Need help replacing WinNT4 w/ Win2000

[rpochoda]

I'm having problems with my Windows NT4 and want to replace it with Windows 2000. However, I no longer have all the installation disks for the software I've accumulated over the years. Of course, I'll backup my program and data files to an external drive before starting but do I have to be concerned about losing my registry settings? Will the new Windows automatically create a new registry file? Can I save the current NT4 registry and use it to overwrite the new one? Is there anything else I should be concerned with?

Thanks for any tips.

 

[bcastner]

You can do an upgrade installation of Win2k. You will e offered this choice when you boot from the Win2k CD.

. The RAM and hard disk requirements of Win2k are larger than those for NT. Make sure you have 128 Mb. of RAM minimum, and 1gb of free hard disk space minimum;

. Check your hardware for compatability with Win2k:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/howtobuy/upgrading/compat/default.asp

. Disconnect from the internet. Disconnect any non-critical hardware devices.

. Do the upgrade.

. Install a software firewall from Zone Alarm, Tiny, Sygate or other freeware firewall vendor.

. Head to Windows Update, as you will be missing quite a lot of Hotfixes and Crticial Updates. You will want to obtain a Service Pack as well; SP4 is inclusive of the changes in all previous service packs.