Hi all. My OEM PC presently runs Win ME but I want to do a clean install of XP. The PC is 2 years old so it is pretty well up to date and should have auto detect. I ask the following questions because I intend to install XP onto my alternate (removable)HD. I have a copy of XP PRO. What I want to know is: 1. With the initial set up can I create 2 partitions on that HD and then format them then and there? 2. There is an issue something to do with SCSI and RAID drivers and the setting up via the F5 and/or F6 key. What is recommended? Has anyone had any problems with that issue or did you just go with the default F5 key. 3. Did you go with the NTFS system of the FAT 32? 4.What the hell are they talking about "Activation" they give you 30 days? What do I have to do here the Activate the program? Regards

1. Yes, you can perform all maintenence of that nature at the Xp setup screen. 2. Just do what Xp tells you, it's simple enough. 3. I go with NTFS for it's security features, although FAT32 is marginally quicker (we're talking milliseconds here). Entirely up to you. 4. When Xp has been installed, you will be asked to activate it. It's very simple involving your legal product key. The reason for it is anti-piracy. If you do not activate it within 30 days of installing, then Xp will lock you out of your computer.

re: NTFS In making your decision as to which file system to use, bear in mind couple of things: > Mickey$oft has dropped support for WIN95; support for WIN98 gets the axe in January. That leaves the only existing OS using FAT32 being ME, which Mickey never took too seriously in the first place, and I am sure that is not far behind on death row. >You will get more storage per byte using NTFS, and it is a far more forgiving and stable file system.

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Hi all. Thanks to all. All good advice and a great link. The NTFS, sounds like the way to go. XP here I come :-) Regards