How can I make a copy of Windows 2000 operating system?

Question

I have an HP Vectra computer that I purchased used that has Windows 2000 on it. I was not able to get the disks with the computer. I would like to make a copy of the Windows 2000 operating system. I would then like to reformat my hard drive and install Windows XP on it. How do I make a copy of Windows 2000 and then clear the hard drive? Thank-you

Answer 1

You are asking for performance deterioration by 'upgrading' from 2000 to XP. Plus (pun intended), you are in violation of copyright law and Microsoft's EULA by keeping Windows 2000 installed while not owning the original media that came with the computer. But you knew that, right?

An alternate solution is to trash Microsoft and all they represent. Download and burn an iso for Linux, and install that on your computer (just allow formatting of the hard drive during the installation). A desktop Linux distribution (there are dozens) will run faster, be much more stable, exhibit real security, and give you incredible functionality - all for the price of your time and study.

My recommendation, for someone coming from the restricted Windows world, is PCLinuxOS.

Answer 2

You are allowed to make a copy of a legal purchase of software. I can make a copy of my Windows XP and keep it for safekeeping. Read the licensing.

If I were in your case, which is probably "I want to try to install XP but I have a feeling that it may not work, therefore I need to be able to go back to Windows 2000". If that is the case and you are not trying to circumvent any licensing issues then I would make an image of the drive that is on the Vectra currently. Then install XP on the drive.

Using Norton's Ghost 2003 you can image the current info on the drive and then restore it back if XP doesn't work out.

Keep in mind though, you cannot install that image on another computer, that image is only useable on the Vectra. It's the same with all NT based Windows operating systems. The hardware is tied to the files in the OS and changing hardware is going to result in a big BSOD.

So, making that image isn't going to violate anything - because it's only useable on that one system.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

if you're going to install Windows XP why do you need a copy of 2000, anyway you can always copy over the i386 folder to a cd and use a floppy boot disk and point the boot disk to the i386 folder, if it were server 2000 you could make an remote install image and copy that to cd instead of placing it on a server, then you can always download the Windows 2000 ISO file somewhere on the net and burn it to cd, but again if you're installing XP why do you need 2000?

Answer 4

Sounds like what you want to do is create an installable version of Win 2k from an installed version of Win 2k?

You can't. Windows does not leave the installer on your system when it installs.

In order to have a working copy of Win 2k that you could use, you'd need to mirror the drive - copy every flippin' thing on it. Then, if you decided you wanted to go back to Win 2k, you'd copy the mirrored disk back to the drive.

Answer 5

i dont think u will be able to cause the install files are not on your hard disk after they are installed best thing u could do is install another blank hard drive and copy the windows 2000 one to it then reformat the one u wanna put xp on, or download partition magic and dual boot

Answer 6

Just get a (legal) copy of windows XP and install over Win2000
Follow guidelines and it will perform a full format for you.
You might want to save any of your data first, and to do that, there are plenty backup utilities.

Answer 7

First of all it's not illegal if all you doing is backing up your PC, but it is if you are distributing it for profit. THAT'S WHAT COPYRIGHTED MEANS!. but anyways you could make a backup if you get Symantec's Partition Magic and a External or Internal Hard Drive.

Answer 8

i would tell you but the risk is to big cause im a wiz in computers and im trying to build a new windows and microsoft

Answer 9

See if any P2P programs have it for download.

Answer 10

its illegal so dont do it