Going to Install XP Pro

I am going to install XP Pro to replace Windows 2000.

I have two IDE Drives installed on a single cable on one IDE Channel. I have to replace Windows 2000 because I have a corrupt TCP/IP stack in Windows 2000. So, I cannot access the internet any more. Windows 2000 is installed on the "C" drive which is the master drive.

Can I install XP in the "D" drive which is currently the slave drive and then swap the drives around on the cable, as well as changing the master and slave jumper pins on each drive. Will XP be bootable at this point?

I cannot delete the windows 2000 drive until XP works and I can move programs and data between the drives?

Or should I remove the Windows 2000 drive and then make the second drive the Master drive before installing XP and then put the Windows 2000 back in as the slave drive to copy off programs and data to the new XP installation.

 

The above is the safest route, if all goes haywire at least you have an untouched HD to fall back on. If things go well add your 2k drive as a slave and you can copy the data across.

EDIT: Either way it's unlikely you'll be able to use the programs without reinstalling them. Make sure you have master disks for any program you wish to use.