Will formatting prevent me from re-activating?

[lost-and-found]

Hey guys/gals. I recently upgraded my win 98se setup to win xp. But everything runs like crap. The bootup takes 10 minutes, stuff opens up slowly, etc, etc, etc. So I decided that when I just get a chance I'll reformat my c drive, and put win xp pro cleanly on the drive. My drive right now is FAT32, I want to convert to NTFS (any benefits in doing so) but I read somewhere that when you convert it changes your drive volume serial number. Therefore when I try to activate windows xp afterwardds, it wouldn't let me because the "map of my system" on the ms server would be now different from the configuration I'm running on now. Is that true? Would it look to ms like I'm installing on a different computer since the volume serial number would change?

[Steve R Jones]

but I read somewhere that when you convert it changes your drive volume serial number. Therefore when I try to activate windows xp afterwardds, it wouldn't let me because the "map of my system" on the ms server would be now different from the configuration I'm running on now. Is that true? ->Nope. Not true.

[Messiah89]

Do a fresh clean install of Windows XP and make 1 clean NTFS partition in the Windows Setup, then install Windows to that partition.

Just make a whole new partition formatted as NTFS, don't convert.
That's what I would do.

[John Prophet]

even if it were the case I think youd just have to give them a phone call and it'd be no problem at all.

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you have a windows XP upgrade disk? I suppose if you do a fresh install youd need the win98 disk cuz it'll probably ask for a "qualifying product".

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just boot off the cd and it should have the option to format it using ntfs...no actual "conversion" process needed cuz it'll just format using ntfs.

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ntfs has several advantages over fat32. it is more secure cuz you can set real permissions and have real passwords etc..also you can use compression and there are other advantages. Mainly the chicks dig it better!

JP

[Vyx]

No you shouldnt have any problems, when you need to activate it again, just tell them that you upgraded your computer or something theyll be cool with that and you should be fine. if they hassle you just call back untill you get someone who goes for it (probably wont need to) as for advantages to ntfs...well i think you have to have ntfs for windows xp...not sure correct me if im wrong...but as for the advantages
Advantages to NTFS

[John Prophet]

you can run WinXP on fat32 but you lose a lot of the security features and stuff like compression...sort of like running a 4wd truck with just 2wd.

[evereddie]

Once you activate a Winxp installation you can change several hardware items in your pc without even having to call Microsocks. It works on the point system. Most components are 1 point except the network card for some reason..it is worth 2 points. You can change up to 3 points with no call necessary to bill. (It might be 5 but it's at least 3 for sure.) After a couple of months the count timer resets and you get to change more things again. That way a natural upgrade process on your computer will not necessitate calling microsock all the time.

Oh Ya almost forgot. It's a no brainer to go to ntfs. Re-format the drive on installation and do ntfs. If there is any data you need on the drive be sure to save it first. I have never run into anyone who had an upgrade go perfectly especially when compared to a clean install. There are always issues as it is with any windows instal...why try to bury the old problems into the new problem.

[lost-and-found]

great, thanks all. Yeah, I have the full win xp pro disk, bought it at my school for less than $80 because of the student licensing. I'm running it on fat32 partition right now since I didn't wanna lose any data when I upgraded from win 98. Now, I just need time to format the drive, and reinstall everything.

[evereddie]

Even those of you that have an upgrade Windows install disc it can be used for a fresh install. To do this you will (at some point in the install process) be asked to see the old O.S. install disc to verify you own one. That is all.

[electric]

you can install xp home using fat 32 system than convert to ntfs
later if you want i would think xp pro would not be any different

myself i like fat 32


http://aumha.org/win5/a/ntfscvt.php