Print - Windows XP ... Reloaded

Despite Microsoft's repeated denials, the company will indeed release an interim version of Windows XP that will bridge the gap between the initial XP release and Windows Longhorn, which is currently due in late 2005 at the earliest. The interim XP version will ship as a new retail product that replaces existing retail boxed copies of XP and as a set of updates, called XP Reloaded, that existing XP users can install separately. According to sources I contacted this morning, XP Reloaded will include all the features from XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), which is due by midyear, as well as a host of other unique features, including Windows Media Player (WMP) 10.
Other details about XP Reloaded are unknown at this time, although the update kit apparently will include a Web-based installer application that will let users choose optional features. Reports about an XP Version 2 release first cropped up more than a year ago, but Microsoft officials repeatedly denied that the company planned to issue such a release. In early 2004, when the company revealed the new security features that XP SP2 will include, the rumors resurfaced. But the XP Reloaded OS refresh will clearly include a lot more than security updates, possibly in a bid to revive consumer excitement about XP while Microsoft preps the ever-delayed Longhorn release.

Shouldn't this have been released last year? Why wait 4 years to release a new version of Windows, only to release a major version of Windows a year later? Kinda inconvenient for the customer if you ask me. Releasing this in 2003 would have made much more sense.

Yay! An upgrade to XP! This will keep me occupied throughout Longhorn Beta. Or not :P... But it's a nice idea for consumers.

I must say - I'm a little sceptical about the idea of an OS refresh, unless it's going to be free that is. Sure, it may re-envigorate excitement about XP - but it could take the edge off Longhorn excitement by re-strengthening the perception that Microsoft just want to grab money by constant upgrades close-together, for little extra value.

IMO other than SP2, a really excellent 2004 version of Plus! free of shareware / trialware / heroinware and other disappointments would do as much as anything to revive interest [heroinware is when the first level of the game is free to get you hooked, but you have to pay to go beyond that]. Neat clocks, MSIE plug-ins, full games and a variety of truly different themes for starters. The first version of Plus! didn't have any new themes save for new wallpaper and slight colour changes. One look at theme-xp.org and you know Plus! was a comparitive rip-off. Maybe it could include the digital Media Plus! that is currently available. It might also include the dancers and the aquarium. One thing it might also include is the TweakUI - only Microsoft should fix the couple bugs in Desktop manager. Desktop manager has a couple small bugs that should be fixed. One neat thing might be a UI enhancement for Windows that **slide** in from the right or left etc. That was something I found that I really liked. Another would be an egg timer or alarm clock - I'd like some cute ones.

I think this is a non-starter, You can download SP2, WMP10 and DirectX from the web, if you don;t have broadband then im sure there will be Free CDs available. There may be enough to entice new people to XP but there will be nothing worth paying for if XP is already installed.

How much of this is actually factual? I mean, can one seriously think microsoft would dub something as important as an operating system (XP) as "reloaded?" Come on guys. I wouldnt be surprised if, however, microsoft does replace the gap between current OS and longhorn, but not with something this corny. Well, question....(starting to buy some of this none sense) Will Microsoft offer this freely to those who already have a license for XP...sort of as any other regular update?

Thanks for the report Paul. Any word on upgrade pricing? I'd really like to upgrade my XP home to XP reloaded Pro. Right now I can't switch to Pro without repurchasing it, which really sucks. I want to use pro so I can use MS's remote desktop software on the mac, which I hear is way better than VNC.

Thanks Paul! This is definitely a shocker, but I hope Microsoft finally pulls their straps up with the new "WindowsXP: Reloaded" :)

Could this contain WinXP Elements (WinXP x86-64)? It would make sense, considering what Intel said about having a full-blown MS 64-bit extended operating system by the end of '04...

what's next? Longhorn delayed until Q1 2008, and the highly anticipated conclusion to the trilogy will arrive in stores near you in August 2006, "XP Revolutions..." I'm sure glad that Microsoft Corp has come up with so many original ideas...where would we be without their innovation?

Since XP is moving toward more MCE-type features, can you address any of those items? Specifically HDTV in MCE, multiple tuner support, and "real" easy editing of MPEG so home users can chop out commercials without having to master all the complexities?

Why not 'Return of the WinXP', or 'Finding WinXP', or 'Die Another XP', or 'Bad XP' ... okay maybe not that.

wow i am gonna buy that version of windows! finaly something to play with before longhorn... :P

I'm actually thinking that either the up and coming so called "XP Reloaded" and "Longhorn" will actually work out good for Microsoft, if they're actually going to focus on what the consumers want - security. I'm hoping that Microsoft take a change for the better and listen to what the consumers want and cut out the friendly GUI crap.

Is this a service pack for free or an upgrade which will cost us money? After the product activation fiasco( 7 reactivations for any change including new batteries for my cordless mouse), MS will face a lawsuit if it now tries to charge for repairing a defective product.

Mirosoft takes down Microwesoft.com on copyright infringement basis, but uses XP Reloaded. Have they seen the Matrix Reloaded. Talk about infringement. The slave drive just has to have evrything his way.

