Thanks John3347, have mind, will ponder!
... TechNet membership is indeed a viable option. The 2 boxed sets are long done purchases, WinXP ProSP3
OEM FULL about 18 months ago,
still unopened, and W7Pro 32bit
RETAIL about 6 weeks ago. My biggest problem is the "Toits", I have a great deal of trouble getting them (the round ones, specifically), so I start a project but never get a round to it. (I really crack me up sometimes... No accounting for 3AM thought processes).
But at least, I did keep on top of the new AcerRevo R3610 this is all about, and the hardware portion is complete. In fact, after changing out the 2GB for 4, and the Hitachi 5400rpm 160GB for a WD 7200rpm (320 blank right now), I plugged in the Hitachi via eSATA and ran the OS!
My next plan is set the Hitachi aside, see if I can get the OEM XPPro installed onto the 320G SATA without selecting that fake IDE mode. Then I'll put on the Retail W7 Pro 32bit, and then probably Mint or Sabayon as a 3rd OS. I wouldn't be considering W7 at all but I get too many questions from friends and family, so I gotta be ready. There are many things in its fundamental operation that I dislike. Especially the Search idiocy (IMNSHO).
I mean, if I am trying to tell someone to do something and, before I get two words out, they're running off to do what
they think I want, not hearing me out, well, they are in trouble.
In fact, my opinion is that W98SE had the best search function; you could even search for specific text
within script tags, like when I have a bunch of pages with a given
<a href="...."> that all need to be changed.
Anyway, will be back in a couple of days to play with the software.
I think I'll try using the phone-in method of registration to see if Ms will let me use the already registered 64bit validation onto the 32bit, and still use the same 32bit install disk for another ... I mean,
I have paid for
2 versions of W7. Meanwhile pondering.
Thanks again. I seriously appreciate your input.
And a SHOUT OUT to kemical.
Dr
Watts
On