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How to Upgrade Windows 98 to Windows 2000?
by Mark Pool
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Overview
How to Upgrade Windows 98 to Windows 2000?
For compatible computers, there are several options when migrating from Windows 98 to Windows 2000. The upgrade will provide a considerable increase in system stability and security. Before starting an upgrade, it's important to prepare the system by checking compatibility and upgrading the BIOS as needed. Installed programs should also be checked for compatibility with Windows 2000.
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Preparation
There are several steps that should be taken to ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 2000. Even with compatible hardware, it's important to ensure that the BIOS firmware is completely up to date. If an in place upgrade is being performed, any security or anti-virus software should be disabled so it doesn't interfere with the upgrade process. Any drives that have been compressed using programs such as DoubleSpace or DriveSpace should be decompressed.
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Requirements
The minimum hardware required by Windows 2000 is not the same as Windows 98. Before upgrading, it's important to verify that the computer meets these requirements, including: 133 MHz or faster Pentium-compatible CPU, 64 MB of RAM and a 2GB hard drive with at least 650MB of free space. These are only the minimum requirements; a faster computer with more memory and space will improve performance.
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Upgrade
There are two options when installing Windows 2000, an upgrade or a clean install. An upgrade keeps all user data, compatible programs and settings, and does not require that the hard drive be reformatted. A clean install completely erases the hard drive, including all user files and programs, before installing Windows 2000. A clean install does require additional work, but may result in a more stable system.
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Compatibility
Checking compatibility before installing Windows 2000 can be quite involved. The following items must all be checked: hardware, programs and drivers. Fortunately, there is a tool that can simplify the process. The Windows 2000 installation disc includes an upgrade report tool. This tool will perform a comprehensive analysis of the system and provide a compatibility report. This report will include all items that are fully compatible, hardware that has a driver under Windows 2000 and incompatible items.
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File System
A final option when installing is the choice of file system. The default file system in Windows 98 is FAT32. The setup program provides an option to upgrade the file system to NTFS during the upgrade or installation. Unless another operating system will be sharing space on the hard drive, it's an excellent idea to select NTFS. The NTFS file system provides increased stability, security and error recovery.