The name is lame , "Reloaded" they think are a bunch of matrix fans?? Maybe Bill Gates likes Matrix hmm or a marketting trick. Hopefully this wont be similiar too Windows ME :S

What a great idea, and a great way to provide consistent updates for many users who do not have ready access to broadband connections. The new features are a significant "Value Add" that will sweeten the offering. I strongly sense it will drive excitment and a more compelling reason to upgrade 9x, NT, and 2K client systems. Most XP users will likely make the upgrade, too.

I hope NOT another ME! Also, why not just release another SP? (of course they couldn't charge if it was XP-SP3). I would rather wait for Longhorn, than bother rolling out some other interim upgrade. I am all for updates, upgrades etc, but lets not go the Win95A, B, C, Win98, SE, ME route...

Windows XP Reloaded = not4me, I bet it's going to be doing the same BS as windows ME was, Remember paying for a windows me upgrade / only to find out a few months later windows xp was out, I hope they aren’t doing that BS again. what I do now is wate untill a new os has been out for about-a year and-a 1/2, and then think about upgragding, becides new os's are alway's broken, take win xp for example it's going on SP2 allready , if you ask me I think thay should give you Windows XP Reloaded for free and call it Win XP SP3 becuse that's probully what it would be like anyway ....

The "XP Reloaded" better come in an affordable 30 to 50 dollar upgrade on a DVD/2 CD/Download for those who bought XP in 2001-2002, it would make perfect sense to have an upgrade and a full/OEM version. While I think of it, it would make perfect sense to have Windows Longhorn on a DVD or 2 CD package for those who have a DVD drive or a fast CD reader. I also think the price for Longhorn Home Upgrade should be 50 dollars and the full version as 100 dollars to better compete with Linux and MAC OS X. Add another 100 dollars for the Pro or Media Center edition as well. Just suggestions I hope Microsoft won't ignore in the years to come...

Microsoft is a Joke! They are too focused on making money instead of creating an insanely great product thru innovatative ways that customer's would want. If they created a product with cool features that consumers would want and use ... people would buy for sure. Mac OSX Rules! ! ! Give a Mac a try and you might find yourself surprised that you enjoy to use it. No lockups, rebooting required. Editor's note: And no choice required either. It's a good solution for people confused by all the software and hardware choices PC users get. --Paul

its all fair enough for good ol bill gates to come up with a new os and have sp2 installed within it.....question is how long be4 its starts to show the effects of beeing a hackable os ....as a home user i prefer win95 or 98 as i dont seem to have as many attacks as what i was when having 2000 and xp ....maybe its a good idea to go back once and a while and compare the new with the old ..kinda like dropping a engine out of a old car and reassebling it with new parts for the new engine....some things go and some just dont go at all

XP Reloaded hmm? Does that mean Windows Longhorn will become "XP Revelations"? Editor's note: See, I would have called it XP 2: The Quickening. :) --Paul

Just how much do we have to Pay to KEEP our XP Windows systems up to date? Will this be XP "SE" be like Win 98 SE and just update what we have already bought?

Not surprisingly i believe that this release is 2 fold. First, Microsoft have found a way to make yet more money and rip home pc users off, and whilst new security features may sound exciting, wasnt winXP meant to fix the problems of its predecessors? I look forward to see what they have in store but personally the Service pack2 should do for now. As i speak i have found the brilliant Mozilla Firebird browser and my shift away from windows' crappy and often bugged programs begins. Quite simply, this release is yet another money maker, they couldnt have lived for three years without making some more money (between Xp and Longhorn).

If it means we get more functionality & better security, I'm happy with any update (lets just hope its not like Windows ME). My only question is, will we be getting any of the Longhorn functionality in this release or will we have to wait another couple of years for it?

This is Microsoft at its worst. They are going to release a meaningless interim build to prevent purchasers of their upgrade licenses from bitching that buying 3-years of upgrade protection provided them with absolutely nothing, well, er, Media Player 10. I hope Microsoft changes it's mind. Even MS supporters like me, won't stand for another WindowsME. Microsoft should simply extend the current licenses to covert Longhorn. Microsoft is risking alienating its users here.

Sounds great, will new computers pre-loaded with XP "reloaded" be Longhorn ready?

Microsoft should make it more of a Windows XP SE [ which many liked ] than a Windows Me [ which so many people hissed at ] if that's what they're going to do - hope not. IMO, other than updates such as SP2, we really don't need another OS until Longhorn. Another OS would just hilight the futility of upgrading again and again and again and again ... I'm still recovering from the last cycle and have no interest in another pile of bits that I'm not even asking for. A little rest would be nice. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so to speak. If they have upgrades between now and then, then Longhorn will be just another upgrade than a well waited for improvement. Stephen Remove the .Blue to reply by email.

