Existing Client Computers

The examples in this section are for computers that have the following preexisting client configurations.

Example 1: Windows NT Workstation 4.0 with Windows 2000 Compatible Client Applications

Perform an upgrade. Client operating systems that can be upgraded include Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT Workstation 4.0, and Windows NT Workstation 3.51.

For information about applications that are compatible with Windows 2000 Professional, see the Directory of Windows 2000 Applications link on the Web Resources page at http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/reskit/webresources.

To install Windows 2000 Professional on computers that have compatible hardware

1. Back up user settings.
2. Upgrade the system by using one of the following methods:
   • Initiate a "push" (completely automated) installation by doing the following:

   Using systems management software such as Microsoft® Systems Management Server.

   – Or –

   Performing a network installation.

   – Or –

   Performing a remote boot. This requires that Remote Installation Server be configured and a bootable network adapter installed.

   • Initiate local installation by running Winnt32.exe with the desired parameters from the command line and:

   Perform a manual installation (with no answer file). Answer all prompts.

   – Or –

   Perform an automated or semiautomated installation with an answer file. In a completely automated installation, the answer file provides answers for all questions. You can use a semiautomated installation to permit some user input for applications that you choose.

To install Windows 2000 Professional on a computer that has noncompatible hardware and whose hard disk does not need to be replaced

1. Replace any necessary hardware except the hard disk.
2. Verify that all new hardware functions properly.
3. Back up user settings.
4. Upgrade the system using one of the following methods:
   • Initiate a "push" (completely automated) installation by doing the following:

   Using systems management software such as Systems Management Server.

   – Or –

   Performing a network installation.

   – Or –

   Performing a remote boot. This requires that Remote Installation Server be configured and a bootable network adapter installed.

   • Initiate a local installation by running Winnt32.exe with the desired parameters from the command line and:

   Perform a manual installation (with no answer file). Answer all prompts.

   – Or –

   Perform an automated or semiautomated installation.

To install Windows 2000 Professional on a computer that has noncompatible hardware and whose hard disk must be replaced

1. Upgrade at least one of the following:
   • RAM
   • Processor
2. Verify that all new hardware functions properly.
3. Back up user settings.



Note

Although it is possible to back up the entire contents of the hard disk to a new hard disk before upgrading the computer, this is not generally feasible for client computers.

4. Replace the hard disk. Copy the image that was backed up.
5. Run Winnt.exe from the command prompt with the desired parameters by using one of the following methods:
   • Perform a manual installation (no answer file), and answer all prompts.

   – Or –

   • Perform an automated or semiautomated installation. Use one of the following methods:

   CD-ROM Boot Setup.

   Syspart. This is useful when installing new hard disks in the computers.

   Sysprep. Use when installing to identical computers (HALs and mass storage device controllers must be identical).

   Remote boot. This requires Remote Installation Server to be configured and a bootable network adapter to be installed.

6. Install applications compatible with Windows 2000 Professional.
7. Verify system functions as required.
8. Import user settings (for example, Regedit/Regedt32, logon scripts, policies, roaming profiles).

Example 2: Windows NT Workstation 3.5 or Earlier, and Non-Microsoft Client Computers

Client operating systems that cannot be upgraded include MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows NT Workstation 3.5 or earlier, and OS/2.

To prepare for a clean installation, obtain a client computer built by an OEM/Solution Provider. To perform a clean installation on a new computer or install the operating system on an existing computer, perform the following procedure.

Note

For information about applications that are compatible with Windows 2000 Professional, see the Directory of Windows 2000 Applications link on the Web Resources page at http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/reskit/webresources.

To install Windows 2000 Professional on a client operating system that cannot be upgraded

1. Back up user settings.



Caution

If you install Windows 2000 Professional on an existing computer running an operating system that cannot be upgraded to Windows 2000, all user settings will be lost.

2. Run Winnt.exe from the command prompt with the desired parameters by using one of the following methods:
   • Perform a manual installation (no answer file), and answer all prompts.

   – Or –

   • Perform an automated or semiautomated installation. Use one of the following methods:

   CD-ROM Boot Setup.

   Syspart. This is useful when installing new hard disks in the computers.

   Sysprep. Use when installing to identical computers (HALs and mass storage device controllers must be identical).

   Remote boot. This requires Remote Installation Server to be configured and a bootable network adapter to be installed.

3. Install applications that are compatible with Windows 2000 Professional.
4. Verify system functions as required.
5. Import user settings (for example, Regedit/Regedt32, logon scripts, policies, roaming profiles).

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