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you're planning to upgrade computers running Windows 9x. (If
your computer is already running Windows NT, its hardware and
most of its software are almost certainly compatible with
Windows 2000).

Checking Hardware Compatibility

Windows 2000 provides support for a wide variety of hardware - a
much wider variety than its predecessor, Windows NT.
Nonetheless, checking the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) to
see whether all your devices are supported is a good idea. You can
find a text version in the Support folder of the Windows 2000
Professional CD. In addition to its frequent updates, the Web
version has other advantages: it's searchable, and when you find
the item you're interested in, you can click its logo for more
detailed support information and, in some cases, updated drivers.
An item's appearance on the HCL is no guarantee that it'll work
properly in your configuration, and its absence doesn't mean that it
absolutely won't work. But being on the HCL is a good indicator,
and the list can help you identify problem devices.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems during setup - especially during
hardware detection - try removing any devices that are not on the
HCL. (One other possible solution to hardware-detection
problems: use the BIOS setup program to change the BIOS setting
to "non-Plug and Play operating system." Although Windows
2000 is, in fact, a Plug and Play operating system, the
implementation of this option on some computers assigns
resources in a way that precludes their use and control by
Windows 2000).
You can also avoid some problems by updating your computer's
BIOS to the latest version. To find out whether an update is
available, check with the manufacturer of your computer, its
motherboard, or its BIOS. Identifying the BIOS and tracking down
the appropriate source for updates can sometimes be daunting.