>It is clear that the software was identical, so therefore your 11 "identical" HP
>systems were not so identical after all. The problem was not so much
>Microsoft as you may be thinking.
>  
>
it is imposible to get identicle machines...   you cant steal the caps 
off of one board for another... there in lyes a big problem...  i have 
done a good ammount of system building in my time..  5 processors  3 
systemboards and 2 sets of memory were purchaced in one order..  when 
recieved the 3 cpu's were almoast built at the same time 2 were a 
different plant.  the memory i cant remember about other then they were 
identicle brands.  the system boards were same modle and had if i 
remember simler build dates.  when one board/case was put with fist set 
of memory it wouldent use any of theprocessors using the other memory 
and first cpu  was buggy 3rd worked moderatly well.  switching to 
different board  first set of memory worked 3rd and 4th processor only.  
3rd board only worked with 2nd memory set and 2nd 4th and 5th 
processor.   it was quite a mess to get both systems running stable.   
the first board if used with a different type processor worked like a 
champ but didnt like the memory or processors.   it is funny to see how 
much different evin closly made parts have  this was also back when 300 
amd's were pretty new