Upgrading from ME to W2k is not possible. ME is a more recent release
than W2k and consequently W2k's install process doesn't know what to do
with ME's internal settings. They didn't exist when W2k was born.
Microsoft warns against trying such an upgrade. And these newsgroups are
littered with agonized requests for help from people who tried. If you
DO try, you'll quickly discover that not only can't you undo the failed
W2k install, there's no way to get ME working again short of a fresh ME
install.
To get W2k installed, you must either do a clean install (blow away ME)
or go to a multiboot arrangement. If you attempt the latter, put W2k in
a partition other than that occupied by ME, and make the W2k partition
at least 5GB. In no case can you avoid reinstalling your apps to work
with W2k.
Be aware also that a system that "came with" ME may very well contain
hardware that simply isn't up to the rather high W2k standards. You musl
also make sure that W2k-specific device drivers are available for the
mainboard and all other components; they may very well not exist.
W2k is a great system...but it must be installed just right.
HP tech support, if any, may be your best resource for info on whether
your machine will support W2k at all. Certainly they're the best info
source on HP mainboard and HP device drivers... Good luck
