OK, only thing is I already have a copy of XP I want to use :-)

SC

I can't remember where I sorted it from, but this site looks a likely candidate. If you 'Bing' "install windows from usb flash drive" then you will find plenty more info.

I have seen suggestions that the PC is more suitable to Windws 7 and Vista.

OK, thanks Optimist & Haystack. I can't wait for Windows 7, as the machine is needed now, so think I'll just have to have a go.

If you are referijg to the Acer PC that SC was thinking about, that is essentially the same as my Aspire 1 without a screen. I never tried XP on it because I didn't think it could handle it, I'm certain that nit couldn't handle Vista but was very pleasantly surprised at how well Windows 7 Ultimate runs on it.

SC

One problem with the original Aspire 1 was that it is a major warrenty voiding project to upgrade the RAM fr4om 1GB to 1.5 GB. Although the motherboard supports 2GB, this is virtually impossible as the 2nd RAM chip is soldiered in.

I don't know what the options are on the PC model, but you might do well to buy one with upgraded RAM.

I thought you could buy a 2GB model. I am sure I have seen it advertised.

Hmm, thanks, I assumed it would be possible to upgrade the ram. The hunt goes on ....

I was reffering to the original Aspire 1 Netbook. Although it was availible with different omounts of RAM, it was a main dealer job to upgrade. This may have changed on the later models, but they do seem to like to keep to the same platfor for as long as possible.

SC

If you want a cheap workstation, have a look at the HP ML110G5 It's about the same price as the Acer and I know it's a server and a bit bigger but you would have a far more capable machine.

I have the aspire 1 with WIN XP. On a recent business trip I had to read a lot of docs on it and my eyes struggled big time. Previously only used it for EMail and internet.

Yes that could be a problem.

Most of the time I use mine at home plugged into a 22 inch monitor.

Size is a bit of an issue, but I very much like the look of that HP machine. Presumably the fact that's it's a server doesn't mean you can't run XP pro on it and connect it into a network as a workstation.

If the answer is yes, that's OK, I'll just get that one, and bung a bit more memory in. I might even make it our "server" (we use a normal desktop workstation as a nominal "server" but it's old and runs a 5400 rpm IDE HD). In fact, I might get a couple more at that price.

Thanks for all the info guys, it's a great help.

SC,

I think I suggested to Klal on the Traders' Thread a couple of weeks ago about the HP ProLiant servers as I've bought one recently myself. Although they're termed a "server", they're basically a bog-standard PC with a souped-up PSU but minus a sound card and minus an OS. Yes, you can stick XP Pro on there (that's what we've done) without a problem but, because they use the dual core processors, the 64-bit version XP would give it a bit more va-va-voom.

BT now own Dabs.com, so you could also look on their website for current offers. I think you can now get a ML115 for the same price (219 incl. from memory) as I paid for a ML110 a month or so back.

Edit, following Opti's next post: The graphics adapter is OK, but it took us a while to suss out where to download a driver for it from. The standard driver wouldn't support anything more than a low resolution 4/3 monitor. We found the driver we needed for a 1600 x 900 px monitor by searching the HP website.

SC

So far as I know, it won't have any problem running XP.

The only downside that I could see is that the disk is only SATA-150 and the video RAM is only 32 MB which is less than many workstations but should be fine for business use.

Just add processor and memory.

Try this

http://www.epcbuyer.com/product/Asus-V3-P5G31-Barebones-System,-Socket-775_6644.html

and

http://www.epcbuyer.com/dept/Barebones_91.html

Thanks folks. I saw you mention that one Hils, and wondered about it. Looks very good, so I've found an HP ML115 with 2Gb memory for 199 + VAT, so really can't think I'll do much better. Will order that one.

HP ML 115

edit: have actually ordered this one:

HPML 115 from BT direct

My PC was set up with the hard disk partitioned to form a "backup" drive. (H)

I want to bring this space into regular use. How do I (safely) remove the virtual
drive?

Alan

There are loads of ways.

It depends whether or not you want to keep the bckup data then you need to copy it to another disk.

I suggest that you get hold of a copy of Paragon Partition Manager which can handle backing up the disk image, deleting it and resizing the C Drive.

If you're using Vista or above you can delete and resize partitions in Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Disk Management but PPM is easier and you should be able to gwt a free copy.

Thanks Optomist. I'll give PPM a try.