Since the Dell is fresh from the factory with no data files or added
applications installed, would it not be possible to do what you usually do using
Partition Magic, etc., run your tests, and then use the (I would assume)
included Dell restore/recovery CD to reset the machine back to it's original
condition when you are done?  That would seem to be the surest, safest way of
delivering a "new" PC that the final owner/user will have no knowledge of the
tests you performed.

One caveat -- if you are installing an UPGRADE version of Win2k, it will NOT
recognize ME as a version of Windows you are upgrading from, and will not
complete the install process.  Take this from someone who didn't read the
package close enough and learned the hard way....

Steve

"[log in to unmask]" wrote:

> Good Afternoon All,
>
> I'd like to run some hardware benchmarking studies under Windows 2000
> Professional on a new Dell Dimension 4100 that delivered with a pre-loaded
> copy of Windows Me.  Normally this wouldn't be a problem for me, as I'd
> partition and format the hard drive to suit my needs with PartitionMagic and
> then install Windows 2000.
>
> This time around, however, I'm only going to have the machine in my
> possession for a few days and I'd like to install Windows 2000 in as simple
> and painless a fashion as possible without altering or damaging the original
> Dell-installed copy of Windows Me and accompanying application software.
> When finished with benchmaking I'd like simply to remove all traces of the
> Windows 2000 installation, leaving the Dell-installed OS and software intact
> as delivered.
>
> Can I do this with just the Windows 2000 Professional CD ???  If so, then
> how ???
>
> I don't have time to experiment and risk damaging the Dell software
> installation, so any and all experienced advice would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Thank in advance, and Happy New Year!
>
> Very truly yours,
> Jeffrey Ottie
> [log in to unmask]
>
>                          PCSOFT's List Owner's:
>                       Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
>                        Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>

                         PCSOFT's List Owner's:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>