********************************************************************** Release Notes for Setup, Part 1 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional ********************************************************************** (c) 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. When installing a new operating system, you need to make several choices. The Windows 2000 Setup wizard and this readme series guide you through these choices. You also learn how to connect your computer to a network. ====================================================================== Before You Begin ====================================================================== When you set up Windows 2000, you have to provide information about how you want to install the operating system. The procedures in this readme series help you provide necessary information. To ensure a successful installation, you should complete the following tasks-which are described in the sections that follow-before you install Windows 2000: * Make sure your hardware components meet the minimum requirements. * Obtain Windows 2000-compatible hardware and software, such as upgrade packs, new drivers, and so on. * Obtain network information. * Back up your current files before upgrading, in case you need to restore your current operating system. * Determine whether you want to perform an upgrade or install a new copy of Windows. * If you're installing a new copy, identify and plan for any advanced Setup options you might want. Important: Before you begin, you should also read the file Read1st.txt, which is on the Windows 2000 Professional CD. This file contains late-breaking information that was unavailable when this book and Windows 2000 Help were written, including preinstallation notes vital to the success of your installation. This readme series describes how to run Setup and install Windows 2000 on a single computer. Alternative methods for installing Windows 2000 are detailed in the resources below. For more information about the deployment process and automated installation tools, see the Windows 2000 Professional Resource Kit. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Meeting Hardware Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Before you install Windows 2000, make sure your computer meets the following minimum hardware requirements: * 133 MHz Pentium or higher microprocessor (or equivalent). Windows 2000 Professional supports up to two processors on a single computer. * 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM recommended minimum. 32 MB of RAM is the minimum supported. 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM is the maximum. * A 2 GB hard disk with 650 MB of free space. If you're installing over a network, more free hard disk space is required. * VGA or higher resolution monitor. * Keyboard. * Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device (optional). For CD-ROM installation: * A CD-ROM or DVD drive. * High-density 3.5-inch disk drive, unless your CD-ROM drive is bootable and supports starting the Setup program from a CD. For network installation: * Windows 2000-compatible network adapter card and related cable (see the Hardware Compatibility List, Hcl.txt, in the Support folder on the Windows 2000 Professional CD). * Access to the network share that contains the Setup files. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Checking Hardware and Software Compatibility ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Windows 2000 Setup automatically checks your hardware and software and reports any potential conflicts. To ensure a successful installation, however, you should determine whether your computer hardware is compatible with Windows 2000 before you start Setup. You can view the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) by opening the Hcl.txt file in the Support folder on the Windows 2000 Professional CD. If your hardware isn't listed, Setup may not be successful. To see the most recent version of this list, visit the Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/hcl Important: Windows 2000 supports only those devices listed on the HCL. If your hardware isn't on this list, contact the hardware manufacturer and ask if there's a Windows 2000 driver for the component. You don't need to obtain drivers for Plug and Play devices. If you have a program that uses 16-bit drivers, you need to get 32-bit drivers from the software vendor to ensure that the program functions properly after the upgrade. For the most recent information on compatible and certified programs for Windows 2000 Professional, visit the Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Web site at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/professional/deploy/compatible/ During Setup, you can use upgrade packs to make your existing Windows 95 and Windows 98 software compatible with Windows 2000. Upgrade packs are available from the appropriate software manufacturers. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Obtaining Network Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If your computer won't be participating on a network, skip this section. First, you need to decide whether your computer is joining a domain or a workgroup. If you don't know which option to choose or if your computer won't be connected to a network, select the Workgroup option. (If you do, you can join a domain after you install Windows 2000.) If you select the Domain option, ask your network administrator to create a new computer account in that domain or to reset your existing account. If your computer is currently connected to a network, you should get the following information from your network administrator before you begin Setup: * Name of your computer * Name of the workgroup or domain * TCP/IP address (if your network doesn't have a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol [DHCP] server) If you want to connect to a network during Setup, you must have the correct hardware installed on your computer and be connected by network cable. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Backing Up Your Files ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you're upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you should back up your current files. You can back up files to a disk, a tape drive, or another computer on your network. How you back up your files depends on your current operating system. If you're using Windows 95 or Windows 98, you may need to install the Windows Backup program. If you're using Windows NT 3.51 or Windows NT 4.0, Windows Backup is installed by default. You must have a tape drive installed to use the Backup tool in Windows NT. For more information about installing or using Windows Backup, see your current version of Windows Help. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Upgrading vs. Installing a New Copy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- After you begin Windows 2000 Setup, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether to upgrade your current operating system or to perform an entirely new installation. During Setup you're asked to choose between upgrading or installing a new copy of Windows (or clean install). During an upgrade, Setup replaces existing Windows files but preserves your existing settings and applications. Some applications may not be compatible with Windows 2000 and therefore may not function properly in Windows 2000 after an upgrade. You can upgrade to Windows 2000 Professional from the following operating systems: * Windows 95 (all releases), Windows 98 (all releases) * Windows NT 3.51 Workstation, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation (including service packs) If you choose to install a new copy, Setup installs Windows 2000 in a new folder. If you're currently using a nonsupported operating system (such as Microsoft Windows 3.1 or OS/2), you must install a new copy. You have to reinstall applications and reset your preferences when you install a new copy. You should upgrade if all You should install a new copy of the below are true: if any of the below are true: ====================================================================== You're already using a previous Your hard drive is blank. version of Windows that supports upgrading. - and - - or - You want to replace your Your current operating system previous Windows operating doesn't support an upgrade to system with Windows 2000. Windows 2000. - and - - or - You want to keep your existing You already use an operating files and preference. system, but you don't want to keep your existing files and preferences so that you can cleanly install. - or - You have two partitions and want to create a dual-boot configuration with Windows 2000 and your current operating system. You can use a dual-boot configuration to run both Windows 2000 and another compatible operating system, such as Windows 98, on your computer. You should install Windows 2000 on a different partition than your current operating system. Determining Advanced Setup Needs ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If you're already using Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 3.51, or Windows NT 4.0 and you choose to install a new copy during Windows 2000 Setup, the Select Special Options screen appears during Setup. From this screen, you can select Accessibility and Language settings. If you want to modify the way Setup installs Windows 2000, you can click Advanced Options, and then perform any of the following tasks: * Change the default location of the Setup files. * Store system files in a folder other than the default folder (Winnt). * Copy the installation files from the CD to the hard disk. * Select the partition on which to install Windows 2000. Unless you're an advanced user, it's recommended that you use the default settings. ====================================================================== Running Setup ====================================================================== The Setup wizard gathers information, including regional settings[j2], names, and passwords. Setup then copies the appropriate files to your hard disk, checks the hardware, and configures your installation. When the installation is complete, you're ready to log on to Windows 2000. Note that your computer restarts several times during Setup. How you start Setup depends on whether you're upgrading or installing a new copy of Windows. Determine your installation method, go to the appropriate section in this readme series, and then follow the procedures for your Setup scenario. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If You're Installing a New Copy (Clean Install) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If your computer has a blank hard disk or your current operating system isn't supported, you need to start your computer using one of the following: * The Setup startup disks. * The Windows 2000 Professional CD, if your CD-ROM drive is bootable. Some newer CD-ROM drives can boot from the CD and automatically launch Setup. If you don't have the Setup startup disks, you can create replacement disks. To install a new copy using the Setup startup disks 1. With your computer turned off, insert the Windows 2000 Setup startup Disk 1 into your floppy disk drive. 2. Start your computer. Setup starts automatically. 