MS hastily brought out the disaster known as ME (It wasn't released... it escaped!) along with it's iMovie wannabe, but lower quality, MovieMaker. Perhaps MS will innovate once again (cough) with XP Reloaded and include consumer friendly DVD and music creation tools (ala iDVD and Garageband on the Mac)... and it may well include the planned MS iTunes/music store wannabe as well. Maybe a Rendevous-like "easy/automatic" networking technology too. MS-iChat? (along with an MS-branded video camera?) MS-Inkwell? (OSX handwriting app) The possibilities are endless... After all... MS always knows and provides what people want and is a leader in technology and innovation. (Dang... I just can't say that with a straight face :-) )

This sounds great, however do you know what the technology software company is that teamed up with Microsoft and will appear on the toolbar of this software version you are talking about. Suppose to put a stop to identity theft. Thanks

Sounds like another ploy from Microsoft to hold back the on coming tide of Linux. Forgive me, but the recent reverse gear on Win98 support and this stink of a company in 'knee-jerk' mode from the Linux threat (i.e. Lindows). In the short term MS have nothing to fear from Linux, but the huge number of PC's sold in the last 3 years may leave Windows users with a nasty taste in their months when the new version of Windows runs like a dog on their 2 year old PC.

Paul, now stop being a naughty boy,telling fibs so that you can appear clever to your Windows friends again. You know what happened last time you shot your mouth off without knowing anything, annoying all those nice Mac users. You've even got that horrible little urchin, Andrew at The Register talking about you again.

Microsoft should give this XP upgrade to present XP owners. How many times do they expect me to buy additional products to keep up. Now longhorn is another program entirely so I would understand paying for it.

Blake -> possibly, but it hasn't happened yet so what a stupid question. Longhorn apparently needs a 128MB graphics card just to run. according to my friends "pre release" copy! :)

Well, once again Microsoft is going to profit from it's mistakes and package all maintenance that should be free in a "XP Second Edition" and charge accordingly. I hope the consumers are wise and say "thank you but no thank you".

Will this be a big deal? I like XP and its operating ability, but will this solve the constant problems plaguing xp with worms and viruses? Editor's note: No, XP SP2 is aimed at solving some of those security issues. --Paul

Well Paul, I've decided. I won't purchase an interim version of XP. I'm tired of MS' BS and lethargy. I will upgrade PCs in April to PCExpress and LGA Prescotts and BTX form factor. There is huge innovation in the hardware department. But I won't upgrade to a meaningless interim build. Microsoft should not be rewarded for nothing. The major problem, is there is no alternative or I would definitely try some alternative OS' and productivity apps. Unfortunately, Linux simply isn't close to Windows in terms of a productive Desktop UI and the accompanying applicaitons seem amateurish compared to the polish of Microsoft, Adobe, ArcServe and others. Why oh why can't someone make a real alternative OS for the great x86 platform? Mac is too slow and OS X is non-productive and slow, though kind of pretty. They still need a decent Explorer alternative and pervasive context-sensitive menus. As well as more robust OS plumbing. So, what can we do. Do nothing. Upgrade hardware and drive the current release of XP faster. Install free patches and upgrades and make MS earn their money for a change. Longhorn looks great, they need to get to work and get the client released by Mid 2005 with a stable beta by early Summer. Hardware is outpacing software for the first time in a long time, and if Microsoft can't keep up, I wish someone else would. Open Source, I don't want to hear their whining mouths ever again. This is a golden opportunity to break MS' monolithic oligarch and they simply have nothing to offer. I'm very pissed.

",although the update kit apparently will include a Web-based installer application that will let users choose optional features." I'm not liking this.

I will not support anything from MicroSoft outside of the XP home I now have that has run ok for the last 2 years. They will not get anymore of my money until there is no way to run my computer without an upgrade. Tired of paying for upgrade after upgrade myself.

No. It wont be a free download for anybody but the warez d00ds out there. They just said it's something different than a service pack and it's going to be replacing the retail versions of XP that are already out there.

I am reading with interest about SP2. I have sseveral programs that I wonder if this will hurt. At the present time they are plenty exceptable. Will they interact and will I be the loser. ADSUBTRACT SPAMSUBTRACT SYGATEfirewallpro Ken

Is this going to be like WinMe? Millions of people are going to have this OS that's stuck in limbo, not really supported, either by MS or the community? And it just so happens that if you buy a computer at this time you're going to be stuck with this OS that nobody is going to be committed to? How compatible to XP1 is it going to be? New drivers necessary? Why do they do this? Another reason to stay clear of MS IMHO. Perhaps another way to make people throw down more money cause they "have to" upgrade cause nothing's going to be compatible or supported...

What about Windows 2000? I dont want to be left haning. Will 2000 have a service pack with these features? I hope so, since many people use 2000 in buisness environments and we would like to have these security features also! Paul if you have any info on this, please keep us posted

I doubt it, It will just be another boxed product to be purchased from your local retailer.

