XP on a non-internet PC ??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Littleberry
  • Start date Start date
L

Littleberry

My workhorse PC does not have any
connection to the internet (no modem).

I use this for video and programming
only, and I currently run win2000
as well as win98se.

Will XP home require me to connect
to the internet? (for some kind of
"activation" or "registration" or
such)? I had no trouble at all
with either win98se or win2000 -
neither required anything - just
install and run.

Will XP recognize both NTFS drives
as well as FAT32 drives?

Will my win98se programs run under
XP? (such as SPF4, a dos based pgm,
and Adobe Premiere 5.1c, a windows
98SE program)? Or, can I reboot
to DOS? (or just run a dos box)?

Does XP have BETTER firewire support
than win2000?

Is there any problem with mail order
purchases of the full version of
xp home?

Is there anything I need to look out for?

Thanks,

Littleberry

(my pc is PIII 1ghz, 440bx - outdated
but still smokin')
 
When you go to activate, you'll have to choose activate by phone and call MS
to get the code to activate.
\
 
Will XP home require me to connect
to the internet? (for some kind of
"activation" or "registration" or
such)?
Click to expand...
No. It is easier if you have a network connection, but if not you will need
to phone Microsoft using the number provided in the activation wizard and
read them a number. You then enter the number they give you. It's a
fiddle, but you shouldn't have to do it again once you've set it up.
Will XP recognize both NTFS drives
as well as FAT32 drives? Yes

Will my win98se programs run under
XP? (such as SPF4, a dos based pgm,
and Adobe Premiere 5.1c, a windows
98SE program)? Or, can I reboot
to DOS? (or just run a dos box)?
Click to expand...
Not necessarily, but just because they ran under DOS or 98 doesn't mean they
won't under XP.

I looked on www.ntcompatible.com for SPF4, but found nothing. There is one
report that Adobe Premiere 5.1 works on XP, but you should check Adobe's web
site.

You would need to specifically dual-boot with DOS (or Windows 98, for
example) if you really needed to run a DOS program that doesn't run on XP.
Chances are that it will run, though.
Does XP have BETTER firewire support
than win2000?
Click to expand...
So I've heard. I don't use it, though.
Is there any problem with mail order
purchases of the full version of
xp home?
Click to expand...
Not at all.
Is there anything I need to look out for?
Click to expand...
Make sure that your system will be compatible. Try to find out if others
have successfully installed using the same hardware you have.

Also, make sure you have at least 256Mb of RAM. It will run in 128, but it
will crawl. I'd treat 256 as a recommended minimum.

Cheers

Oli
 
So I have to call Microsoft to get an
activation number, AND I have to do this
DURING the installation process using
some number provided at that time -
is that correct?

What if I have to re-install XP totally
from scratch (say my HD goes bad and
I have no choice but to completely
re-install), then can I use that SAME
NUMBER I already got? Or will I have
to wait for the installation process
to give me a new number and call
Microsoft again? In other words,
if I am working late into the night
(as I often am) and I crash my
system and need to re-install X?,
am I just up the creek? (assuming
microsoft is not going to be standing
by 24/7 waiting for folks like
me to call asking for anumber).

Is there any other version of XP that
lets me go my own way once I have
paid for the full rights to one
computer (and lets me re-install
at my own will without further
need to contact anyone)?

It is starting to sound like to
much of a hassle...

Littleberry
 
No, you'll be able to install and use the system fully without phoning
Microsoft. However, you will be required to activate within 30 days. If
you don't, the system will enter force you to activate before it continues
to work.

If you have to do a complete re-installation you would have to reactivate
within 30 days of reinstalling. If you just did an inplace reinstallation
(without formatting the disk) you shouldn't be required to reactivate.

Larger companies have access to versions of Windows XP that don't require
activation and certain OEMs ship versions of XP that don't require
activation. Typically, these versions will check the hardware they are
installing on to ensure it's not being used with another computer.

You're certainly not the only one who thinks this is a hassle, but you do
have plenty of time to do it. You shouldn't ever be caught out just because
you're working late at night, and I think in most countries you can activate
round the clock.

http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp

Hope this helps

Oli
 
My non-internet PC is for video and programming, and
I currently havd dual-boot (win98se and win2k). I wind
up having to re-install more often than I like, and usually
when I least can afford the time (in the middle of something).
I don't have a modem because I don't want and don't need any
network connection and this way there is no chance of getting
a virus - also I no longer have an extra slot for a modem).

I have decided to stay as I am - I just don't need the hassle
of wondering whether or not the OS will suddenly decide that
my PC is not suffecienctly close to what is was at install
time and then refuse to let me logon until I get permission
from msoft. I am also wondering whether or not XP would
actually make anything I run any better (like firewire -
probably not). And I switch out cards, change hard drives,
fiddle with it a whole lot - I just don't need the extra
worry. Eventually I may have to learn LINUX, but I just
can't see myself "renting" an operatin system.

Thanks for the internets.

Littleberry
 
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