7.5 Special Installations
7.5.2 Replacing Windows 9x with Windows 2000
The process for replacing Windows 9x with Windows 2000 is similar to the process of upgrading from Windows NT 4.0 to 2000. The hardware compatibility list tool should still be used to make sure the computers that are to be upgraded will work with the Windows 2000 operating system.

If the computer passes the hardware compatibility test, running the Windows 2000 setup program will start the upgrade to Windows 2000. There are several steps required to complete this process:

  1. Run the winnt32.exe command.
  2. Accept the license agreement.
  3. If the computer is already a member of a domain, a computer account in that domain must be created. Windows 95 and Windows 98 clients do not require a computer account, Windows 2000 Professional clients do.
  4. Upgrade packs must be provided for any applications that might need them. Upgrade packs update software so it works with Windows 2000. Upgrade packs are available from the software manufacturer.
  5. There will be a prompt to upgrade to NTFS. If there is no plan to set up the client computer to dual boot operating systems then select this upgrade.
  6. The Windows 2000 Compatibility tool runs, generating a report. If the report shows the computer is Windows 2000 compatible, continue with the upgrade. If the report shows the computer is incompatible with Windows 2000, terminate the upgrade process and remove or upgrade the incompatible hardware or software before continuing.
  7. The upgrade should finish at this point without further user intervention. After the upgrade is complete, the password for the local computer administrator account must be entered.

If the computer is Windows 2000 compatible, it is now upgraded and is a member of the domain.