Can I install Windows Vista and keep my existing Windows 2000?

Question

I have an AMD Athlon 64 3200 and am still running Windows 2000. If I get Vista can I install both on my system? I'm afraid of my old devices and drivers not working with the 64 bit version of Vista.

Also, if I install Vista on one computer but find its not working well, can I uninstall it and then install it on a different computer?

Answer 1

You can partition your hard drive and install 2000 on one partition and Vista on another. Then select what OS will start up.

It's a technical achievement, but can be done.

Answer 2

First, as far as I know you can't dual boot Vista.
You can try a dual install if you are feeling really ambitious.
I defer to someone else's wisdom for that.
It does take two hours to install and will nag the hell out of you every step of the way so you better get ready for that.
Second, (this I do know) If it is a home edition you can only activate it one time and you can only make one migration (hardware change) after that Microsoft will tell you that you need to purchase another license.
If it is the $400 business edition you can re-install and activate it as many times as you want as long it remains on the same machine.
Just wait until more people wind up having to purchase replacement licenses, you just think that Vista is unpopular now.
People who purchased OEM versions are already being told that their activation keys are no good.

Answer 3

If your system was designed for Win2k, chances are it's not up to snuff to run WinVista.

If you sincerely think your machine can handle it, most forums say win2k and Vista can be dual booted via the Vista boot manager.

I recommend doing some research first.

Answer 4

First, the demands of Vista are far reaching, your old PC
probably doesn,t have it in her.

I have not played with Vista myself, but a friend, and others
say, you can not dual boot Vista, and another OS.

When you boot it will auto boot to Vista.