Christer K wrote:
> Exactly how much of my present software installations / hardware
> settings (incl. networing etc)
> is preserved after a XP Home SP2 to XP Pro SP2 upgrade?
> How about special security software (bank access etc etc) ?
> Is it safer to create a "new installation" and reinstall all software
>

Is it safer? Microsoft might not say it but a 'clean' install is preferred
for people who are a bit adept with computers. Some people, less confident,
are better served by upgrading, but a clean installation is, well, cleaner.
Excessive registry crud and the like aren't carried over to the new
installation etc. etc. So if you are not afraid of such a thing then do the
clean installation. If Start > Run means nothing to you then just do the
upgrade installation which should preserve the software, network, adware,
virus and spyware settings.

'Natch there are no guarantees and a backup of important docs and data is
always in order. Record the network settings of the current installation in
case you need them, gather all software product key numbers etc. etc. in
case you need them.

* You probably already have the WinXP with SP2 install disc but here goes:

If the installation disk is not up to Windows XP SP2 level, then obtain SP2
before installing [the full network version of SP can be downloaded from
microsoft.com and burned to CD-R .. you can also order at no cost [save
shipping] SP2 on disc]. Install Windows, then apply SP2 BEFORE ever
connecting to the Internet. SP2 has technologies that block a lot of the
exploits out there that WILL compromise a connected system left sitting. A
WinXP SP1 install can be compromised within minutes of being connected to
the Internet. Install SP2 BEFORE connecting to preclude all that.

One thing some people, who do not have a current WinXP disc with SP2 already
included, is to create a "slipstreamed" disc. This is a process where you
use WinXP or WinXP with SP1 disc and the full network SP2 downloaded file
to "slipstream" the SP2 update into the installation files and burn them to
a CD-R. With the created disc you can install Windows and SP2 will already
be installed.

Here's some links:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase...slipstream.asp

http://www.helpwithwindows.com/Windo...p2-bootcd.html

Also there's utility [AutoStreamer] that's supposed to make the process
easier:

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=188337