any1 running win2k on a laptop, not preconfigured but personally loaded?

[holden j caufield]

if so does win2k support mousepad drivers etc.

 

[Janus]

Yes; I'm using Win2K on a Toshiba 2100 CDT laptop. It works great and probably is one of the best laptop/OS experiences I've ever had. However I think Toshiba worked closely with Microsoft since the Win2K CD had all of the basic drivers already included with it for this specific laptop. From there, Toshiba regularly updates their drivers, so it has only gotten better.

BUT there are some gotchas in upgrading your laptop to Win2K -
1. Check to see whether your laptop had the "Made for Windows NT logo". If so, your upgrade will be very painless (as in the case of my Toshiba laptop). If not, it's really a crap shoot whether it will work since some laptop hardware are very proprietary and are not supported out of the box with Win2K.

2. Check your laptop's web site for a Win2K specific BIOS update to comply with Win2K's ACPI standards. Even if your laptop is current ACPI compliant, it likely will not work without a BIOS specifically designed for Win2K. Toshiba has released several BIOS updates for many of their machines because some of the earlier BIOS flashes still caused problems (e.g. on my machine using the 7.30 BIOS from the Toshiba Canada site works beautifully, but if I use the 7.20 BIOS from the US site, then my laptop would lock-up regularly.)

3. Look for Win2K specific drivers from your laptop manufacturer. Typically only those machines with the "Designed for Windows NT" logo will offer Win2K drivers, but it's worth a look. Otherwise, you could be in for a real mess.

4. Finally, consider what hardware your laptop uses and if it's a decision in the best interest. Originally trying to run Win2K on my laptop with only 64 MB RAM was painful, but after going to 128 MB, it has been great. (Also, despite Microsoft's recommendations, I don't think I'd put Win2K on a slower than 400 MHz laptop processor with less than 96 MB RAM.)

Hope this helps, if not, ask away...

 

[holden j caufield]

wow thx. well I know this laptop can run NT4 so I'll give it a go and see if win2k will work on it. Yes win2k installations on all four of my desktops have been absolutely painless and on my main system win2k has not crashed but twice in a 9 month span. I don't think I can go back to any other OS. Gonna give it a run and see what happens. figures crossed. if not I guess nt4 sp6 will do. have you noticed any improved battery life with win2k acpi. Everybody I've talked to say there is no diff. thx again

 

[Janus]

Sure thing - good luck!