Will this be to WinXP what Win98SE was to Win98, or instead of WinXP Second Edition, will this be another version of WinME? Win98SE was good. WinMe was only good for Bill Gates. Editor's note: I don't understand all the Windows Me comments. If this product happens, it will just be like Windows 98 SE, for the most part, except that it will be even better because all of the new components in XP Reloaded will be available to XP users for free. It's not a "new version," it's a repackaging of XP with extra stuff added. --Paul

To add: To be honest I wish they wouldn't. I know they are profit oriented, but computing is so integral these days that such a thing is a big pain in the you know what for no reason. Furthermore, it might not even be that great for profit. Churning out yet another upgrade might take the stream out of Longhorn so to speak. With no real wait, Longhorn becomes just another upgrade in a long series of upgrades .. sort of a non-event. Stephen

I´m doing well with xp, there´s no need to a second edition (if that meens a gui change for example), but everything that increases performance is wellcome. I´d really like to see the wmp 10 performing better than the current one (9 series). It isn´t bad, but i think that it somethign missing...

How much are they going to hit us for the XP SP2? Editor's note: Hit you? It's free. --Paul

first 98, then 98 se, them Millenium, then Xp, now, XP sp2 JUst how much blood must we pay fo MS to keep our machines running>? Maybe I will start looking into Linux Editor's note: Yeah, that OS doesn't get updated nearly as often as Windows. Oh, wait. --Paul

Franz, Don't you mean Windows ME? At that time Windows 98SE was the better version.

Well, I recall that Windows 98 SE was widely regarded as the better version of Windows 98. If Windows XP SE can do for Windows XP what Windows 98 SE did for Windows 98, I welcome it.

As you techie people don't know, the tiresome evolution of OS's is a given in the world of elctonic applications. The probelm here is not with Bill Gates and the other minions of software writers and hardware makers but with the nature of the physics of electrons and how it's used to service human needs and wants. A competent knowledge of the behavior of electrons in human engineered systems would inform the user of the uselessness of Bill Gates and others in the production of niffty objects with useless software. The game now is quantum physic and it's hilarious rejection of all present-day electronically based products. I would venture the guess that when the quatntum world is rendered useful, everything before it will become laughably obsolete. All you techies better get up to speed on the quantum physics if you want to be relevant. Yes, you'll have to get out the old Newtonian equations and study hard if you want to make the leap into the future wherein old Mr Newton passes the torch to the new reality. You'll need to see the difference if you're to grasp the future reality of space and time where nanoseconds are a lifetime. Yep, better get out the books and study, study, study if you want to be part of the future. Don't you find it curious that Microsoft uses the term "shells" in it's depthful explications of it's structure just as chemist use the term "shells" to describe the orbital placements of electrons around the atom? Now there's a hint. Ha, you ain't seen nothing yet!

It's about time - the 1st version sucks, what a disappointment it has been. The same thing happened with the 1st versions of Win95 and Win98, I would rather have waited for the 2nd version in all cases - Win98SE is the best OS Microsoft has developed to date. I hope MS has taken more time to eliminate such things as the idiot balloons, Messenger, and some of the Services that do nothing but get in the way. The boot time is dismal, and waiting for applications to open is tiring. Slow, slow, slow....

Oh, Microsoft thinks they are creating the Matrix, called xp reloaded, maybe they will call longhorn xp revolution!!!

i think it might have the whole directx/no gdi thing goin for it.. cuz i know microsoft was like chanting the end of gdi

If this news is real than microsoft should reveal this so if users are planning to buy a new OS along with their comp. they could wait until this release is released

I am sending this (link)article to Warner Bros studios and to the Warchowski Brothers. With any luck, they well sue the ASS off of Bill Gates and MS for ripping off the intellectual property that is _The Matrix_ trilogy. You just try and use XP or Microsoft in an ad...their lawyers will be at your door in a NY minute. Editor's note: I doubt Warner Bros. owns a copyright on "Reloaded" but it doesn't matter. It's just a codename. --Paul

Dude! First MovieMaker vs iMovie Now WMP vs iTunes Future iPhoto vs ??? Man with all the hassle, just go to a MAC!!! No viruses, hackers (e-mail viruses wont work) Much nicer GUI Faster Main tip: Windows programs can run on a MAC, can MAC programs run on a windows?

le_josh.. you are a moron.. there are still viruses.. still hackers.. and such for mac.. however.. sicne mac sucks so bad no one wants to even bother messing with it..want a nice GUI run linux with KDE (my favorite).. and you can run windows and mac programs on linux..

oh my god there are a load of stupid people here... if u dont like it then dont buy it. it may even not happen yet. just cos ms release a new product doesnt mean u have to rush out and buy it. no features hav been decided on or n e thing like that so theres no point in people saying this is a stupid idea cos they just dont know!! christ sum people are stupid

Well, the last comments show that people is still relying on Microsoft to use tools. Can I rememind you that the European Union has sued Microsoft for including Windows Media Player in his OS? Who DO REALLY NEED a new music or video player in the OS? The shameless RIAA and MPAA who wish to get big bucks on every piece of music aroud the world because of DRM (Digital Rights Management) ... that's the point! What could we expect from a country where the big companies pay the candidates run for the White House ?!?!?! Here in Europe that is called "bribe" and it's forbidden by law !!! If you wish an excelent **free** player that can handle **every** type of music and video format, even DVD, use "Media Player Classic" from Gabest. If you wish an excelent mail program that won't execute virii because of stupid Outlook Express handling of HTML and JavaScript, then use "The Bat" from Ritlabs. If you keep on relying to MicroSoft's tools, you'll be doomed. But after all ... you installed the worst of all: XP :)

duh! when will the upgrade be available for downloads. Also has anyone yet put Mac OS X on their PC yet... now that would be waaaaaay KOOL!

