Win2K 
          Note:  Service Pack 4 is released  , which makes the fifth newer release of windows 2000 a fact. After upgrading to windows 2000, download this ( 100 Mb ) fifth, windows 2000 upgrade   <<<here>>>   and then slipstream <<<here>>>  this new service pack and build a new Windows 2000 installation CD to upgrade your old operating system, do a new fresh install or repair Windows 2000.

1. If contemplating going to Windows 2K  check the HCL ( hardware compatibility list ) from the new operating system manufacturer. Also look at some of these compatibility answers <<<here>>> . Also have at least 64 Mb of RAM, or preferably 128 Mb or even more, especially for photography applications ( some of us even have 1.5 Gig of RAM ). Here is another Site with installation tips   <<<<>>>> .

2.  <<<Here>>> is a old compatibility testing program  about 2.6 Mb in size to download and run in your Win95, 98, ME or NT4 operating system. Remembering that this is an old program, run this small program and print the results. When the results say something isn't compatible, go to the manufacturer and see if they finally wrote a Windows 2000 driver for your hardware.   When upgrading to Windows 2000 (which is also called NT5 ) Don't Fret if the compatibility advisor complains about your sound card, as in 95 % of the cases it will come up working automatically anyway. If it complains about a scanner, printer, etc. simply go to the manufacturer with model # and see if they have posted a new Windows 2000 driver in the support section, or if they list a driver for NT4 which in most cases will work fine in NT5 ( win 2000 ). Usually a good company will eventually write a new driver, for new windows, for their old piece of hardware.    <<<Here's>>>  a link for drivers by manufacturer. Download them and save for later use. Give yourself 3 hours of peace and quiet. Let's start !

3.  My favorite method of upgrading, reinstalling and/or fixing older windows versions is to make a folder like "2K_install"  on your C:\ partition , then copy the entire contents of your Install directory ( I386 , 304 Mb ) from your Windows 2K CD to this folder on your hard drive. If you have other partitions like D: or E: make the folder there. Or better yet create these other partitions using partition magic and then make the install folder. When you have the space its neat to leave this folder there forever. Whenever a system file is needed you don't have to find and insert the Operating System CD. Using this method means you can ignore (cross out ) All references to adding or removing Windows 2000 CD in steps 4, 13, 14 and 23 below.

4. If Up Grading; from windows 95,98 or 98SE. First go to add-remove programs, in control panel and highlight and remove any Anti-Virus program. Next remove any applications ( programs ) such as Norton Utilities, etc. that won't be compatible. Now restart. Only If you are experienced, enter BIOS and make sure PNP is turned on and reset configuration says " yes ", and after returning to desktop give the three finger salute, Control, Alt & Delete and see how many programs are running. With windows 95,98 or 98SE you only want systray and explorer running. If you are in NT4 close all down. If you were able to do #4 above You may start installing by double clicking setup in the " C:\2K_install\I386\winnt32.exe  " directory  , using Windows explorer or adding smartdrive.exe to a 98 or ME emergency startup floppy disk, booting with the floppy  and selecting command prompt, running  smartdrive.exe  and typing " C:\2K_install\I386\winnt.exe  ".If you didn't do #4 above, try Inserting the Windows 2000 CD and wait a minute to see if you are prompted to upgrade to windows 2000, If this doesn't happen, Head over to Start, Run and browse to your windows 2000 CD and double click setup. Say OK and windows 2000 installation should start.

5. If doing a Fresh Install; which is preferred, but requires re-installing all of your programs.
Before Installing you should have some information from your Internet Service Provider ( ISP ). Such as ; If using a telephone modem your primary and secondary DNS's, your E-Mail address (exp. stinky@sover.net ) Your Mail Server user Name ( exp. stinky ). Your Outgoing Mail Server Name ( exp. mail.sover.net ), your Incoming Mail Server Name ( exp. mail.sover.net ) and your News Server name ( exp. news.sover.net ). If you have forgotten, find another computer and go online to your ISP's web address ( exp. http://www.sover.net/ ), then their support section, and print the generic information. You will have to call them for your e-mail address, user name, and password. Only If you are experienced, enter BIOS and make sure PNP is turned on and reset configuration says " yes ". Then Boot your computer with a Windows 2000 CD from BIOS, bios page, boot order or using the 4 boot disks which can be made from the the Bootdisk folder on the Win 2000 CD. 

6. Press " enter " to install Windows 2000.

7. Press " F8 " to agree with License Agreement.

8. If prompted, select Advanced and check " select partition " . And or Select the partition to install on ( usually C: ).

9. Add serial # when prompted. all caps.

10. When Prompted to up grade to NTFS, Say NO, Unless you don't need a uninstall option. 

11. If prompted to update using a Service Pack, insert the Service Pack CD. 

12. Window will say " Setup will now copy files " takes about 5 minutes. Then first Re-Boot will
occur.

13. When shut down; quickly Remove CD or enter BIOS and tell BIOS Page to boot from A:, C: I.E.  and   do NOT boot from the CD again !

