My Win2K Pro has been running without re-installation for over 2 years
now. No major problems, but slowly I come across small ones (Computer
Management not opening up, applications not running while they run on
identical systems but with a fresh install/reinstall, etc.) I already
tried sfc, didnt help much. Checked for
viruses/trojans/worms/spies/etc with various commercial software
packages.

Im interested whether it would be possible for me to reinstall Win2K
on top of the installation I currently have. Would it also be possible
to keep the registry settings along with the installed programs in
C:\Progra~1\ ? Also would I be able to keep my user settings too ?

Any technical information would help.

Hiya!

If you put your win2k CD into your drive and restart your computer,
you should (providing bios settings are correct) be given the option
to boot from CD.  Once into the installation the software will detect
the current version of windows and will not request a hard disk
format.  Providing you do not re format, all of your local and user
settings will stay the same, even things like desktop icons, the
computer will also keep the current registry, but it will reinstall
all system files (other than those modified for use with program
installed) and you will have a clear version of most of the system
files.

I don't think this is the most professional way of restoring a
computer, but as you mentioned, it does help when you have large
amounts of data stored.

Good luck

Alright, will sure try that.
Should I use a "Reinstall" or "Update" (I remember the setup offering
similar choices before) ?

Thanks

Hi  mnklmd-ga,

Yes, this is possible.  As it happens, I just did it myself.

You don't need to boot from the CD-ROM.  You can just load it with
Windows running.  Click "Install Windows 2000" on dialog that comes up
when you load the CD.

On the next page, select "Upgrade to Windows 2000 (Recommended)", NOT
"Install a new copy of Windows 2000 (Clean Install)".  The "new copy"
option will wipe out all your files and settings.

After you do the reinstallation, it would be a good idea to visit
Windows Update and get all the current security fixes.  Windows Update
is on the Tools menu in Internet Explorer.

If you think this comment adds sufficient value to tuneman's comment,
I would be happy to post it as an answer.

--efn

P.s.  Of course, it would be wise to back up your files before you
embark upon this adventure.

I would try the "update" option, although I think it only provides the
option to install previously excluded applications (such as
netwroking, telenet etc etc).  If you do the reinstall, you will also
be ok, but it will replace all the files as mentioned before.....

Good luck