switching operating systems

[april]

First I want to thank everyone who helped me get my computer up and running. I have windows 98, but want to upgrade to Windows 2000. How do I do that. I have no computer sence, so dumb it down for me. Will I lose my files? Thanks.

[RoSpider]

If you installed Windows 98 yourself, installing Windows 2000 shouldn't be to much hassle. After booting Windows 98, you just insert the Windows 2000 Installation CD and the installation should start up automatically. In case it doesn't start automatically you just execute the setup executable file found on the root of the CD. After the installation wizard has begun it's pretty easy. The installer should detect the currently installed Windows 98 and will give you the option to upgrade to Windows 2000. It also let's you run a compatibility check for the installed software to see if the applications you have installed on your system will run in Windows 2000 (you should select that when installing). After completing that the install system will restart you computer and begin the actual setup process which shouldn't be too hard to follow. You might want to take a look at Microsoft's upgrade suggestions and tips found at http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...b_iwp_qwgi.asp. Hope this helps.

Good Luck

[april]

Thank you for your help. I greatly appreciate it.

[harry12]

Originally Posted by april

"...Thank you for your help. I greatly appreciate it...."

Good you're sorted, but although it's a while ago (July05),I'm surprised no-one suggested buying another HDD (cheap enough and the old one is a back-up to ask q's here!)
Then install Win2000 (but why?) cleanly. any problems can only be due to the new installation. Furthermore your files are still available if you make the old HDD the slave (or simply transfer to CD).
I like the idea of separating OS (or having a clean back-up), at least if all else fails you have a working PC - provided we agree the electronics rarely goes wrong. (oops!).
I use a system of "pull-out" drawers for the HDD's so they are easy to slip in and can be stored away from the PC (for security away on holiday etc). The only thing to watch is heat - the HDD do get quite hot and in any "warm" country (I'm in the UK) you probably need the metal versions which contain an extra fan with each HDD. Mine are plastic and there is a fan in the chassis-cradle but the HDDs still gets hot. I have additional fan blowing in the case to try and move the air. These days there are relatively fancy forms of cooling -all good stuff if you can be bothered. This depends on the ambient temperature I guess. Nearer the Mediteranean it must be Hell being a HDD.
RegardsH