Why, why, why, do people stick with an OS that is PLAGUED with patches, worms, viruses, spam and all the inconveniences that RULE Windows in all its forms, I've got nothing of all that AND I got a stable OS that just sails along! It doesn't crash, it has all the ease of use you can wish for, if you wanna be a techie you can play, play, play.... It looks absolutely great.... This OS (with all its apps.) even runs smoothly on a 350 mHz machine, not to mention a 2,0 one! Hey listen up you masochists in the world, I'm talking about Apple Macintosh! Everything you want done can be done on one of those! Don't get fooled AGAIN by Mr. Gates!

Lemmings, the world is full of lemmings... " Editor's note:(RE:Macs) And no choice required either. It's a good solution for people confused by all the software and hardware choices PC users get. --Paul" Ah yes, nothing like selecting from either crummy, cruddy or crappy. Choice is good. Just look at all those who "chose" to use Windows.

microsoft are allways dishing out 'better verions' of one thing or another all the time. all i care about is directx improvements, any news on that? directx 9c or 10 release dates maybe? thanks.

Don't be fooled into paying for Mickeysoft XP..... get a dodgy copy like half of the world..Just like the East & Bagdad...

Yes, windows xp sp2 will be free, it's a Service Pack. why don't go to google.com and look for thing about services pack 2. most of people here don't no what they talking about. Longhorn is so much different from XP "under the hood" that you can imagine. as for those who sait it (longhorn) will take way to much ressoures well notice that no beta version have leak and no optimisation is maid. optimisation will come at the end of the devloping process. inform yourself before saying anything

I run EIOfiice under Linux SuSE and have more than MS can ever offer. I spent less than 100 bucks on the total software and never get any virus or sec bugs. Have a look at http://www.startfinish.biz/wise/modules.php?name=TechnologyNews for the details. I can assure you that MS will never get with anything better.

When does the Beta of this Version releases? i can't wait to get my hands on it... i hope MS is kind and give me one :) i always Beta test Soft from many company's :) and i am Enjoying it :) Thanks for the News Paul Thurrott! Great!

Isn't anyone curious about WMP10? We've heard surprisingly little about it. I hope it has MoodLogic integration because making playlists out of 2500+ songs is a PITA.

sigh... some ppl. i frankly don't care which OS is the almightly ruling one. the all have their differences, some bad some good. windows is not a bad OS by a long stretch - yes there are viruses and things, but who want's to create a virus for a system that less than 10% of people use? that is why windows suffers so badly - the programmers want to try and get it to as many people as possible (i.e. the 90% that use windows) otherwise it is not worthwhile. other OS's have just as many problems but they haven't been found because they haven't been exploited. i think microsoft do a pretty good job... this does NOT mean that i assume microsoft to be the best. it is very sad people that flame saying "you idiots... you should all get a mac or linux or some_other_OS". About the update - i think that it will be free. Win98SE was a replacement for win98 which had no end of problems. I see this as an improvement to an OS that is not by all means bad (if you know how to tweak it to your wishes), but needs a few adjustments. The addition of WMP10 should prove to be interesting and the presence of the IE update will improve the users browsing experience a lot. As long as it is a free update it'll be a worthwhile piece of kit to keep us busy till the LH release. :o) btw, Paul... you have anymore info on Longhorn yet?

Why dont u all shut up and realise there isnt a @best@ OS, its what u the consumer likes, and what PC u have, wether its old running 95 or new running XP pro. Plus ive used Redhat9 and its boring but thats my thought. Plus dont complain about something you know is hard to program unless you can do better get a job at MS and stop whining. Most users dont use any OS to its full capability anyway, try learning Maya. Dont moan at hackers either their viruses give us techs good work deleting viruses for customers. End of sarcasm, I wont be back to read any comments so dont bother questioning me. thankyou.

If you look at the windows time line, you'll see no "windows XP Reloaded". There is no such product in production. The next operating system will be Windows Longhorn.

forever linux..go and live freely in the open source world see and experience gorgeous GUI and be sure.. in the open source world no any absurdity 98, 98se,winME ,win EXTRA ME XP XP reloded revolution..bla bla no pay price to os without secure..man !!!use os like rock...like linux....

to living dead son!you think you are so smart !!!who can write a virus for os which is refreshing and developing in a period of five month..

