How to Upgrade From Windows 2000 to Windows XP Pro
Upgrading your Windows operating system is a good way to give your computer added life and access to all the newest software and security features. With Microsoft cutting off support for Windows 2000 in July 2010, the urgency to move your system to a newer platform cannot be overstated. Upgrading to Windows XP Pro is the logical move to make, as newer Windows operating systems will likely be too intensive for an older computer. Thankfully, Microsoft makes the Windows 2000 to Windows XP Pro upgrade process fast, easy and painless.
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Instructions
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Back up your important data before you do anything. Upgrading from Windows 2000 to Windows XP is a significant system change that could potentially result in data loss if any errors occur. Do not proceed with the upgrade until your data is saved elsewhere!
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Run a hard-disk check to ensure that your hard drive is stable before beginning the Windows XP upgrade.
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Degragment the hard drive once you confirm that the hard disk is healthy. The Windows XP installation will make some serious adjustments to your system that will operate more cleanly on a defragmented disk.
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Insert the Windows XP Professional installation disc.
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Restart your computer.
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Enter your system BIOS by pressing F10 as soon as the computer splash screen appears. You will need to change the boot order from the primary hard disk to the CD/DVD drive to upgrade Windows.
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Select the "Advanced BIOS" tab.
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Change the boot order so that the CD/DVD drive is the first device listed.
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Select "Save Changes and Exit" to restart the computer once more, and then allow the computer to boot to the Windows XP Pro installation disc.
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Select "Install Windows XP" at the welcome screen that loads.
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Select "Upgrade" as the "Installation Type," and then click "Next."
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Select "Accept" at the User Agreement screen, and then click "Next."
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Enter your Windows XP Pro user key, and then click "Next." The user key is generally found on the CD case that your installation disc came in.
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Select "Yes" to download updated configuration files if you are connected to the Internet. If you are not, select "No" and then click "Next."
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Installation will proceed after this point, taking approximately 45 minutes, depending on the speed of your computer. Once installation is completed, the computer will restart and Windows XP Pro will be booted as your operating system.
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