Update or Full install

[old dog 2]

I have a Dell Optiplex 150 running Win 2K. I have been thinking about updating to XP. I can not make up my mind which way to go. If I do an update will all my drivers and things like that still be there? I think if I do a full install I will then need to reinstall all the drivers. Right?? Any suggestions??

[Cricket]

You have to ask yourself if you really need to upgrade to WinXP. Win2000 is still a very good OS and the basic kernel is the same for Win2000 and WinXP. Performance and stability between the two will probably be the same with Win2000 possibly giving slightly better performance.

Cricket

[bailey]

I don't think you really need to do a full install, although that is always the best thing to do.
w2k is also on the nt base and should upgrade to xp with no problems at all and you don't lose any settings.
I believe you would be fine with the upgrade. you will need to install any updates and or service packs as needed.

[glc]

You will have to reinstall drivers regardless of what kind of install you do.

My question for you is this though - WHY do you want to upgrade to XP? Any specific reasons? Is there something you need this computer to do that it will not do with Win2K? I think I'm trying to say - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[old dog 2]

Well there are several reasons. First I want to dual boot with a linux O/S. There have been reports that 2k doesn't like to dual boot with linux. It seems that it slows way down. I know first hand that Xp does not mind at all. I have one computer now with linux and XP but the bios is such that I can not put in a bigger HD. So what would be the best way to go. Put in a bigger HD in the Dell and update to xp and dual boot xp and linux? The other option is to flash the bios on the other computer and install a larger HD and dual boot xp and linux.

[glc]

That's the first time I've heard of a dual booting problem with 2K - I don't see where it would be ANY different than XP in this respect.