I want to upgrade from Win Me to Win XP. This is a prep for FS2004. As I see it, I have (at least) three purchase options:1- Win XP Pro Full Version2- Win XP Pro Upgrade Version3- Win XP Pro OEM VersionI could use some pointers on which direction to take.Thanks,Richard

Pro OEM version:Its cheaper than the Full Version. :)

Most home users of Windows XP do not require the "Pro" version. The "Pro" version has a few features useful for workplace installations, for example, logging into a domain and hard drive encryption. I'd guess you can save yourself money by getting Windows XP Home. It likely has all you need. It's what I use and I have full use of FS2002, a home computer network, high speed internet, multiple monitors, etc.Cheers,Peter

I agree with Peter on the WinXP Home. I have WinXP Pro and Home additions. With the Pro version, I have to make sure I am using the Administrator's side to add and remove programs, do update maintenance, etc.Some programs are not very friendly with the Pro version, in that, I can only use them on the administrator's account.Lastly, having to have the Administrator's accounts uses up more disk space that isn't used regularly.Unless you are going to be using your system to manage a small office or Web site, I would save the money and buy WinXP Home.

Another question if I may.Right now I'm using FS2002 and Project Magenta Airbus GC. I have three computers connected through a hub (soon to be a switch). What you're telling is, Win XP "Home" is adequate for the networking? I wouldn't need XP Pro? Now that I think about, ME is working fine.One computer, the FS2004 server, will have XP (Home); the other two computers will run PM and Win ME. Anyone see any problems?Richard

It shouldn't be a problem whatsoever. If you also have cable modem, I recommend the following:Cable Modem -- Router/Switch 4port (wire/wireless) -- Computers.The router will spoof the IP address for the cable modem that your ISP may have set. It will also provide the internal IP addresses for all the other computers on the internal LAN. Lastly, a router provides a hardware firewall.I use IPX/SPX for the internal LAN protocol, which I believe is how PM works also. I use TCP/IP only for internet capability.I like using the router vice Microsoft's WinXP Internet Connection Sharing.

Yep, I'm using a Linksys Wireless Access Point Router. I have a Toshiba cable modem, then the router, and right now a Linksys hub. According to PM a switch provides better data flow from the FS server to the PM software.PM also told me that since I will be mixing ME and XP, IP is a better choice than IPX (which I use now on all my ME systems).Thanks,Richard

I don't have PM but I would try IPX/SPX first then IP. I do use WideFS and had to add a line in the WideClient.ini file so the WinXP machine and the Win98SE machine would talk. The Wideclient.ini is on the Win98SE machine:&l;Config&r;ServerNode=0.0.20480.300.45366This is explained in the WideFS documentation.