Two dumb questions

[John Del]

I am building a new computer soon, and was considering both 2000 and XP for the
OS. I've never used XP, but heard that there are issues with reloading if a HD
format is done. Does MS need to be contacted whenever it's reloaded, or just
after so many reinstallations?

The second question actually refers to my current computer which is 98SE.
After my hard drive started coming apart, I tossed in a drive I had kicking
around and did a reformat and full install of my 98SE. During boot, the
computer takes a very long look before finally recognizing the Quantum drive,
then boots to Windows normally. The computer runs fine with no problems
whatsoever. When I reconnected my original failing drive as a slave to
transfer files off it while I still can, the computer recognizes both drives
(as it should) in about two seconds, as opposed to at least 20 seconds with
just the new drive on it. As I'm going to replace this computer soon, it
really doesn't matter, but I would love to know!


John Del
Wolcott, CT

"I'm just trying to get into heaven, I'm not running for Jesus!"
Homer Simpson

(remove S for email reply)

 

[John Del]

Subject: Two dumb questions

From: (e-mail address removed) (John Del)
Date: 12/7/03 3:37 PM Pacific Standard Time

Oh yeah, one more dumb question. What is the main advantage(s) of XP over
2000?

Thanks.

John

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Here are the facts pertaining to activation:

Piracy Basics - Microsoft Product Activation
http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/

Windows Product Activation (WPA)
http://www.aumha.org/a/wpa.htm


As for the Quantum hard drive question, it sounds as if it may be
jumpered incorrectly, so the IDE controller is taking more time to
look for another drive before initializing it.


Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Compare Windows XP Professional to Prior Versions of Windows
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsXP/pro/evaluation/whyupgrade/compare.asp

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I am building a new computer soon, and was considering both 2000 and
XP for the OS.

Windows 2000 is really NT 5.0 and XP is NT 5.1. Windows XP is
simply a newer and better version of 2000. It makes no sense to
install the older version.

I've never used XP, but heard that there are issues
with reloading if a HD format is done.

None at all. You can reformat and reinstall as often as you want

Does MS need to be contacted
whenever it's reloaded, or just after so many reinstallations?

If you reinstall, you have to reactivate, and if you do it within
a 120-day period, you have to activate by voice call to an 800
number. However, that is quick and easy and doesn't represent any
problem at all.

The second question actually refers to my current computer which is
98SE. After my hard drive started coming apart, I tossed in a drive I
had kicking around and did a reformat and full install of my 98SE.
During boot, the computer takes a very long look before finally
recognizing the Quantum drive, then boots to Windows normally. The
computer runs fine with no problems whatsoever. When I reconnected
my original failing drive as a slave to transfer files off it while I
still can, the computer recognizes both drives (as it should) in
about two seconds, as opposed to at least 20 seconds with just the
new drive on it. As I'm going to replace this computer soon, it
really doesn't matter, but I would love to know!

Sorry, if there was a question there, I missed it. What is it
that you "would love to know"?

 

[Cindy Winegarden]

In %[email protected],

None at all. You can reformat and reinstall as often as you want


If you reinstall, you have to reactivate, and if you do it within
a 120-day period, you have to activate by voice call to an 800
number. However, that is quick and easy and doesn't represent any
problem at all.

I think the 120-day period and phone call are related to reinstalling WinXP
on a different computer or when certain hardware changes have been made. A
reformat/reinstall on the same machine with exactly the same hardware (or
only minor hardware changes) should require only the internet activation.

 

[Gary Tait]

I am building a new computer soon, and was considering both 2000 and XP for the
OS. I've never used XP, but heard that there are issues with reloading if a HD
format is done. Does MS need to be contacted whenever it's reloaded, or just
after so many reinstallations?

Well, it needs activated each installation, but that is a simple
internet activation, unless you made significant hardware changes and
it is less than 120 days since your previous activation, which you'd
have to phone them.

The second question actually refers to my current computer which is 98SE.
After my hard drive started coming apart, I tossed in a drive I had kicking
around and did a reformat and full install of my 98SE. During boot, the
computer takes a very long look before finally recognizing the Quantum drive,
then boots to Windows normally. The computer runs fine with no problems
whatsoever. When I reconnected my original failing drive as a slave to
transfer files off it while I still can, the computer recognizes both drives
(as it should) in about two seconds, as opposed to at least 20 seconds with
just the new drive on it. As I'm going to replace this computer soon, it
really doesn't matter, but I would love to know!

You might need to set it to single drive.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

In %[email protected],


I think the 120-day period and phone call are related to reinstalling
WinXP on a different computer or when certain hardware changes have
been made. A reformat/reinstall on the same machine with exactly the
same hardware (or only minor hardware changes) should require only
the internet activation.

You're right. Sorry, I read the question too fast and answered
without thinking; it was the right answer to the wrong question.
I may have also just given the same erroneous answer in another
thread.

To the OP, my apologies.