Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP?

[jjcom]

Hey all,
Alright, my computer got a virus, and Windows *works* and thats about it. I can't get rid of all the yuck on the hard drive and other things are messed up. So its not recoverable.

So I need an OS that I can reinstall without having to reactivate each time since its a pain and after you install once Microsoft won't let you reactivate unless I were to conact them by phone it would seem. Which would cost me some like 60bucks...I got Windows for 100...so I don't feel that it'd be worth it. So Windows Server 2003, I don't have to do that, correct? Will it work with my games, Far Cry mainly, plus a few others I feel should work. How much money for it server 2003? I know I can get a copy of Windows XP SP2 Home for about 95 bucks.

jjcom

[sjohnson]

Win2k - server 2k3 also requires activation ( http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/overview/activation.mspx ) unless you have a corporate version. Same for XP.

However, if you install XP, activate, then use ghost or another disk-imaging program, restoring the image to the same system from the activated image will eliminate the need to re-activate.

[jjcom]

Alright, Windows 2000...seems like a step backward. But if its cheaper than I may go for it. I don't think i can get a copy of the corprete edtion...I can't make a disk image now that the computer is infected...so maybe i'll have to look into some ghosting software. Norton is good at this correct?

jjcom

[jjcom]

I'm having a hard time here...Windows XP Home /w SP2 is 90bucks and Norton Ghost is 65bucks...Windows 2000 with SP3 is 145bucks...I can't decide which one would be better to get. Windows 2000 is getting older so this makes me wonder if the Windows XP with Norton Ghost would be better. Or is there a better alternitve to North Ghost that costs less...

jjcom

[bachus_anonym]

there just one thing i can't understand... why can't you reactivate ??? just do it over the phone? why 60 bucks? i've been reacivating my WinXp tens times (i'm not kidding) without a single problem...

Server2003 is VERY expensive... if you can't get hold on a corporate copy then it's just not worth it buying it just to bench... really...

[jjcom]

I got OEM so Microsoft won't even talk to me unless I pay them...I thought it was 60bucks...maybe it was 40...it was something that seemed rather large just to talk to them. Maybe I'll look into it again...it was a long distance number...plus some insane price...just kinda turned me off

jjcom

[bachus_anonym]

my WinXp is also OEM.... it should not be a problem.
also, there is a toll-free number for USA (888)-571-2048.

EDIT: if you are re-installing WinXP on the same PC (without any MAJOR changes) you should have no problems activating it over the Internet and you will not be required to call MS Activation Hotline.

[jjcom]

you know what, it worked...didn't work before. I guess maybe I read the error message wrong...I was kinda ticked that my computer didn't work...o'well. Reactivated with out trouble now :confused: hey it works I'm happy...lost about 1k in 3Dmark 01...need to look into that lol

jjcom

[masterofpuppets]

Just get Win2k, there's no activation bother and it runs all games fine, even DOS games, which Windows XP can't do.

[jjcom]

maybe at some point but not right now. The rig works and is virus free...I'm happy. :D

jjcom

[jumanji969]

Get Server2k3 from microsoft for free 180day demo. I figure thats more than enough time for me to use the darn thing for benches.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/trial/evalkit.mspx

[wr0x2]

I would reccomend 2000, I use it both for personal use and benching.

[jjcom]

I may look into this at another time...Windows XP ain't doing too bad right now...my 3Dmark 01 scores is something like 14k which seems abit low

jjcom