purchase a laptop today, and, well, aside from the hurting wallet . . . i suppose i'm not really eager to use windows xp home and all the software that HP no doubt bundles with it.

is it worthwhile to install XP professional? Last time i reformatted a laptop i think it was 1998, and i had the devil's own time reinstalling all the drivers.

or should i just stick with the default?

thanks in advance.

 

[MedicBob]

I prefer XP Pro, but I use a domain at home so I pretty much have to to keep it easy on me. Check to manufactures website and DL any drivers you might need and save them to a CD. Then there shouldn't be any problems. I would also check around and see if there is anyone else who did the Home to Pro swap.

Post the model, etc would help.

 

[civad]

I would say it depends on how you plan to use it: what are the hardware specs?
Can you install the drivers independently from the system rescue cd that came (I am assuming it did!) with the cd?

I had a Sony Vaio F* 630 (forgot the exact model no.) that came with a bunch of multimedia apps and... Win ME @#@#@#
I formatted the hdd and installed Win2000 Pro on it(this was quite a few years ago). I didn't really need the bundled Sony software, and I was able to install the different drivers (SC/VC/Ethernet) off the cd. Except that I had a driver conflict between the modem and sound card. Took me a while to overcome it before I could put the laptop to some good use.

I still use Win2000 Pro, so I wouldn't be able to tell you exactly the advantages of Win XP Pro over Home. But I think its better to install exactly what you need, rather than having a bunch of things that you don't really need. In addition to freeing up HD space, it makes life easier when troubleshooting.

HTH

--Civ

 

[Novgrod]

the machine is rather barebones, all things considered: primary usage is going to be taking exams (that's the big one) and taking notes in the library, et al, making outlines. doing the student thing all the dang time so that's all i need: desktop does just about everything else.

it's an HP pavillion ze4600, which is itself pretty unspecial. got it because i want to support AMD if it's not going to cost me too much (and prefer the xp to the celeron). xp 2500, smallish harddrive . . . not much else to report i don't think.

i think i'm going to do exactly what you've been so kind as to recommend: don't worry, if i have problems i'll come crying for help.

thanks a million.

 

[corkyg]

If you have a brand new laptop with XP Hoe, your best bet is to simply run an upgrade with XP Pro is that is what you want. That way, all the drivers will be preserved.

 

[Oyeve]

Originally posted by: corky-g
If you have a brand new laptop with XP Hoe, your best bet is to simply run an upgrade with XP Pro is that is what you want. That way, all the drivers will be preserved.

Exactly