The Windows 2000 Setup program examines the hard disk to determine its existing configuration. Setup then allows you to install Windows 2000 on an existing partition, or create a new partition on which to install Windows 2000.

Remaining Hard Disk Space

Although you can use Setup to create other partitions, you should create and size only the partition on which you will install Windows 2000 during Setup. After you install Windows 2000, use Disk Management to partition any remaining space on the hard disk.

Partition Size Requirements

Microsoft recommends that you install Windows 2000 on a 1-GB partition or larger. Although Windows 2000 requires a minimum of 685 MB of disk space for installation, using a larger partition for installation provides more flexibility in the future. Then, if required, you can install updates to Windows 2000, operating system tools, or other files that Windows 2000 requires.