I just bought a computer with a copy of windows xp corp edition installed.  My problem is I need to save the system state, installed applications, and DATA. then i will need to reinstall windows xp retail edition.  My question is when i install the retail version and then RESTORE the system state, data and applications, will there be some problems with the installation.  
   My concern is with the ACTIVATION key and cd key that are stored in the registry.  Will there be an issue by doing this?  will I have to change the key after I have restored the system state?  If this is yes, then how will change it.  

patrick wilderPatrick:

No problem!  Use the new Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.  It will save a copy of your user settings, etc., to the hard drive or to a disk.  After you install Windows XP (and reinstall your programs) you may then RUN the Wizard inside the new operating system to restore the settings from your previous one.

Here are some links regarding the Files and Settings Transfer Wiz:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-51,GGLD:en&q=%22files+and+settings+transfer%22+xp+install+site%3Amicrosoft%2Ecom

Regards,
DocPatrick Wilder.....I'm wondering why you would wish to remove a fully functional XP corp version in favour of XP home ...?  I may be wrong ,but I don't believe there is a activation code with the Corp version .......... there is however a cd serial key .
I'm also wondering why you wouldn't just do a format and a nice clean install of XP ?

let us know

dl65