XP to Windows 2000

[fifi]

I needed a box that will run Win2000. I couldn't find one to buy. I had bought an XP pro box instead with the aim of converting it to Win2000. I have 2 options. install 2000 over the XP or reformat the HD install win 98 or WinMe and upgrade to Win 2000 (I onoy have Win2000 Upgrade). I want the easiest non conflicting way to convert this box to Win2000.

[ktkendall]

reformat the harddrive than just install W2k, it will at one point ask you to put the disk in from previous windows version to qualify for upgrade version of w2k. Point is you don't have to go thru installing those previous versions..

[RJ]

The best way is option 3, the ony you didn't mention and probably don't know about. It's like this:

You boot from the Windows 2000 CD to install Windows 2000. Remove every existing partitions, and create new ones, using NTFS. Then Windows 2000 setup will continue.
At one point it will ask you to insert an older version of Windows, so then insert the Windows 98 or ME disc. As it's an Windows 2000 Upgrade, it wants to see that you own a previous Windows version, but you don't have to have it installed previously.
Well, then Windows 2000 setup will continue until it's finished.

RJ

[ITlover]

So when we use win2000 bootable cd to install win2000 over winxp, doesnot the win2000 cd asks during installation to remove winxp?

I hope my question is clear

[ktkendall]

Our reply is based upon installing with a blank harddrive which is how you'll have to do it cause you can not upgrade XP to W2K. When U boot from the W2k cd it will allow you to format the drive.. And once again the point I was merely trying to bring about is that U do not have to install any of the previous windows versions to use the W2K upgrade disk, you DO have to have the Cd available from the previous version of windows though. The installation process will ask for it to verify that U do qualify for the upgrade version..

[fifi]

Thanks all. Your suggestion works. I install Win 2000 form CD. It reformatted the drive and install. THe only problem is I have to manually install most of the HW drivers.