Windows XP Hack

[blobrana]

The German Computer magazine C'T (Heise) is describing in its current print issue how to change Windows XP Home to  Windows XP Professional version before install.

(Microsoft is not going to like this.)
The C'T magazine apparently found out that by changing 2 bytes in the installation file of Windows XP Home, it will install Windows Professional. Some functions are missing, but Remote Desktop and User management and enhanced security features are present.
The article is in the C'T 12/05 on page 148. The hack requires several steps. The major change is in a registry file setupreg.hiv in the i386 folder.
you can’t change an installed Windows but only your Installation CD (or recovery CD)

1. Copy the root directory and the i386 directory of the WindowsXP CD to your harddisk.

2. Extract the Bootsector of your WindowsXP CD

3. Change 2 Bytes in i386\Setupreg.hiv :
a) Open Regedit
b) Highlight HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
c) Menu: File -> Load Structure -> i386\Setupreg.hiv
d) Assign an arbitrary name to the imported structure e.g. “Homekey”
e) GotoHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Homekey\ControlSet001\Services\setupdd
f) edit the binary key “default” and change “01” to “00” and “02” to “00”
g) Highlight “Homekey” and select menu: File -> unload structure

4. Burn your new XP Pro CD.

5. Install WindowsXP as usual. Your XP Home Key will work.
Note: You cannot apply SP2 to the hacked WindowsXP Pro.


Link:

[swift240]

5. Install WindowsXP as usual. Your XP Home Key will work.
Note: You cannot apply SP2 to the hacked WindowsXP Pro.

Well if you cant do the above then what is the point?
SP2 is needed compared to not needing it.
Windows XP Home Edition or Pro are better of with SP2.  Dont you think.


Mike. :-)

[Vincent]

swift240 wrote:
5. Install WindowsXP as usual. Your XP Home Key will work.
Note: You cannot apply SP2 to the hacked WindowsXP Pro.

Well if you cant do the above then what is the point?
SP2 is needed compared to not needing it.
Windows XP Home Edition or Pro are better of with SP2.  Dont you think.

I had plenty of problems with SP2, it's not needed.

[swift240]

Well I have used Home Edition and Pro at other times, never had a problem with either.


Miek.

[bloodline]

Vincent wrote:

swift240 wrote:
5. Install WindowsXP as usual. Your XP Home Key will work.
Note: You cannot apply SP2 to the hacked WindowsXP Pro.

Well if you cant do the above then what is the point?
SP2 is needed compared to not needing it.
Windows XP Home Edition or Pro are better of with SP2.  Dont you think.

I had plenty of problems with SP2, it's not needed.

SP2 was a nightmare for me... I realise now what the System Restore feature is for :-)

[Anonymous MOS]

I also use XP Pro and SP2, never had a problem.

[Karlos]

I hate all windows xp variants with a passion I normally reserve for stepping in a fresh dogturd. I much prefer Win2K (looking into 2003) TBH.

[bloodline]

Karlos wrote:
I hate all windows xp variants with a passion I normally reserve for stepping in a fresh dogturd. I much prefer Win2K (looking into 2003) TBH.

All variants?

WinXP X64 is based on Win2K Server SP1 Code :-)

[Karlos]

OK, you got me there. I should say all 32-bit variants. I don't have a 64-bit system so can't comment on XP64.

[Vincent]

bloodline wrote:
SP2 was a nightmare for me... I realise now what the System Restore feature is for :-)

At least you got to use yours!  As soon as the WinXP logo and loading bar came up it'd die - no matter if it was in safe mode, restore to previous settings etc.

Wouldn't touch SP2 with a barge pole now.

[JuvUK]

i wouldnt be without sp2, installed and been running far more stable with it than without

[seer]

Best way to install SP2 is either after a clean install or with a install CD with SP2 build in allready.

If you don't have a SP2 install disc go here and make it yourself from your own install CD..

[adolescent]

Seems like a huge hassle just to get remote desktop functionality.  (The security tab is available if you boot into safe mode already).  Just use VNC and be done with it.  

[duesi]

I find this funny... why hack XP Home when a XP Prof. licence costs 40 Bucks more. Not worth the effort I think.

and for the people who have problems with SP2:

Its just as seer said.. install it with a slipstreamed CD
(SP2 integrated) never install it over an installed system or you will run in to problems.. I can't understand why Microsoft added it to the windows update.
I've seen lot of PC's dosen't boot after the windows update has put SP2 to the machine.

And some older Mobo's just can't stand SP2. Shutdown problems etc. sometimes a BIOS Update helps.

[adolescent]

@duesi

No problems with upgrading to SP2 on any of my computers (Shuttle XPS, HP Tablet, Fujitsu Laptop, AMD home-built, etc.).  I would recomment that people install the recovery console before hand. But I already do that on every 2000/XP/2003 I work on anyway.