Would someone comment on this reinstall sequence?

I've been dragging my feet on this, but it's time for a Win2K reinstall. Here is most appropriate install sequence as it appears to me:

1. Install Windows 2000 from my original disk to a newly formatted (and relatively small) OS-dedicated drive C:

2. Install latest ATI video driver previously downloaded and waiting on drive F:

3. Install phone company DSL software and modem

4. Retrieve SP4 from Microsoft, choosing Express Install to put it in place.

5. Use Intel disk which accompanied the machine when it was first built for me over two years ago to install various drivers, especially sound.

6. Install Epson drivers for the two printers

7. Install deinstaller (Cleansweep)

7. Install PhotoShop and only then the Epson Scanner software and scanner.

8. If all is well, make Drive Image copy of OS drive and put it on E:

9. Install other apps as desired.

I'd really be obliged if you all would look over the sequence, reminding me of what I've forgotton and/or reordering my priorities.
Regards,
O.

 

Antivirus software? Firewall? Somewhere between doing #1 and using #3.

 

4. suggest you download the corporate full install of SP4 and archive it.

5. Suggest you update these drivers as they are old now. Windows update will possibly update some such as the sound driver, others from the Intel site.

7. Do you really want a third party (fourth, if you include the programmes) deinstaller. I'm not convinced they are really needed. Suggest you use registry cleaners (see below) every now and then.

10. Turn off allow indexing on your C drive.

11. Run the defragmenter accross C drive, and every couple of weeks or so.

 

Do yourself a huge favor and make an install CD with 2K, SP4, and any post SP4 hotfixes/security patches you want and do the install with that. Much cleaner than the other way.

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=814847

 

Does this presume a Microsoft CD?

Newt, the reference here speaks of SP3: I presume the steps would be the same for SP4. Do I get the SP4 CD from Microsoft and proceed? Or is it possible to download the contents of the SP4 CD and make my own archive? Would the process then be essentially the same? How many CDs will be on the table in front of me as I prepare to install?

Naah, it's really too much for the likes of me: too many terms I don't understand. "The distribution share is now configured and can be used to install the operating system with the included hotfixes." That's the last line of the article. I'd love to be able to go forward with your suggestion, but the first step now escapes me. Before I give up, however, perhaps you could tell me a little more.
O.

 

I think Arie already did a better job of that than I could.

http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/winxp-sp1-bootcd.html

 

Slipstreaming Win2K and SP4

Newt, I just got my copy of Nero Burning (something like it is required for the finished disk to boot: cf your reference above). The article deals with XP; will the Win2K/SP4 disk emerge from these directions in pretty much the same way?
O.

 

Pretty much the same. Take a look Here for the 2K version.

Note that these instructions (most of the 2K slipstream instructions in fact) are written for a network admin to place a slipstreamed 2K load on a network server but they also mention how to burn it to a bootable CD.

 

apparent success

"Apparent" success only because I have to interrupt the install process at the product number prompt: I need the machine for some days yet and can't risk a problem. However, the instructions for slipstreaming XP and Sp1 which you referenced above work in exactly the same way for Windows 2000 and SP4. I'd warn the user however, that when it comes time to use the "upgrade" command, and the user makes a typing error, he will get a box with all the "upgrade" parameters. The box indicates that the "s" parameter should be formatted in a way which will not work. The referenced article is correct, and the format indicated by the author will do the trick. Thanks all, and especially Newt!
O.