[Katmandu]

I just got a system in that has 2000 on it. I want to install XP on it instead.

Do I need to completely reformat the HD to get rid of 2000 and prep it for XP ?

[peterhuang913]

Best thing to do it backup, format and reinstall.

[CalcProgrammer1]

I was able to go straight from 2000 to XP on my laptop with no reformat, but that's only because the Windows XP CD I downloaded (my computer came with CD key but only lame recovery CD's, and I didn't want it wiping my Ubuntu partition) wouldn't boot (maybe cause I modified the ISO to remove the stupid hacks). However, then you end up with a boot prompt to ask which OS to use. You can remove that in the MSConfig boot.ini tab and then delete the WINNT folder from your PC. My XP is on an old partition, runs like new though.

[Win2kpatcher]

Originally Posted by Katmandu

I just got a system in that has 2000 on it. I want to install XP on it instead.

Do I need to completely reformat the HD to get rid of 2000 and prep it for XP ?

It is not necessary to reformat no...you can launch the winodws xp setup within windows 2000 and perform an upgrade...however I agree I would much rather start with a fresh install...I am having a lot of problems at work with machines that have been upgraded from 2000 to XP with my SMS setup..but if you are in non-corp/work env It should be fine.