Re:

[scuzzy]

Chandler,



Try this for Grand Theft Auto: Reinstall the program by right-clicking on the setup file, then look for the option to install the program with a Window 98 emulation.



Chandler - thanks for being understanding. I moved my poast here, and deleted the old thread.



http://www.poasters.com/images/scuzzy.gif" border=0>

Alex Garcia

[Chandler]

Scuzzy, if you want to get a free trial version of Windows XP RC2, then you can order a CD from Microsoft:



http://www.microsoft.com/uk/itxp/evalpack.htm



I know it's the UK site, but you can specify your location.



I tried what you recommended, but it still just crashes.  Windows XP is growing on me though.



Updates to review:



Midtown Madness trial MUCH slower than in Windows 98SE, will try the Detonator XP drivers later today.



Windows XP RC1 didn't set up the Boot.ini file correctly, hence only XP was available.  I had to manually edit it to enable Windows 98SE again.  RC2 seemed OK.



McAfee VirusScan doesn't work at all.  Windows XP prevents it from loading, saying it isn't compatible.  Tried VirusScan 5.21 for Windows 2000 and doesn't work in XP.  VShield doesn't work at all.  Scheduler works sometimes.  Manual scanning works fine.



Aureal Vortex 2 card has new drivers; version 5.12.1.2560, as opposed to the last Aureal Beta 5.12.1.2559.  Doesn't seem to fix sound drop-outs or low MIDI volume though.  WHQL certified.



No Hardware OpenGL support in internal NVidia drivers.  Enabled by installing newer drivers for 2000/XP.



Hibernate works perfectly and is as fast as in Windows Me.  My 384MB system took 5 seconds to create the hiberfile which is pretty impressive.  Hasn't crashed yet when returning from hibernate.



I'll keep you all posted with further developments.



Chandler Bing

http://www.chandler-bing.ic24.net

[scuzzy]

Chandler,



I already downloaded and installed WinXP Pro RC2. Overall, I really like what Microsoft did. I ended up going back to Win2k because of some compatability issues I had, including NAV 2001 and I couldn't get my wife's scanner to work. I bought a new scanner for her, and I'll soon pick up a copy of NAV 2002, then I'll try WinXP again.



I expect WinXP to be a big hit, unless enough people balk at the Windows Product Activation (WPA). Microsoft can call the activation whatever it pleases, but the bottom line is that it's a registration of sorts. The way I see it, my computer belongs to me. I bought it, it's mine. Mine, mine, mine. Microsoft has no business forcing me to divulge the makeup of my computer in order for WinXP to work. I smell a big lawsuit for Microsoft.



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Alex Garcia

[Chandler]

I heard that the OEM version of Windows XP is less strict with regards to the Activation feature.  If you were to buy a motherboard of the same manufacturer, it would still work.



This seems to suggest that it's tied to the BIOS code (maybe just the last part).  Biostar boards are used by OEMs such as Fujitsu-Siemens and are also available to buy.



This activation stuff isn't going to last.



BTW, the Office Assistants are in the File Search in Windows XP! Nice!



Chandler Bing

http://www.chandler-bing.ic24.net

[Chandler]

Update 1

========

I've downloaded the McAfee VirusScan 5.21 Retail Edition as a free upgrade and this does work on Windows XP Professional RC2.  But, 5.16 does not install and hence installing the 5.21 patch still doesn't let it work.  I've got the full 16MB 5.21 version now.





Update 2

========

I've tried out NVidia's Detonator XP drivers for my TNT2 series board and this does enable hardware OpenGL support (version 1.30).  However, performance is still at a much lower level that Windows 98 was, but this is understandable.  I've now tried out GTA2 (doesn't work at all), Midtown Madness 1 Trial (sluggish) and Midtown Madness 2 (slightly sluggish).  These slowdowns are probably due to my ageing video card, and possibly the Aureal Vortex 2 sound card (the WDM drivers have never been as good as the VXD drivers).  Hopefully this situation will improve with time as AGP drivers are improved.



Well that's it for now.



Chandler Bing

http://www.chandler-bing.ic24.net

[Chandler]

Some more software compatability (including very old DOS stuff):



The Blues Brothers (DOS) - works perfectly - beeper sound

The Blues Brother 2 (DOS) - works - no sound

Beverly Hills Cop (DOS) - sound too fast, graphics shake (doesn't work in Win98)

007: License To Kill (DOS) - system reboots

PowerDVD 3.0 (all retail builds tested) - works perfectly

Driver (game) - DirectX - works perfectly (all versions)

GTA/GTA London 1969/GTA London 1961 - DirectX - works perfectly

McAfee VirusScan 5.21 - installs, but random crashes (known problem)

GTA2 - doesn't work - illegal operation starting up

Soldier Of Fortune - works perfectly

SiSoftware Sandra 2001te - works perfectly

Office 2000 - works perfectly





And some hardware:

NVidia Vanta AGP - all AGP features working, video overlay working, new drivers enable OpenGL support.

Aureal Vortex 2 - basic drivers work, Windows 2000 WDM drivers can be used to enable special features such as EQ.  MIDI too quiet by default.

Lucent WinModem (Lectron) - V.90 connections very stable with built-in driver, no need to update it.

Biostar M6VCG - IRQ assignments stable, ACPI suspend, hibernate stable, no probles.

MS Intellimouse - all Intellipoint features installed by default by WinXP.  no problems.

Creative SoundBlaster Live! - basic drivers work





Things are looking quite rosy for Microsoft's new OS. :)



Chandler Bing

http://www.chandler-bing.ic24.net

[steve65]

Hi.

I have build 2505. Sometimes when i shut down (try to), XP will not shut down. i sometime get a message, program still running, when there is not. The only way to shut it down is turn off the power.Have you ever had that prob?



Thanks



Steve



 

[Chandler]

No, but sometimes it takes a very long time to shut down (stays on Saving Windows Settings for ages).



It sounds like some background program isn't working correctly, maybe your anti-virus software.



Chandler Bing

http://www.chandler-bing.ic24.net