Ok, first of all, this is a FREE upgrade, so it's NOT another way for MS to make money, unless you go and buy the boxed version. Second, to all those ppl complaining about Windows, why don't you try and make an OS yourself rather than complain. Thirdly, if you don't want this upgrade for Windows XP, DON'T GET IT, it's that simple, so stop complaining about how this is a money maker etc etc. Fair enough Windows ME, was rubbish, but like I said, if you dont want this upgrade then DON'T GET IT. Have a nice day :o)

Xp reloaded, nothings confirmed. Who cares? the worlds waiting for longhorn. For all those Linux whingers the world doesnt care! I've been there tried it OS X, Linux but I have still come back to Windows BECAUSE OF ITS GOOD POINTS. Lifes too short and people whinge too much! get a life!!

hey u guys brag about linux when it can play more then 4 games. at least with windows, u never worry about not being able to run a game.

I personally think this whole thing is a scam. 'XP Reloaded'. Micosoft would never release an OS with such an unprofessional name. Also, this would have been all over the internet, and this is the first I heard of it. Why do these people actually believe this?!?!?!?!? Editor's note: It's just a code-name, Miles. Although, I do recognize the fact that if you never heard about it, it must be fake. :) --Paul

I for one am looking foward to Microsoft Windows Xp Professional Service Pack 2.I have Xp service pack 1 and I like it. But I am very dissapointed about Internet Explorer leaking like a Garden Hose with Holes in it.I truley wish they would fix it. worry about what people are useing now and worry about future releases later. you know it is like you just get the damn OS then somthing new comes out and you feel like man I should have waited to buy this..

Linux is as buggy as when xp first came out! Everyone talks about linux, I would not spend a penny for something not developed by a solid company where it uses thousands of different people to put a puzzle together!

Ok, people may be waiting for Longhorn, and may think that Windows XP Reloaded will not exist, but why won't it ?? Just because Microsoft said that Longhorn will be the next OS, and there will be no revisions in between, means nothing. MS said that Windows 98 would be the LAST 16/32 bit version of Windows, but it wasn't. And Windows ME wasn't suppose to exist at all. So as you see, MS has a history of saying one thing, then doing another. I personally have read multiple articles and reports about Windows XP Reloaded, so for those who have not heard of it elsewhere... open your eyes. Just because you haven't heard of it, does not mean that it won't exist, and remember, this is NOT really another version of windows so to speak, its kinda like Windows 98 and Windows 98SE. And "Reloaded" is just the code name, just like Longhorn is. This is not to say that it WILL 100% exist, but dont get a shock if it does, actually give it a chance, because knowing MS, it probably will exist, and given all the reports I have read also suggest the same thing. As for Linux..... it's not 100% ready for desktop prime time yet. And yes I know there are Linux distros out there aimed for the desktop, but it's not 100%, Especially with games. Have a nice day :o) Editor's note: Microsoft has already confirmed what XP Reloaded is. There's no mystery. --Paul

i think XP should have a version named "Finaly ready edition" . whatdo others think about that ------------------------------------------------------------ because why do make so much XP-s. it already has got Home edition , Professional edition and 64bit edition

WMP 10 has almost no diffrence.... i have tested the Beta test... i got my hands on... and it is almost the same .... so that not very good news...

xp reloaded will be a load of crap longhorn is the way 2 go, have tested longhorn and thats the way 2 go long horn will be worth the wait :)

Anyone know if Reloaded has NATIVE SATA support? so you don`t have to install drivers from Floppy when you install Windows

"This should be the best OS Ever so far" I can't agree with that. Windows is the WORST OS so far. Need I say more? If you need a good OS try out Mac OS X Panther. http://apple.com/macosx/ You will need a mac with USB ports to run it. It's considered the most advanced OS out today. Many of the features that MS displayed on Longhorn are rumored to have been copied from Panther. The other great news is that there are no actual virii/worms/trojans, no spyware, and an OS is released every year or so. Give it a shot! You won't be disappointed.

Hi All their is a converter program for MP3 to WMA, and it is WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER, simply import MP3 file and click file->save movie then to a file you choose, now MP3 is converted to WMA

Well duuuh.... it's about time.. The first version of XP really sucks... Editor's note: ? How's that? --Paul

Well... The first version of XP was filled with bugs. And security holes and such. I've heard from a ton of people that the first service pack solved a ton of those proglams. Also Mac OS X Panther is one of my dream OS'S. The other is Longhorn. I love the expose on Panther and the Shadowing of Longhorn!

I am excited about the new release. What most people don"y realize about all previous os's is that they were full of bugs and Longhorn will be the same old song. So having a little extra Xp might be good or might create a whole new list of problems for people like me to eploit or stop me from me from exploiting. Obey me for I am root