3. Follow the instructions that appear. The following sections discuss the different installation methods available. To install a new copy using the CD 1. Start your computer by running your current operating system, and then insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. If Windows automatically detects the CD, click Install Windows 2000. Setup starts. You're finished with this section and can skip to "Collecting User and Computer Information," later in this readme series. If Windows doesn't automatically detect the CD, start Setup from the Run command. * In Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0, click Start, and then click Run. * In Windows NT 3.51 or Windows 3.1, in Program Manager, click File, and then click Run. 3. At the prompt, type the path to the setup file. the following command, replacing d with the letter of your CD-ROM drive: d:\i386\winnt32.exe If you're using Windows 3.1 or the command prompt, type the following command at the prompt, replacing d with the letter of your CD-ROM drive: d:\i386\winnt.exe 4. Press ENTER. 5. Follow the instructions that appear. To install a new copy using a network connection 1. Using your existing operating system, establish your connection to the shared network folder that contains the Setup files. You can also use an MS-DOS(r) or network installation disk to connect to the network server-if the disk contains network client software. Your network administrator will be able to provide you with this path. 2. If your computer is currently running Windows 95, Windows 98, or a previous version of Windows NT, at the command prompt, type the path to the file winnt32.exe. If your computer isn't running one of the above versions of Windows, at the command prompt, type the path to the file winnt.exe. 3. Press ENTER. 4. Follow the instructions that appear. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- If You're Upgrading ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The upgrade process is simple. The Setup wizard detects and installs the appropriate drivers, or it creates a report on devices that couldn't be upgraded so you can be sure your hardware and software are compatible with Windows 2000. Important: You must uncompress any DriveSpace(r) or DoubleSpace(r) volumes before upgrading to Windows 2000. To upgrade Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT 4.0 from the CD 1. Start your computer by running your current operating system, and then insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. If Windows automatically detects the CD and asks if you would like to upgrade your computer to Windows 2000 Professional, click Yes. Otherwise, click Start, and then click Run. At the prompt, type the following command, replacing d with the letter assigned to your CD-ROM drive: d:\i386\winnt32.exe 3. Press ENTER. 4. Follow the instructions that appear. To upgrade Windows NT 3.51 from the CD 1. Start your computer by running your current operating system, and then insert the Windows 2000 Professional CD into your CD-ROM drive. 2. In Program Manager, click File, and then click Run. At the prompt, type the following command, replacing d with the letter of your CD-ROM drive: d:\i386\winnt32.exe 3. Press ENTER. 4. Follow the instructions that appear. To upgrade from a network connection 1. Using your current operating system, establish a connection to the shared network folder that contains the Setup files. If you have an MS-DOS or network installation disk that contains network client software, you can use that disk to connect to the shared folder. Your network administrator will be able to provide you with this path. 2. If your computer is currently running Windows 95, Windows 98, or a previous version of Windows NT, at the command prompt, type the path to the file winnt32.exe. 3. Press ENTER. 4. When you're asked if you would like to upgrade your computer to Windows 2000 Professional, click Yes. 5. Follow the instructions that appear. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Collecting User and Computer Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Windows 2000 Setup wizard leads you through the process of gathering information about you and your computer. Although much of this installation process is automatic, you may need to provide information or select settings in the following screens, depending on the current configuration of your computer: * Licensing Agreement. If you agree with the terms, select I accept this agreement to continue with Setup. * Select Special Options. Use this screen to customize Windows 2000 Setup, language, and accessibility settings for new installations. You can set up Windows 2000 to use multiple languages and regional settings. For more information, see "Determining Advanced Setup Needs," earlier in this readme series. * Upgrading to the Windows 2000 File System (NTFS). Windows 2000 can automatically convert partitions on your hard disk to NTFS, or you can keep your existing file systems. If you're upgrading, Setup uses your current file system; however, you can change to NTFS, the recommended file system for Windows 2000. * Regional Settings. Change the system and user locale settings for different regions and languages. * Personalize Your Software. Enter the full name of the person and, optionally, the organization to whom this copy of Windows 2000 is licensed. * Computer Name and Administrator Password. Enter a unique computer name that differs from other computer, workgroup, or domain names on your network. Setup suggests a computer name, but you can change the name. Setup automatically creates an Administrator account during the installation. When you use this account, you have full rights over the computer's settings and can create user accounts on the computer. That is, logging on