If you want to use the OEM copy of Windows XP that came with your Gateway computer, you must install the OS WITH the Gateway Recovery version that comes with 6!!! cds. In addition this software installs a hidden partition on your hard drive. You cannot install just Windows XP from the recovery cds, nor can you partition your hard drive as you see fit without the hidden recovery partition. There is nothing in the EULA that covers this. When I contacted Gateway, I was informed that although the EULA did not cover this issue the warranty did, and that if I installed Windows XP without installing the GRM, I would be voiding said warranty. Being that I could care less if my warranty is valid or not, I asked how I might install MY OS without also installing the Gateway software and was informed by Paul that this wasn't possible. He suggested I but a retail version of WinXP and install that if I wanted to partition my hard drive as I saw fit. When I told him that I had been given no consideration of this in any EULA nor in any literature that came with the computer, he informed me that was Gateway's "policy". I ask you, the digg community, Is policy allowed to trump the basic business principle of consideration? I own the OS, I own the computer. Shouldn't I be allowed to configure the OS and hardware as I see fit? Gateway says no.