14. You will be prompted to insert your CD again, if you removed it; do so. Otherwise continuing
along Setup will detect your mouse, keyboard, etc. Takes about 15 minutes.

15. Window about customizing for different regions and languages. Do not change anything.

16. Window about personalizing your software. Very Important that you only enter one name, and no organization. The name should not be your name or any part of any password you ever use. I recommend you use a short, favorite pets name. I.E. Perky . And you better carefully write this down on a password paper along with some other password information to follow later ! 

17. Window about " Computer Name and Password ". Under name you should see the pets name you used above I.E. Perky . Under Administrator Password please enter and confirm with three small x's I.E> xxx . Then write these down on the above piece of password paper!

18. Window about date and time. Please don't change. If not correct, change in BIOS later.

19. If you have a telephone modem, you will be prompted for Your area code. Type it in and say Next.

20. Window about time Zone. Set your time zone I.E. Eastern time, US & Canada. Check mark in auto adjust. 

21. Window about Networking Settings. Dot in typical settings is good. 

22. Window about Workgroup or Computer domain. Select " No this computer isn't on a network ".

23. Window about " Installing Components " then " Performing final tasks " will take about one full hour on modern machines, then finally re-boot the second time.   Again, Don't boot the CD !

24. After re-booting Window about " Welcome to Network ID Wizard ". Dot in " windows always
assumes and the user name should be Perky . Password enter xxx and confirm with xxx .
And carefully write this Information on the above piece of password paper.

25. Finally you should see the desktop !

26. Now to remove a pesky replacement for Old Find Fast, Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel,
Add-Remove Programs, Add-Remove Windows Components, and remove the check mark in "
Indexing Service " and say next, then finish.

27. Next we should configure Windows Explorer our file manager Program. Launch the program, go up to View, and select Details. Then go up to Tools, Folder Options, and select, Win Classic Desk, Win Classic Folders, Open Each Folder In the same Window, Double Click To Open An Item, "Apply". Next up top to View, And here I want you to think and Display and Show all options, except to Hide one Item; Protected Operating System Files. Apply, then go to top and press " Like current folder " Yes. Then press OK.

28. Now Power Options in Control Panel. I say Never to both, Apply then OK.

29. In the start button delete " Windows Update ".

30. Now go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, Display, settings page and set a high number of colors, more than 256 colors. And a screen area for your monitor size. At least 800 X 600 for a 17 inch. Then Apply. Next at settings, Advanced, Monitor select the highest refresh rate your monitor can handle, should be at least 85 Hz or higher for less eyestrain. Then Apply.

31. To make extra space on the C: Drive, if you have other partitions available, you may move your paging file ( Virtual Memory ). Go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, System, Advanced, Performance Options, Change and duplicate minimum and maximum size on another partition. then remove the original partition values and apply. Re-boot when prompted.

32. I would now De Fragmentize the partition Windows 2000 was installed on, before loading
programs. Defrag is in Programs, Accessories, System Tools.

33. For a telephone modem go to control panel, Phone and Modem Options, Modems page,
properties and make sure the maximum port speed isn't higher than 57600. Next on the diagnostics page, press query modem and a window full of info should come up. On the desktop click on Connect to the Internet. Select at the bottom " I want to select my internet connection manually ".  Next, then if you use a Telephone modem select " I use a telephone line and modem ". Next enter the telephone number for your Internet Service Providers ( ISP ) Modems, and then press Advanced. Do not touch anything on the Connections page and go to the Address page! At the bottom, under DNS Server Address, dot " Always use the following " . And enter your primary and secondary DNS numbers provided by your ISP. I.E. 207.14.113.2 Now say OK then Next. Now enter your user name and password, assigned to you by your ISP. For connection name I say something like GIS Net 743-2222, because I will later configure some other GIS different dial-up numbers which are different. Next I say No to configuring Microsoft Mail, as I recommend using Netscape mail. Click Finish.

34. For a Cable modem, On the desktop click on Connect to the Internet. Select at the bottom " I
want to select my internet connection manually ". Next select " I connect through a LAN ". Then
don't touch anything on Automatic configuration and say Next. Next I say No to configuring
Microsoft Mail, as I recommend using Netscape mail. Click Finish.