as an Administrator after you install Windows 2000 gives you administrative privileges that you need to log on and manage your computer. Specify a password for the Administrator account. For security reasons you should always assign a password to the Administrator account. Take care to remember and protect your password. * Date and Time Settings. Verify the date and time for your region, select the appropriate time zone, and then select whether you want Windows 2000 to automatically adjust for daylight savings time. * Networking Settings. Unless you're an advanced user, select the Typical settings option for your network configuration. Select the Custom settings option to manually configure network clients, services, and protocols. * Workgroup or Computer Domain. During Setup, you must join either a workgroup or a domain. For more information, see "Providing Networking Information," later in this readme series. * Provide Upgrade Packs. Some software manufacturers provide upgrade packs that allow your programs to work with Windows 2000. If you don't have any upgrade packs, simply click Next to continue with Setup. * Network Identification Wizard. If your computer is participating on a network, this wizard prompts you to identify the users who will be using your computer. If you indicate that you're the only user, you're assigned Administrator privileges. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Providing Networking Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------- During or after Setup, you need to join either a workgroup or a domain. If you won't be working on a network, specify that you want to join a workgroup. Joining a Workgroup ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A workgroup is one or more computers with the same workgroup name (for example, a "peer-to-peer" network). Any user can join a workgroup by simply specifying the workgroup name-you don't need special permissions to join a workgroup. You must provide an existing or new workgroup name, or you can use the workgroup name that Windows 2000 suggests during Setup. Joining a Domain A computer account identifies your computer to the domain, while the user account identifies you to your computer. A domain is a collection of computers defined by a network administrator. Unlike joining a workgroup, which you can do yourself, joining a domain requires permission from the network administrator. Joining a domain during Setup requires a computer account in the domain you want to join. If you're upgrading from Windows NT, Setup uses your existing computer account. Otherwise, you'll be asked to provide a new computer account. Ask your network administrator to create a computer account before you begin Setup. Or if you have the appropriate privileges, you can create the account during Setup and join the domain. To join a domain during Setup, you need to provide your user name and password. Note: If you have difficulty joining a domain during Setup, join a workgroup instead, and then join the domain after you finish installing Windows 2000. ====================================================================== Starting Windows 2000 ====================================================================== After gathering information, the Setup wizard completes the installation. The computer restarts several times, and then the logon prompt for Windows 2000 appears. After you log on, you can register your copy of Windows 2000, create user accounts, and reconfigure any settings that you entered in Setup. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Logging on to Windows 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- When your computer restarts after installation, you log on to Windows 2000 for the first time. If you upgraded from a previous version of Windows and already had an existing user account, you can log on using that account and password. If you don't have a user account, you need to log on using the Administrator account and the password you selected during Setup. Then you can create your user account. To log on to Windows 2000 using the Administrator account 1. In the Log on to Windows 2000 dialog box, type the Administrator password that you created during Setup. 2. Press ENTER. Windows 2000 starts, and the Welcome screen appears. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Creating a User Account ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Your user account identifies your user name and password, the groups you're a member of, which network resources you have access to, and your personal files and settings. Each person who regularly uses the computer should have a user account. The user account is identified by a user name and a password, both of which the user types when logging on to the computer. You can create individual user accounts after logging on to the computer as Administrator. To create your user account 1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 2. Double-click Users and Passwords. 3. Click Add. The Add New User wizard appears. 4. Follow the instructions that appear. After you've added your user account, you're ready to log off as Administrator and log on using your user account. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Registering Your Copy of Windows 2000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To open the Welcome screen, click Start, click Run, type welcome, and then click OK. If you have a modem, you can register your copy of Windows 2000 by starting the Registration wizard in the Welcome to Windows 2000 dialog box. If you do not have a modem or an Internet connection, use the registration card included in the Windows 2000 package to register. Continued in Pro2.txt