Newbie trying to Upgrade to XP Pro (XP Home Currently)

Did those videos show the correct way to install DDR SDRAM?

How do I know which way it is keyed to go in?

I haven't touched any of my RAM yet

 

I installed the 1GB of RAM today and it worked.

My next problem is that I need to upgrade to Windows XP Pro so I can use Advanced File Sharing to let my Xbox play files from my computer (I am using XP Home right now and have to boot into safe mode for advanced file sharing).

Is it possible to upgrade to Windows XP Pro and not wipe my HDD's clean?

How much does a copy of XP Pro go for nowadays?

Also I am thinking I need to buy a new (updated good one) IDE cable for my comp because my PS2 HDD is having problems being read by Winhiip. The last time I wrote a lot of games to the HDD both the HDD and the IDE cable were very hot.

Any Sugggestions?

 

The cable should never get hot no matter what you're doing with it, so try a new cable first, if that doesn't work it may be something a little more serious. As for XP Pro, it's still not cheap (not even as cheap as Vista Home IIRC, although I still prefer it, so perhaps that's why) but you will need to reinstall windows fully at the very least. You shouldn't need to reformat, however.

 

Any good places I can go to for a new IDE Cable (seems like good quality ones cost about $20)?

What are the best IDE cables?
Flat: http://www.cablestogo.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=906
or
Round: http://www.cablestogo.com/product_list.asp?cat_id=926

How do I know how many pins I need?

What do you mean when you say I have to reinstall windows fully?

Will I be able to install XP Pro on the multiple (about 3-4) systems I use in my house?

 

You ideally want a round, 80 pin cable. They're not expensive:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812105902
On the XP installs, I think if you want to do that you need the retail copy rather than OEM, which costs a fortune.

 

So where is the cheapest place to buy a one computer use copy of Windows XP Pro?