35.    A.     Printer Time. Go to control panel , Printers, and click add printer. Welcome to the add printer wizard, click next. Normally select local printer and  knowing your printer manufacturer  and model number, remove the  automatically detect check mark then click next. If using an older parallel port printer proceed with LPT1 or select your hookup type ( USB is newest ) and click next. Now on the left highlight your manufacturer  ( such as HP or Epson ) and on the right select your model number ( such as HP DeskJet  550C or Epson stylus color ESC/P2 ) (see the end of this paragraph if your model isn't available) and  click next. You may change the name or leave it alone. Its only for your convenience. Normally make your most used printer your default ( many people have several printers ) and click next. Printer sharing would be if you had a network of several printers in your house and wanted to print something on this printer from another computer elsewhere in your house. In this case your share name might be Kitchen_HP 550C .  If not on a network select, do not share this printer and click next. Next you are prompted to print a test page, select no and click next. Now finish the wizard ( you may have to insert your windows 2000 Operating System CD). Now let's return to Control Panel, Printers. Your new printer should show up with a little default checkmark, unless another printer will be your most used. Now right mouse click it and choose properties and on the general page at right bottom right, press print test page. After printing look at all your default options on these properties pages.   Just after installing a new program which uses the printer or installing a printer its a good Idea to Shutdown then re-start the computer before using either, to make sure everything works properly.

B.  Now even if your printer printed perfectly or model number wasn't available. The day you bought your new printer ( Before buying any new hardware you first should make sure it will work in the NT or Windows 2000 operating systems) you are supposed to go online to the manufacturer and look at support, drivers for the latest driver for your new hardware in the operating system you are installing. Yes, even if you just bought your fresh new printer today, there are probably newer better drivers for your OS ( operating system) posted at www.hp.com/ or www.epson.com/  to download and use ( if so dispose of the drivers that came with the hardware! ) . More people blow their operating system permanently  by trying to install floppy disks or a CD driver that came with their hardware and usually is for a different OS.  In Windows 2000 you should be at your manufacturer looking for Windows 2000 or NT4 drivers only after you try the OS, built in drivers in  paragraph A.  above.   If your printer, set to default, works properly from the print test page option in paragraph A. above and doesn't print from some application the fault lies with the application not the printer drivers. The most trouble free drivers are usually the OS built in or windows update drivers ( available where you select the manufacturer and model number in   paragraph  A. above ) .

36. Now lets make a ERD ( emergency repair disk ) Floppy Disk, to use If you ever have to repair the operating system or system boot files. Start, programs, accessories, system tools, backup,
Emergency Repair Disk. Place a floppy in A: drive, and a check mark in " Also back up the registry to the repair directory ", and say OK. Place the floppy in a safe place as you may need it some day.

37. An excellent Small start up panel control program is available  <<<here>>>  that allows you to easily configure which programs run when your computer starts. It also may be used to trouble shoot problems.

38.  You will probably be prompted to register programs and Operating Systems. Select skip or cancel to not register. Here are some reasons to not register: 

A. You will be flooded with junk mail. Most companies sell your address and any other collected information to others, which multiplies like rabbits. I once tested this by registering and adding a odd capitol letter in my street number. I had a flood of junk mail within 4 months.

B. You may want to abandon use of the program and sell or pass it to a friend. If he registered it, the program would be double registered.

C. No laws  require registration.

39. As viruses usually arrive via  e-mail , I recommend installing Norton Antivirus 2002,  and checking the  option to scan incoming and outgoing e-mail,   enable auto-protect,   and skip registration. Next, click on Options and make sure there is a checkmark in scan ALL files, click OK.    Manually scan with the up-dated antivirus program  all partitions and drives weekly  and before making CD's.     Also, it's best to be careful and , (using the right mouse button) request a virus scan on  all new floppy disks, or home brewed CD's .  And REMEMBER when installing or removing ANY programs to, first DISABLE auto protect !!!  See this   <<<here>>>  about adding, removing programs.  If you receive a lot of junk mail or SPAM and or  occasional large files you don't need  check out this neat, free program which easily checks your mail directly on your mail server and allows you to bounce them back, as no such address or delete them.  <<<here>>>

40. We are still safer using Netscape Communicator for all e-mail and removing or unconfiguring MS Outlook Mail.  To Download free Netscape Communicator and install and configure it go here  <<<<<>>>>> .

41. To make shell changes. Download and install MS Tweak GUI  <<<here>>>  . It will show up as the last ICON in Control Panel. 

42. Save your Password list and ISP configuration in a Known, Safe. PLACE ! This is NOT a TOY
operating system !   When finished, enter BIOS and turn PNP back to off.

43. Links to other good tips sites  <<<here>>> .

44.  Problems with your computer slowing down?  Run Task Manager ( Cont + Alt and Del ) and see if closing down some new installed program is the culprit. If all remains sick, before formatting ( after saving all your browser, e-mail , and work ) and doing a fresh install  try the registry cleaner at the bottom of the computer index page <<<here>>>.

45.  Does your Win2K installed partition seem to be growing in size ?   Here's where the unnecessary junk is hiding.   Go to  C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp   and check the size of your " Temp "  folder. It could easily be 200 Mb or more. Delete all you can. Also besides doing a search for " cookies " and deleting them, you will find cookies and other unnecessary things hiding in " Content.ie5 ". Do a search for  " content.ie5 " and delete all within the folder. In Internet Explorer IE5, I usually set my security options ( tools, internet options, security  to default level then click custom level and then disable both Cookie options in Cookies, unless ordering something online.

09/18/2004 07:52 AM