Hi Simon, I guess the first question to ask is why install an operating system which has reached the end of its life-cycle? Microsoft stopped supplying on March 31st 2005. Essentially Windows XP Professional is the current equivalent, and indeed fixes many problems inherent in Windows 2000. But do you in fact need all the security features of XP or even Windows 2000. XP Home itself is cheaper, and a major improvement anyway. The most important consideration is the hardware itself, so take a look at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.ms px, and be prepared for even more research of the individual components such as CD writers, etc. Check with the individual manufacturers to ensure their hardware is up scratch. Bear in mind that you may need to upgrade your screen reader, and in some cases, it may be necessary to migrate to the professional version of that. George. ________________________________ From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List [mailto:VICUG-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of goshawk Sent: 20 March 2006 11:05 To: VICUG-L@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [VICUG-L] installing win2000pro? hello list, I am thinking of changing my os to win2000pro, and would like to know the following. can I just install it over the current os, which is win98se, or do I have to wipe the machine clear first? is the installation strait forward? are there any options I should change rather than just letting it go ahead, to ensure better running of the machine? any other pointers also would be welcome, as I haven't done anything like this before, but win98 is starting to get on my nerves a bit. Simon VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List. To join or leave the list, send a message to listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In the body of the message, simply type "subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations. VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html