Before you install Windows 2000, complete the following preinstallation tasks:

Verify that all of your hardware is listed on the HCL.

Verify that your components meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Verify that the hard disk on which you will install Windows 2000 has a minimum of 685 MB of free disk space, and preferably 1 GB.

Select the file system for the partition on which you will install Windows 2000. Unless you need a dual boot configuration, format this partition with NTFS.

Determine whether to use the Per Server or Per Seat licensing mode. If you select the Per Server licensing mode, note the number of Client Access Licenses that were purchased for the server.

Determine the name of the domain or workgroup that you will join or create. If you will be joining a domain, the name will be in the DNS format: server.sub-domain.domain. If you will be joining a workgroup, the name will be in the familiar 15-character network basic input/output system (NetBIOS) naming convention: Server_name.

Create a computer account in the domain that you are joining, using the name of the computer you are installing. Although a domain administrator can do this before installation, you can also create a computer account during the installation if you have administrative privileges in the domain. Decide on a password for the Administrator account for the local computer.