Alright, ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who are complaining about how 'M$ Windoze 5ucks', lets see you get together, give you a few years or so, and see what kind of operating system YOU can put together. What? You can't program? So what are you complaining about? Windows XP 'Reloaded' has been confirmed as a free upgrade. Furthermore, if you aren't interested, don't go running around about how 'M$ is trying to take my money, and just put more spy/bloat/heroineware on my computer'. Just follow my easy 2-step process. 1.) Don't download XP Reloaded. 2.) Go on with your life. Linux people, your operating system(s) are just as bad (if not worse) than XP. Windows XP was truely innovative, offering a new GUI, integrated firewall, and a whole host of new things. Some of you (not all) are 'n00bs' who can't (or won't) take advantage of all that Windows has to offer. Yes, we all have to go through the occasional Windows Update, download the Service Pack, Hotfixes, and patches. If you really hate Windows to the point where you stomach lurches when you boot, then just go to Best Buy or your local Apple Store and buy an iMac, or, if you're feeling '1337', you can download Linux. But only if you think you're hardcore enough. If you aren't or are not interested in a Mac, then I suggest that you leave Windows and Microsoft well enough alone. Reloaded will be an add-on for XP, and Longhorn will take desktop PCs to a whole new place. Lastly, if any of you decide to start showing some class, you can start by dissenting Windows and Microsoft with correct spelling and punctuation, and for the love of god, stop saying 'M$' and 'Windoze' because you can't do any better than them. Good day.

For people complaining about the "Reloaded" name, I'm reasonably confident that is "working" or "code" name, meaning just something to call it until they decide what the official name will be. To the people complaining that it might come out just before Longhorn, I don't think so. Longhorn keeps getting delayed. They wouldn't even be doing the "Reloaded" bit if Longhorn wasn't way off.

Please please please , I ve got too much XPs at home. What to choose. In two years, will we buy Windows Longhorn Final edition or will it be Windows Longhorn Full of bugs?

I've got a copy of Windows Longhorn build 4051. What I can say is that the Microsoft is constantly getting money from us by upgrading the OS constantly. Editor's note: The time period between the previous paid Windows upgrade (XP, 2001) and the next (Longhorn, ~2006) is at least five years, so I have no idea what you're talking about. --Paul

Microsoft needs a reshuffle enterprise wide. Being in the business for 20 years you’d think that Mr Bill and his management team would never make the same mistakes twice. SP1, to SP to infinity and beyond. Are Microsoft programmers high on heroin while coding windows os’s or do they have something in their water? Mr Bill should consider making XP open source. Microsoft can project manage the development while programmers from around the world can participate. That’s what I would call XP Revolutions. Open source is the future Mr Bill.

Ok, first they said no interim, now they're talking about Windows XP Reloaded, pretty much is like get a fresh instalation of Windows XP, install the SP1, then the SP2 and download the patches that left, like something i always do when i install a fresh copy of WXP. Also, all this about Longhorn is like dissapointing me already, as you should know, they dont stop changing the ship date, first they said the Beta 1 will arrive in Feb 05, which made me happy, but now they said Beta 1 by Half 05, and so on with the other releases, and the final client version will arrive by half 06 or fall, also they took out "what longhorn was built for" which is WinFS, sucks!*, is like, they are not planning well, and corporations and clients, and users are getting dissapointed, it is like jumping from here to there, but the interim will calm us down, but its like, "do they have a date assigned for it yet?", who knows, and about Open Source, jejejeje, that's funny, yeah it is, Mr Bill doesnt know about "Open Source" they'll never get into that, and Microsoft will know that Open Sourcing Windows will be a tremendous mistake, trust me, you should know why.

I read all those comments about Windows, of all those stupid morons talking about MAC OS X, and let me tell you this: 1 - Windows has been there since ever, and both you and me have tried it before, and its the most expasible and software-supporting OS in the world, and the most used. 2-If those patches are there it is because of dumb people who always bother trying to take down the system and trying to mess it up day by day, which is the system that they "use to do that"... such a buch of stupid people.... 3- MAC OS X is like, "a nice box full of crap within",... who let you build your own computer and put all what you want in there? would you run one of the best games out there in linux, or mac os? would you say "wow!, thats a nice NVidia nForce @ 512MB DDR, 8X AGP, i'ma buy that card to put it in MY STUPID iMac!"? 4- every one of you out there, are saying that Windows sucks, and you use it!, then just stop using it and that's it, we wont follow you in your dessesperate act trying to do something that is imposible, and you guys can help make Windows better as the days pass.... 5- its sad to see such a bunch of bad expressions like these in this page. Sometimes Windows drive us nuts cause of something, but it is good after all, or if not then move to Mac OS X or linux, and start to suffer... no OS will let you do "whatever you want". Trust me guys, if we keep supporting Windows, or i mean, if we "start" to support it, Windows will become better as the time pass, but carefull with Microsoft. So guys please act like "touch but dont taste" because Mickey is smart.

Alllllllllll Righttttttttt! I would advice that Billy should also put some more work on the entertainment part of XP and not just on security. I was expecting a lot more from windows media player 10. But i dont get whats so new about it other than some new useless features. I was expecting something like 3D-Dancing visualisations. But it looks like Billy has saved that one for the late-est (longhorn) version of windows. There should be more cool features like DJ-mixing. The only new cool feature i found was the music speed controler. Well! Atleast dont insult the great MATRIX by naming this version after MATRIX-2.

i helps to think if u r smart and clever, to quit window$ and install i.e. a Debian.... "grep by nature, linux by choice, debian of course...."

