I have 2 PCs networked together and on the secondary PC I would like to wipe the hard drives clean (re-format?) and start fresh. I have moved all files I need to the primary PC. I have a bootable copy of Win2k but not XP, which I would like to run on 2nd PC. Can I install Win2k with the bootable version and then use my XP upgrade version to install XP? I assume this will work. What is the best way to wipe the Hard Drives? Anything else I should be aware of or do in this process? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

If Win2k is an eligible product then you do not need to instal it first to Upgrade. You can do a clean instal using the upgrade disk. you will be prompted during instal to provide evidence of eligible product. At that point take out the XP disk, insert the 2k. After verification reinsert the xp upgrade disk and complete the instal. As far as wiping what's already on the drive, you may be able to use a 98 bootdisk and run FDISK to remove all current partitions, create a new partition and format (in FAT32) You may be able to convert it to ntfs later if so desired using the XP instal disk. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and his wife will never forgive you.

Hi, There's a very good guide here: http://www.hexff.com/win98_install.php It's talking about w98, but applies to the wipe/partition/format regardless. Dunno about the upgrade. I would not use XP in any case. When you get your fresh partition booting: xcopy [CD drive letter]:\i386 c:\i386\ [enter] c:\i386\winnt [enter] M2

Just be aware that you can't use the same product key for both computers. Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.

Sci Guy, Yeah, there's another good reason to not use XP. M2

Why would you not use XP M2, or is the answer too long? What would you use? I have 2 different XP serial numbers, so that is not a problem. I have used XP and Win2k and prefer XP. Thanks again for all the input.

Hi Gregavi, Besides being heavy on resource use, SP2 problems, licensing etc, I refuse to get involved in the feeding frenzy. I use w2k. M2