Help please!?!

Having serious issue with Microsoft products! Explorer barely working, Office 2003 has problems, etc.

I have tried to download,install microsoft updates from their web site, but none work. It keeps giving me error messages like: specified file not found. I'm working with 2000 Pro, and need to update with SV4, but like everything else Microsoft, it will not work.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
2e

Having seen all your posts across this board I would suggest reinstalling your Operating System and Programs.

That would at least be the most expedient method and sure of overall success (as long as your hardware is solid).

If I could load a new OS without losing all of my software etc. I would do it in a heart beat... sort of. I no longer have the 2000 pro disk (lost in last move).

Can I upgrade to XP pro without having to reformat? I know that wiping the disk is the best option, but I have 60+Gig of music/movies/games etc. that I don't want to lose.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
2e

If you can still access this drive then you can back up to another drive or CD/DVD's.

If you cannot access this disk you can slave the drive in another computer to retrieve the data.

Even with an Upgrade version of XP you will retain your data and programs as long as you choose the Upgrade (Repair) Install rather than the Clean (format).

In the long run the Clean format would be preferable but it is not necessary.

Although data can be retrieved prior to a format Programs cannot as they need to be installed into the registry. A Repair (Upgrade) should leave them intact but it is not always certain.

This site offers very good guides and options:

http://michaelstevenstech.com/index.html

Ok, just so I have this right. If I were to transfer all my info to a seperate drive and install XP, then I should be able to read everything off of the drive after install? Even though XP uses a different file system then 2000....

If I have nothing to lose (ha! ha!) then I guess I'll just have to break down and buy another XP licence.

Appreciate the help, on my way to make a donation to the cause.

VR,
2e

You can choose the file system that you want during install. Both XP and 2K generally use NTFS.

If by any chance your 2K is in FAT32 you can always change this. NTFS can read FAT but not vice-versa.

Data i.e. text; pictures; files; videos; etc. can be backed up and reinstalled.

Programs cannot. For example you would need to reinstall Office and or any Games if you do a Clean (Format) install.

I have done countless Repair (Upgrade) installs with no loss of data or Programs. The difference is the Format (Clean) will wipe your registry as the latter Repair (Upgrade) will not.

The disadvantage here is that problems in the registry might be carried over. But this is rare in my experience.