Installing Windows 2000 over itself

[DeadSeaSquirrels]

Ok, I downloaded DVD Genie to try, and it s*cked, and it didn't get rid of itself when I uninstalled it. I looked up the registry and it still has a lot of risidual crap on my computer. I was wondering if I could reinstall windows 2000 on top of itself to get rid of the crap from the registry but still retain the applications that I have already installed. I remember 98 and 95 use to let me do that.

 

[BRoced0]

I dont think it will fix it.. But it may its worth a shot! theres a chance that you can use your system restore if you have it set... that can result in loss of programs you have now and not then... but i would recommend setting up a system restore date just incase of future problems 🙂 hope that helped

of all the things ive lost... i miss my mind the most!!!

 

[skiznots]

Not 100% sure this will remedy your problems, but try running ad-aware to remove those old keys.

~skiznots

 

[starwarsdad]

Do what I do and delete the keys manually.

Back up the registry first in case you screw it up though!

 

[rkoenn]

When you install a version of windows "on top of itself," you do maintain all the software and settings you had before. However, you also have a great likelihood of carrying over the problems as well. If it is a dll or driver problem in which windows would replace the bad file with another, then the reinstall might fix the problem. However, if windows doesn't replace the problem causing file or the problem is within the registry itself, you may not fix the problem. Then the only real solution is a "clean" install of windows and then, of course, everything else as well. Best to save your data and wipe the hard drive if you have to do that.

 

[Cnuke]

Log on as admin. Back up regestry and go to the key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ find the maunfacture name in list and check to make sure that you do not have other apps by that company. If not highlight the manufacture name and hit the delete key. It should be all gone.

Remember messing with the regesty is not for all so I would not get in the habit of doing this.

Good Luck

 

[stash]

theres a chance that you can use your system restore if you have it set... that can result in loss of programs you have now and not then... but i would recommend setting up a system restore date just incase of future problems

Windows 2000 doesn't have system restore.

 

[Anubis]

DONT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

last time i tried to install win 2K over itself it Fuked my comp and i was forced to reformat and reinstall. it just doesnt work


you could do it with 98 smoothly but in Win 2K it just is a bitch

 

[Cnuke]

If you run 2k install from boot cd it will alert you that there is a current version currently installed. You have two options. Reload the system files or format and load them. If you do not format the drive then it will rebuild and replace any destroyed or corupt system files.

If you delete the key I listed above you will not need to reload the OS.