Date: 5 Jul 1997 12:49:23 -0000
Message-ID: <19970705124923.28353.qmail@dns01.ops.usa.net>
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To: opendos AT delorie DOT com
From: b52g AT usa DOT net (JP Morris)
Subject: Re: Win95 and OpenDOS: an experiement.
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>    Please inform me as to what is ment by sr0 and sr2 versions in your
>message?  I understood all else but don't know what you mean by this sr0 and
>sr2 portion necessary for w95 two seperate versions.
>     Thanks,
>      Mark
>

There are three different versions of Windows 95.
The original version installed on most people's computers, which I refer to
as Service Release Zero, or SR0.

Later, Microsoft released an update (things they couldn't be bothered to put
in the original release, and new drivers).

This update is called Service Release 1, or SR1.
The update is free, and available on some cover disks.

Most recently, Microsoft decided that the best way to beta test their new
FAT32 filesystem, would be to secretly pre-release it in a new product,
OEM Service Release Two, SR2.

SR2 came on ALL machines bundled with win95 since april.  It is outwardly the
same, but the new version has 'internet explorer' written on the boot logo.
Microsoft are trying to pretend it doesn't really exist, until win97,98,99
or whenever FAT32 is officially part of windows.

SR2 behaves differently in some situations, causing hell with the tech support
people at Th**n.  The FAT32 filesystem can be invoked by rebuilding the machine
(ie, with Fdisk).  When it comes preinstalled it uses fat16.

Microsoft decided in their infinte wisdom that SR2 was too good for the masses,
and for this reason it can only be obtained with a new machine.
Less scrupulous dealers will sell you a copy, but Microsoft will refuse to
acknowledge this.  You can't register it, and they will laugh at you if you
need technical support.

I hesitate to say this, but all things considered, you're probably better
off 'borrowing' a copy, as you'll be violating the licence agreement anyway
should you install a copy that wasn't purchased with a system.  I think.

FAT32 is interesting as it turns drive C into a 0k device driver.
Programs such as Norton get confused when they see this, but they don't crash.
Try running undelete in windows 95.

Virus bootdisks, such as Magic Bullet will probably fail, as they tend to use
wierd things, like DR Solomon's own special operating system (DSdos??)

I think that probably answers all questions about oem-SR2?

>
>                     Mark  F.  Warchol,  MWarchol AT Flash DOT net
>Sunny shores of beautiful Blue-Water-Beach   Lexington,  Michigan  USA
>
>
** b52g AT usa DOT net ** http://members.tripod.com/~JPMorris **
Data control & IBM, Science is mankind's brother
but all I see is draining me & my Plastic Fantasic lover!
 -- Jefferson Airplane