Convert W2K Server to W2K Pro

[Guest]

I have a PC running W2K Server that is no longer on a network. I'll be using
this as a standalone PC at home for my kids schoolwork. Space is limited on
the hard drive, so I'd like to clean it up if possible. Is there a way to
"strip off" the Server portion so this computer runs as if the OS was W2K
Professional? Thanks.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I have a PC running W2K Server that is no longer on a network. I'll be using
this as a standalone PC at home for my kids schoolwork. Space is limited on
the hard drive, so I'd like to clean it up if possible. Is there a way to
"strip off" the Server portion so this computer runs as if the OS was W2K
Professional? Thanks.

You will have to reload Win2000 from scratch. On the other hand,
seeing that hard disks are so cheap, why don't you get a larger disk,
then copy the whole system across to the new disk? Post again if
you need instructions on how to do this.

 

[Eric McG]

If you feel like walking on the wild side, there's a hacker's tool called
NTswitch.exe that's been around since 2002. It supposedly converts a
server-to-workstation and vice versa. The authors state that this was developed
as a proof-of -principle app.

Here's an excerpt from the NTswitch.zip readme file:
---quote---
It's a well-known fact that Microsoft's Windows Workstation and Windows Server
products share the same binaries - the only difference lies in the registry. The
sole reason for the creation of this software is to demonstrate this fact to the
public.
---end quote---

If you're interested in this approach, you'd be best served by searching Google
for info/comments from users of NTswitch. Some claimed that when used to convert
a server-to-workstation it made it possible to install workstation versions of
AV apps. Others also stated that they had to reinstall all service packs and
hotfixes after converting. Some say it was all just smoke and mirrors.
Interesting stuff, but it doesn't appear to solve your disc space problem.

Here's a download link:
http://www.lsi.idv.tw/Download/Win2000_Utility/

Good luck.