Upgrading from WINDOWS ME to WIN2000 PRO

[Henry]

Hello there,

Before installing WIN 2000 Pro software, I would like to know if it is possible to install WIN 2000 Pro on a PC which is currently running WIN ME? Or do you suggest a clean set-up?

I am interested in keeping existing files, in particular emails, settings etc. Can I just install the WIN 2000 Pro without expericing any problems later, such as STOP errors, etc?

Please comment, perhaps there is a tutorial or referral somewhere?

On the current OS (WIN ME), I have also discovered that the Hard drive that I intend to use is acting a bit strange. I have used Norton Utlities and scanned the drive - it can't complete the scann as there is a program that keeps writing to the drive. I have examined this, uninstalled all programs, except Norton, scanned the drive again - but it keeps telling me that a program is writing to the drive. I have also un-installed and re-installed Norton, but a message from Norton keeps telling me that a program is writing to the drive. (Strange behaviour).This has also caused some inconsistencies, freezing programs, etc.

So, I thought about installing WIN 2000 Pro - maybe even re-formatting the hard drive, but need some help! What would you do?

My PC Specs:

OS: WIN ME, 550MB RAM, 1.9GHZ Processor, 40GB HARD DRIVE

Cheers,

[roystreet]

If ever possible, I would always prefer a clean install. This includes not using upgrades, but full versions if possible. Especially since you are having some problems w/your system as is.
This is the prime time to try to fix any hard drive problem since you are going to do a OS install. Before you install win2k, remove any partitions that exist on the drive. Then create a new partition (I usally creat at least 3, but that's me...I make one a small one & test programs on it. Then I can just format that section of the drive) Make sure that the partition is the appropriate size. Then format. I would suggesst using NTFS as the method instead of FAT 32. NTFS is much better & allows for more security. You should be able to partition & format simply by booting the system w/the win2k CD in the cd player. It's a fairly easy process. Remember generally hard drive problems as yours tend to not improve, but go down hill rather fast.

As well, I would make a regular habit of backing up everything that is important to you....That maybe a lot, so at least backup what is critical. The more you back up, the more space you will need.

Well, I hope this helps.
---roystreet

[MaxPower]

Try closing all processes before a disk scan...... roystreet is completely correct is stating that a clean install is prefered. Especially from ME (GET(ME)==Yuppy Flu). ME is not the best of the MS efforts.

I don't think you have a HDD issue. Messages as you describe would not prompt me to replace the unit. A process could be writing to the HDD and interupting the scan process. A typical Win98 issue.

If you do decide to install 2K then FAT is the prefered file system and partitions of < 7 GB produce the least overheads.

roystreet's advice re backups is spot on.... Do it before it's gone!!

I hope your move from ME to a proper OS is good.... All the best!!

[ESALADUANE]

You might want to re-think your plan. 2K came before ME so Microsoft does not support an upgrade from Me to 2K.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;272627

[MaxPower]

And why would you want the support of Microsoft???? - 2K is a lot more stable than ME...... Go for it you have nothing to loose!!!!

[ESALADUANE]

I agree with you guys that a clean install is usually the better choice. Henry's first idea (to upgrade) has several problems, and the fact that Windows 2000 came before Windows ME, is one more reason to go with idea number two (the clean install).