Question about Win2000 install

[RU482]

I have Windows 2000 SP2 installed on a machine, well, actually, two machines. I need to "make things right" with microsoft (i.e. get a licensed OS on the second machine). I have the second machine configured just how I need it to be.

Here is what I need to know...

Can I install a new copy of Win2K (so it will show the new OS ID) without changing anything else on the PC?

thanks

 

[DnetMHZ]

actually.. you can just keep your current installations just as long as you can produce the licenses if anyone ever checks.
I.E. you can use the same disk to install as many machines as you want as long as you've bought the proper number of seats

 

[RU482]

It's more about those remote checks across a netwrok that I am worried about...I don't want to go into detail

 

[DnetMHZ]

<< It's more about those remote checks across a netwrok that I am worried about...I don't want to go into detail >>



It's debatable whether those actually exist.

 

[Bglad]

Just tell MS you already have 2000 and want to buy an extra license. Then don't change anything. Even if you have serial # trouble, you should be ok if you can show you paid for 2 licenses.

 

[RU482]

<<

<< It's more about those remote checks across a netwrok that I am worried about...I don't want to go into detail >>



It's debatable whether those actually exist. >>



I mean across my LAN @ work :Q


I still want to know if it's possible to install Win2KSP2 on top of Win2KSP2 without harming any of the data or programs on the drive

Thanks

 

[Bglad]

I've never tried it with 2K. It does have the reinstall feature but with previous versions of Windows you would get an error that says the disk inserted has a different serial number than the installed version.

I doubt that MS removed this "feature". This is your easiest solution though and would only take about 2 minutes to test so I would certainly try.

 

[Kilocomp]

I have used the reinstall feature several times. It is very nice feature for fixing a messed up system. It replaces all of the system files and does not touch the application files or data files. After the reinstall I do not remember if you had the option of putting in a new CD-Key in, but if you did try you probably would not harm your system. Another option is there might be a reg key you could change that stores the cd-key. I know other Microsoft apps you have this option, but I am not sure about the OS. Also even if you didn't change it and just purchased another copy you should be fine. What will happen is they will scan your network and see you have 20 copies of win2k on the network and ask you to produce 20 licenses. Having the same key would not be a huge problem with them, as a volume key would be the same on numerous systems.

Nick