Windows 2000 Pro: The Missing Manual

Appendix A. Installing Windows 2000 Professional

If you're on a corporate network, someone else probably handles Windows 2000 installations; you can skip this appendix (and the delightful experience of in- stalling a new operating system). And if you've just bought a new computer with Windows 2000 computer preinstalled, you're similarly excused from reading the following pages.

But if you're upgrading your machine from an earlier version of Windows, read on to determine whether your computer is up to the Windows 2000 challenge and how to plan your installation. (And if you're reinstalling Windows 2000, skip straight to "Prepping Your System" on Section A.2.4.)

UP TO SPEED : Help with Upgrading and Compatibility

In addition to the Hardware Compatibility List (Section 16.1), Microsoft maintains Web sites and white papers on meeting hardware requirements for Windows 2000.

Start with the Windows 2000 home page ( http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/default.asp ); you can branch out from there for product and technical information.

If you're wondering if your current system will work with Windows 2000, download and run the Readiness Analyzer at http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/upgrade/compat. On the same page are links to search for wholly compatible computers, software, and the latest device drivers.

See http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/library/planning/client/deploy.asp for a guide to deploying Windows 2000 Pro in a business environment.

For problem solving, search the Microsoft ...