W2K Pro Upgrade/Clean Install to Vista

[Guest]

I want to upgrade to Vista Ultimate from W2K Pro. Beyond my AMD64 CPU, I'll
make sure my hardware meets the requirements and the required 64 bit drivers
for my 128 MB video card and built in sound card are available. And I'll
backup my user data over to an external USB hard drive before beginning.

My questions are:
1. Will Vista read a W2K Pro BKF file?
2. Will the initial install prompt me for my W2K Pro media? I had heard it
doesn't.
3. If not does it simply ask for my W2K Pro product key and then begin the
process of performing the clean install?
4. Will the upgrade wizard allow me to setup at least two partitions?
5. Finally if I have to perform a full restore, do I first have to
reinstall W2K Pro and then perform the upgrade?

 

[LaRoux]

1. Will Vista read a W2K Pro BKF file?

I have seen a MS download which enables Vista to read XP .BKF files. I'm not
sure if this will work on W2K. Check the MS download area for details.

2. Will the initial install prompt me for my W2K Pro media? I had heard
it
doesn't.

I don't believe an in-place upgrade is supported from W2K. You'll need to do
a clean install. If you purchased an "Upgrade" package, it is going to want
to see your current installation intact. Once it validates, you can delete
the partition and run the install.

3. If not does it simply ask for my W2K Pro product key and then begin
the
process of performing the clean install?

See above. Don't delete your current install before running the Vista setup.
Wait until you can delete the partition from within the setup.

4. Will the upgrade wizard allow me to setup at least two partitions?

It works similar to before. I believe you click the "Advanced" button to go
to the screen where you can partition to your hearts content.

5. Finally if I have to perform a full restore, do I first have to
reinstall W2K Pro and then perform the upgrade?

If you have the "Upgrade" package, then yes. It will want to see the
"qualifying" install. I suggest after you complete the installation, use a
disk imaging utility to create a backup of the Vista installation and use
this as your starting point in case of a need to do a full restore.