[thelist] Re-installing Windows

[Frank]

When I purchase my last PC, it came pre-installed with a crippled 
version of windows, called 'ME'. It turns out that about the only 
thing it'll run without crashing is mine sweeper.

I've installed all my software on this machine, and now I'm finding 
work to be impractical. I want to re-install Window 2k pro. Can I 
simply install one system over another, or is there a special 
procedure?

I know for example that installing just about any program spreads 
.dlls, .inis, .bats everywhere, and there is this thing called 'the 
registry' that will most likely get wiped out if I do. Is there a 
way, like on the Mac, that I can simply install the new version of 
the system without doing a total and complete install of all my 
programs and documents?

What should I keep in mind, and consider in order to upgrade my OS?
-- 

"Smith & Wesson - the original point and click interface."

Frank Marion                      Loofah Communications
frank at loofahcom.com               http://www.loofahcom.com