June 6, 2005

The Register and Gizmodo have published instructions on how to change Windows XP Home to Windows XP Pro just by editing two bytes on the installation CD. You don't get all the functionality, but you do get useful things like Remote Desktop, User Management and enhanced security features. Also, you cannot install Service Pack 2 after the installation, although it might be possible to merge SP2 into the installation CD. This seems like a nice hack, but don't be surprised if one day Microsoft sends you a nasty Windows Update as a reward for attempting such a stunt.

Here are the Links

The Register Instructions

The Gizmodo Instructions