Reference number: CH000174

Upgrading to Windows 2000 recommended steps.

Issue:

Upgrading to Windows 2000 recommended steps.

Recommendation:

Because of the significant changes in Windows 2000 below is a listing of recommended steps that you should take before upgrading to Windows 2000.

1. Backup your software - As recommended in all previous versions of Windows as well as any operating system, it is always recommended that you backup your important software before upgrading to Windows 2000.
2. Verify if our computer is compliant - Check Microsoft's Hardware compatibility page to verify if your computer is Windows 2000 compliant. If you computer is not listed, you can contact your manufacturer to verify if your system is Windows 2000 compliant or verify if each of the hardware components within your computer are Windows 2000 compliant by following step three.
3. Verify your hardware is compliant - Verify that your computer hardware is on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List. If you hardware is not listed, it is a good possibility that either the hardware is not compliant with Windows 2000 or that your manufacturer has not submitted the information to Microsoft. As a last attempt you may want to verify if your hardware is Windows 2000 compliant with your manufacturer. 
4. Are new drivers required - Check to see if any drivers are available / required for your hardware components and Windows 2000 by going to the driver's manufacturer site through our drivers section.
5. BIOS Update - Verify either through the computer or motherboard manufacturer web site or over the phone that your computer does not require a BIOS update. It is also recommended that you verify if the Computer BIOS is ACPI compliant; if not, what steps may be needed to help the installation. 
6. Verify if your software is compliant - Verify if your software is Windows 2000 compatible by downloading Microsoft's Windows 2000 Readiness Analyzer.