Windows XP is the worst os that i have seen because WinXP with sp2 dont support JAva applets with file system so I thnk it is the worst OS ever made by microsoft Java

Windows XP is the worst os that i have seen because WinXP with sp2 dont support JAva applets with file system so I thnk it is the worst OS ever made by microsoft is WINDOWS XP

Jeez peeps, where do you guys get your info? You guys spent all that time posting forums about Xp reloaded, when there is no such thing...now or ever! Longhorn is next in line, it is a wonderful os! I have had the chance to use it myself, it is very beautiful and effeciant. The gui is a sleek Ice black and dark brown color. It is 20 times more user friendly and has enough bells ans whistles to keep you occupied for a long time. The ver. i used was unfinished and lacked the bottom end all together...however, the taste as all i needed to believe.

Yes, you are almost right about XP reloaded. It is not a OS at all, it is the code name for a marketing campaign that will run throughout Fall 2004, aimed at renewing consumer excitement in Windows XP. Simply put, it will be nothing more than more bells and whistles for download. You won't "need" it at all. As far as Longhorn goes, you nailed it perfect, except you failed to mention the best parts of it. The Longhorn alpha Welcome screen gets a long-awaited clock. A new visual disk space graphic in My Computer. New view styles adorn special shell folders like My Pictures. A new Preview view supplies meta data information about documents. The new Plex visual style is amateurish and gaudy. My Hardware is a new alternative to Device Manager. The Longhorn Sidebar uses XML to display Tiles, which are components connected to local and remote resources. The Sidebar can be used as a task bar replacement, in which case it seizes the Start button. To sum it up, it is just XP Pro with a whole new look and loads of extra features.

Frankly I am about tired of the "pay again and get a new Windows, or Refresh of the very same thing!" Isn't this a bit much?? Personally, I feel that if you have Windows XP loaded they should offer all of us a free upgrade if they are only doing some kind of a refresh on the same darn thing, I mean really!! Not everyone can afford to constantly keep buying yet another NEW version of Windows, or a new PC. Ya know?

yeah it aint happnin... there is no reloaded... winblows was just trying to get winetmag to shup about it

Longhorn has a clock? And a visual disk space graphic too?! Wowee, I'd certainly shell out at least $200 for that!

why you all against windows, if you know how to tweak it right and rewrite all the details they set, you should be perfect to do anything

good article useful helpful and just plain great. i thought that windows xp was MCE though but i amsur u arew right

I am just waiting until CodeWeavers adds support to CrossOver Office for more software and then getting rid of MS all together. Already things such as Adobe, Macromedia and even MS Office and IE work on my SuSE Linux box. I don't see the point of paying 300 dollars on a crappy OS. - Cosmin

Hi, I couldn't resist. You could call the newest version of MS longhorn, "The Apocalypse". :) Sorry, as a Mac User with a UNIX background I just wish someone would make a "good" PC MS competitor. Then we could have the choice Paul refers to without having a crappy overly complicated insecure bug OS. Then we would be getting somewhere.

XP sp2 was good idea need- now MS needs to have updates that would slowly involved into Longhorn casue it seem every 2- years mS gets new OS out then Geee all ready spent enough from windows 9x to me then to 2000-now xp come on just have updates that would make an One system with changes through updates and beta

XP sp2 was good idea need- now MS needs to have updates that would slowly involved into Longhorn casue it seem every 2-5- years MScomes out with new OS out then Geee all ready spent enough from windows 9x to ME then to 2000-now xp come on just have updates that would make an One system with changes through updates and beta..that would invole the OS Lonhorn or what ever it would become to. Caus spending moneny on software is getting pricy for microsoft software so just have open sorce if people want to advance to new or keep current version great. This would be ideal way in making it so theres Windows 9x-Xp support for all versions into one system.

For all of the time I have known about Microsoft, I have believed them to be a company who have no considerations for their customers, rather than getting as much money as possible off them. This only reinforces this idea, especially as there are suggestions that you will have to pay for it. Most people I know think the same concerning microsoft, will this be bad PR? One of two things will happen, the first being that the public will look at it like a scam and won't touch it, or the public will love it, but (and you can't say you blame them) they will refuse to buy Longhorn. I mean, why bother paying for an upgraded O/S when a new release is only a year or so away? It doesn't make sense, and I can see this causing Microsoft more problems than they wish for. I think this is going to be bad PR for Microsoft, despite which way you look at it, as I feel only one O/S will survive the Long Haul.

i'm happy because Microsoft is finally putting out sp3 hey at least we get new features and ah new sidebar i like that idea, sp3 is freeware always has been and always will be.

no i'm not you have too download the service packs like any other service pack that you download lol

that last annonymouse user was me by the way i maded of ah mistack not loging in lol sorry about that

It's amazing the ignorance online. We have many here who are spelling at a grade 8 level and trying to get their thoughts across at the same level. Kindergarten is out it would seem. None of the Service Packs for XP have cost anything so why would this be any different? I purchased my Windows XP Pro 3 years ago for 225.00 and it will last another three years. That's less than $50.00 a year for an OS that keeps getting better. Hell, go and play with Linux or Macware if you do not like M$. :)