sata as bootable drive

[shri]

Boris to solve the Sata boot problem.

Follow the instructions here maxEasyGuide: A) Slipstreaming SATA driver into WinXp boot cd using nLite to create a slipstream XP version which includes the sata drivers and any other custom video / hardware drivers you might have on your computer.

[Boris]

Thanks for all the help. I had noted this article when Mr Moo mentioned " slipstreaming " which I did not understand.
As my installation copy of XP is SP1 upgrade I think the easyiest way is get an old floppy drive and do the F6 tango, then spend half a day updating XP to SP3.

If that doesn't work then most certainly will go with what you point out.

[JohanSWE]

In short, NO operating system running 32-bit can use more than 3Gb, and using memory extensions doesnt allow the OS to actually use it, but only to detect it or the extension only allows certain applications to use it and performance can even get worse with these softmods.

So if you use Win XP home, pro, Vista home, premium etc doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is if you are using 32/64bit.

And if you have vista 32bit, then you can use the 32bit key to activate a vista 64 bit of the same version, premium/ultimate.
Which you can either order, or just download a disc image from wherever you prefer.

[MrMoo]

In short, NO operating system running 32-bit can use more than 3Gb, and using memory extensions doesnt allow the OS to actually use it, but only to detect it or the extension only allows certain applications to use it and performance can even get worse with these softmods.

What you are trying to say is that PAE is limited and overall performance is reduced when using it. With systems that have more than 4GB of system memory only the OS can access it, each application still has the 32-bit limit of 4GB.

In more simple terms, multiple applications can now run with 4GB, e.g. on an 8GB box Photoshop can take 4GB, Excel can take 4GB, but no single application can take more.