Upgrading from Win 9x to Windows 2000

I always find it better to start with a fresh O/S install as opposed to an upgrade. I would recommend formatting and installating Win2000. However if the version of the O/S is an upgrade version, then you need a pre-existing O/S on your system before you can install. Be sure to back up you data files. You may also want to perform a system back up in the event you want to return to your previous operating environment (for whatever reason). Good luck.

It is possible to "upgrade" from Win98 to W2K.

However, it is definitely preferrable to perform a clean install. Obviously you'll need to do a good backup, and so on. Make sure that you have some relevant drivers for your "basic" system, including the CD-ROM. And make a bootable floppy with CD-ROM support. Put FDISK.EXE and FORMAT.EXE (or is it .COM?) on the floopy as well.

Hi,

A number of programs that were written for Win98 simply wont work on Win2K. Its to do with the way the Win98 programs were allowed to directly access devices. Win2K doesn't allow this and the program crashes.

The above answer suggests thatits better to do a fresh install and he's right. If you have time and you've backed everything, then try it both ways! If the upgrade doesn't work to your satisfaction, THEN go for a clean install...

The other thing is... If this is a home PC, then consider a dual boot. I have this (With WinXP) and still occasionally go back to Win98 for some things. But mainly games, I must admit...

Cheers,
Tim.

I agree, it's always better to perform a clean install if possible. However, I upgraded my copy of Windows 95 to Windows 2000 without a problem.

Keep in mind it will ask if you want to switch from Fat to NTFS, and once you switch you can't go back.

Windows 2000 will take application settings from the previous version and as the previous respondant stated, some applications will not work due to the way that 2000 handles requests. Windows XP does have an application compatibility mode which canbe configured on a per application basis to ensure that the applications run correctly. I would always recommend doing a clean install as opposed to upgrade. If doing so in an enterprise there are options to save settings for Office applications via the custom installation wizard, but not for other apps etc.

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