You May Lose Data or Program Settings After Reinstalling, Repairing, or Upgrading Windows XP
You upgrade the Windows XP Home Edition installation that was preinstalled by your computer manufacturer to the retail version of Windows XP Professional.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, restore the missing data and program shortcuts from a backup.
To prevent this problem from occurring, use any of the following methods before you perform any of the actions that are listed in the “Symptoms” section of this article:
Method 1
Install the latest service pack for Windows XP. For additional information, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Method 2
When you are prompted by Setup to get updated Setup files, click Yes, download the updated Setup files (Recommended), and then click Next. This option is not available if you are repairing Windows XP by starting your computer from the Windows XP CD-ROM, pressing ENTER to set up Windows XP, and then pressing R to repair the selected installation.
Method 3
Install the Windows XP Update Package, November 19, 2001, by using the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.