W 2000 authentication required?

[peajay]

I am currently running W98 and am thinking of going to Windows 2000. My concern is that I may have to enter into the new Windows Approval system (WPA I think it is called) where you need to get an approval number to authenticate the software.  Is this just something introduced for XP Pro or does it apply to W 2000 also ?  I also have Windows ME so that would be my second choice if no approval required.

[merlin_2]

do you mean this>>http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310637  or winxp activation.......

[peajay]

Merlin

No I don't think it is that, I understand that new Windows software is only valid temporarily until you get an  identification number confirmation from Windows either on line or by telephoning their worlwide support.  The reason being to prevent someone using an unlicensed copy.  I believe it is is now standard on XP but I think it came in on earlier software also, so I don't want to go to W 2000 if I get stuck with this approval cycle.  Any ideas  ?

[merlin_2]

  if you bypass the regester win now??  of which i have done on my system and its a legal machince i did not want any thing to do with msoft and they updates(keep em)..and the strange part part i tried to register it once and it  slung it out??if it legal copy then dont worry just load it...it will come up with the Do you wish to change your password screen......after a while and also you ahve thirty-days to activate this program......msoft will soon go to the net download thing....no disks...download  of the o/s via the net...

[robertmillar]

WPA (Windows Product Activation) does not apply to Windows 2000.  At the moment it only applies to XP Home.

[Computer_Commando]

WPA (Windows Product Activation) does not apply to Windows 2000.  At the moment it only applies to XP Home.

...and XP-Pro, Server2003, OfficeXP...all MS products since 2001.

[peajay]

Thanks to everyone for the info, which would you recommend, Windows 2000 or Windows ME ??

[merlin_2]

depends on preferance>>.....win2k.....and for games and fun winme..or triple boot them all......>> :)windows commander  

[robertmillar]

and XP-Pro, Server2003, OfficeXP...all MS products since 2001

XP Pro is definitely not product activated.  I've installed this several times, genuine licences with different companies.

[Neil]

Windows ME and 98 are fairly similar... personally I preferre 98. It wouldn't be upgrading to ME as such, more swapping...