When it comes to OS (and anything else PC) I am a true noob. I am currently running windows xp home sp2 but I want to stream video to my xbox360 which means upgrading the OS. There are a couple of things I want to know before upgrading. 1.Is there any disadvantage to upgrading? does xp home have something media centre does not? 2.how do you do it? (told ya I was a noob) 3.Will I loose all my files on my HDD when I upgrade?
The main difference between Home vs. Pro is the network ability. The difference between Pro and Media Center is not much. If you could get your hands on XP Pro, and just install some media software (which is widely available now), you would have basically the same thing. Plus, I think that Media Center comes pre installed on media computers only. You have to buy the computer to get media center. (Not sure now, but that is the way it was when it first came out). and to your question about your files when you upgrade. The best way to install windows "anything" OS is to do a clean install. Which means backup your data, and do a "FULL" install, not an "Upgrade". For some reason, windows upgrades are not reliable. And just restore your data when finished.
Thanks, it has to be media centre or else you cant stream video to your xbox 360. Bit of a bitch having to buy another PC.
be warned that you cant just update from home to media center. If you just put the media center disc in your cd drive and try to upgrade from home to MCE it wont work it will just update it to XP Pro. to install media center you need to do a fresh install of windows