[kevinnn]

I'm currently running Windows ME on a HP computer. [WinME was preinstalled] I'm planning to reformat my hard drive and installing Windows 2000 Pro. Is there anything I should be warned about or anything special I should know before going on? [I backed up my documents/software and have all the drivers for my hardware]

Thanks in advance!

[cack01]

If you have your drivers already and all your important info is saved then format away. Once installed, the first thing I would do is install your network drivers then get online and download service pack 4 and any other updates.

If you are using a raid array, post before you format/install b/c there is an added step during the install.

[kevinnn]

Originally posted by cack01
If you are using a raid array, post before you format/install b/c there is an added step during the install.

i dont think im using a raid array. will i need drivers for my USB keyboard and usb mousE? those are the drivers i won't have because those were preinstalled with the computer package.

[kevinnn]

what is raid array?

[cack01]

I you are unfamiliar with a raid array, then you do not have one.
Its basically a bunch of hardrives which act as one drive.

You will not need mouse or keyboard drivers. Windows 98/ME did need these, but USB is native for windows 2k. You can always download the mouse manufacturers's drivers, but they are not needed.

[kevinnn]

Originally posted by cack01
I you are unfamiliar with a raid array, then you do not have one.
Its basically a bunch of hardrives which act as one drive.

yeah ok i thought thats what it was... the deatchable harddrives that unite as one...haha i referred to it as RAID...anyways thanks for the response

[Kendan]

Make sure you activate some type of firewall before you go on the net. BLaster is still around

[kevinnn]

what do you guys think is the best way to format? should i make a windows ME startup disk or should i use the win2000 cd and format then install?

[Kendan]

Either way is fine. you could also get a boot disk from www.bootdisk.com and do it that way too.

[cack01]

I would make a bootdisk, b/c after you install 2k you will need 3rd party programs to make one.

But I would go ahead and use the windows CD to format. It really does not matter.

[kevinnn]

thanks for the responses guys, i'm going to be formatting tomorrow afternoon, and i'll post again if i have any more inquiries

[kevinnn]

one question: when i install win2k, how will i obtain the drivers for my CD-rom drive and dvd rom drive?

[Kendan]

Online. Just make sure you download a firewall and install it and turn it on before you put the newly installed system online. That is of course if you are not behind a firewall

[kevinnn]

OKay guys, i successfully installed windows 2000. however i have one problem: i can't connect to the internet or my LAN. it detects my network card but it says i don't have my PCI driver communicators installed. Another thing is, i don't have all the network drivers [ex: tcp/ip protocols] that i once had. Does anyone know what i can do??

[Kendan]

You have to install your drivers for your network card. Download the latest ones from the manufacturers website.

[kevinnn]

thanks for your reply kendann...but it was fixed simply by reseting my router! win2k runs really smooth, as opposed to windows ME and a lot of garbage on it. thanks for your help guys!